Dadfest

Producer’s Statement

The impulse to create Dadfest originated during the COVID-19 lockdown, as we captively watched the world experience a collective exploration of isolation and connection, of loss and grief, and of the very different ways humans can respond to the same adversities. For me, lockdown meant my acting classes and writer’s group going online, and it didn’t take long to realize that creativity and collaboration were going to be vital to feeling sane and purposeful through those uncertain times. So I decided to make a film with my friends!

Conceptually, Dadfest began with an image of two sisters fighting in their father’s ashes – a grotesque idea on one level, but it felt like something true about the state of our world. I wanted to understand who they were, how they came to this place, and whether it was possible to heal from that kind of conflict.

As I developed the idea, uncovering the layers of family dynamics that could lead to such extremes, I was thrilled to find it resonating with those I hoped to recruit to help make it! My husband Orion, a veteran videogame writer, helped me refine the script and finance the production. My friend Warren lent his production experience to make sure we could make this on our budget. My acting classmate Jennilyn, who from the outset I had in mind to play my sister, identified with her instantly. And our acting teacher Chris, who had long encouraged us to produce our own projects, agreed to direct us in the piece.

While I certainly found it a great lesson in the challenges of production and post-production, it was a joyful collaboration for all involved. Our cast & crew may be small in number but we are passionate about this story, and believe that beyond showcasing our various talents, it’s a film with something true to say – about the unique capacity of family to hurt or heal, the futility of violence, the different paths trauma can set us on, and the grace necessary to grant people as they mourn and heal in their own way.

Thank you for your consideration, and please enjoy the film!

–Sara Davenport