Experiencing Interruptions?

The Nook

Logline: Desperate to afford their rising rent, two roommates sublet a tiny portion of their apartment only to have their lives hilariously upended by a parade of bizarre urbanites.

Brief Synopsis: With their credit cards maxed out and no hope of paying their ever-increasing rent, roommates Jenny and Jane decide to sublet a sliver of space in their cramped downtown apartment — a space they lovingly call “the nook.” But when a string of unusually eccentric characters apply, they realize that city living may mean giving up the peaceful sense of normalcy they once knew.

  • Jess Blackwell
    Director
  • Steve Chambers
    Director
    Seeker, Maybe Tomorrow
  • Jess Blackwell
    Writer
    Guilty Pleasures
  • Steve Chambers
    Writer
    Seeker, Maybe Tomorrow, The Wishing Tree
  • Jess Blackwell
    Producer
    Seeker, Maybe Tomorrow, Guilty Pleasures
  • Jess Blackwell
    Key Cast
    "Jane"
    Seeker, Maybe Tomorrow, Checkmate, Happy Anniversary, Riya, Surveillance, Hunting Grounds
  • Jacqueline DeWitt
    Key Cast
    "Jenny"
  • Anisha Kumar
    Key Cast
    "Julie"
  • Tim Blackburn
    Editor
    Burns Point, Wet Dreams, Blown Away, Bizarre Murders, Race Against the Tide, A Cut Above
  • Brad Tigwell
    Sound Designer
    Code 8, Orphan Black: Echoes, Beau is Afraid, MFKZ
  • Zev Burrows
    Composer
    Absent, Unconditional, Sky Blossom, Dateline NBC
  • Aidan Grossman
    Director of Photography
    Seeker, Maybe Tomorrow, Guilty Pleasures
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 40 seconds
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • AltFF
    Toronto
    Canada
    March 31, 2026
    Nominated: Best Film of the Festival, Won: 1st Runner Up for Best Film of the Festival
  • CouchFF
    Toronto
    Canada
    March 31, 2026
    Won: Best Comedy (5-20 Minute Shorts)
Director Biography - Jess Blackwell, Steve Chambers

Jess Blackwell is an LGBTQ+ British-Canadian actor, writer, and filmmaker currently operating out of Hamilton and Toronto, ON. She is passionate about bringing to life women-led narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are engaging. Thematically, Jess loves to examine the core of what it means to be human. Having obtained a master's degree in philosophy before pursuing a career in the film-and-television industry, Jess continues to find themes such as identity, communication, self-development, interpersonal relationships, and the creation of meaning and purpose especially compelling. Jess has won several awards for her on-screen performances, while the films she has produced have also received accolades.

Primarily a writer, Steve Chambers is also a filmmaker and actor. Originally from Toronto, he honed his craft at The New School of Drama and The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, along with training at The Second City. He also studied screenwriting at George Brown. Steve has left his mark on both stage and screen, producing and starring in acclaimed theatrical productions like "The Indian Wants The Bronx" and "Blood," which garnered Dora Award nominations. His filmography includes roles in projects such as "Casino Jack," "Rookie Blue," and "The Murdoch Mysteries." Steve has also written and directed short films, and co-wrote the feature film "The Wishing Tree." Steve has won numerous awards for his work, while placements in screenplay competitions and programs continue to showcase his writing.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This laugh-out-loud, women-led film was originally inspired by the outrageous rental ads that have been known to circulate in the Toronto and Vancouver markets. City dwellers are no strangers to dens, closets, and yes, even nooks, being rented out by desperate (and sometimes exploitative) property owners. With these ads in mind, we crafted a story about the cost-of-living crisis and how unaffordable city living has become for most people, but especially for artists and others with precarious employment.

Along with being highly relatable, this film provides a timely outlet for feelings of frustration. While following Jenny and Jane on this hilarious adventure, the audience can hopefully laugh away some of the stress they’re feeling during these uncertain times.

This film also explores themes of friendship and acceptance, illustrating how our bonds with our close friends and chosen family can help pull us through tough times. While Jenny and Jane are different as can be, they are there for each other through thick, thin, and… whatever you’d call the series of ludicrous interviews they conduct in their search for a roommate.

We chose bright, playful visuals to mirror the characters’ dynamic lives and highlight the humor in urban chaos while maintaining a grounded, lived-in feel to our production design. This vibrant style captures the warmth of friendships using a familiar yet contemporary visual tone while preventing the subject matter from feeling too bleak. To capture the surreality of the extreme situations we find ourselves in these days, we chose to experiment with a sketch-like approach to the interview sequence, portraying common roommate types in a larger-than-life way.

Thank you for considering our film; we are thrilled to share this story with the world.