Experiencing Interruptions?

Fine Dining

When a teenage cannibal falls in love with her next meal, she discovers her plan to free him is more than she can chew.

  • Joshua Bowen
    Director
  • Joshua Bowen
    Writer
  • Pierce Thomas
    Producer
  • Madison Ireland
    Key Cast
    "Angela"
  • Max Radtke
    Key Cast
    "William"
  • Steve Aaron
    Key Cast
    "Dad"
  • Erika Stone
    Key Cast
    "Mom"
  • Bryce Hinschberger
    Director of Photography
  • Ryan Muina
    Production Designer
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Dark, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 4, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.66:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Florida State University
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Joshua Bowen

Joshua Bowen is an American director and writer. He often plays with common tropes to touch on impactful themes. While based in Los Angeles, he grew up in a family of musicians as a 7th generation Floridian. In 2024, he graduated with a BFA in film production from Florida State University. He is a minimalist at heart but an overachiever in practice. On the side, he loves to explore nature, philosophy, and reading.

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Director Statement

I started thinking about Fine Dining six years before its world premiere. The image of a cannibal family having dinner together flooded my head with a series of dramatic and fun images. The production design team really took my ideas and expanded them into something amazing.

When writing the story, I wanted the audience to feel the disconnect between a child and their parents. Both parties think they are right and everyone wants to protect who they care about. After writing the dinner scene, I realized the story went beyond home and a new overarching theme revealed itself—the loss of innocence.

My family dates back 7 generations in Florida. Leaving for college was a very strange change. Angela represents my journey toward independence as I strived to venture on my own. In the movie, she caves in to her parents, but subliminally I want the audience to realize most parents want the best for their children. They have more experience in the world and we should all listen a bit more. Turning them into cannibals really adds a fun twist to the classic coming-of-age story.