Private Project

Turning Forty

To conquer her fear of turning forty, Jennifer embraces the help of a professional Aging Guide.

  • Justin & Kristin Schaack
    Director
    Fairy Tail, Rag Dolls, Illegal Aliens, Adulthood, Quarantined with a Ghost, Killer Hike 7
  • Tom Reed
    Writer
  • Susannah Eckberg
    Writer
  • Justin & Kristin Schaack
    Writer
  • Justin & Kristin Schaack
    Producer
  • Susannah Eckberg
    Key Cast
    "Jennifer"
    Vigorous Torque, Killer Hike 7, Ruff Interpretation, In Her Wake
  • Taj Ruler
    Key Cast
    "Hannah Barberson"
    Theater People, Killer Hike 7, Need a Ride, Barely Camping
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Coming of Age, Comedy, Mockumentary
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 1, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Blackmagic Cinema 6K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • 48 Hour Film Project, Best Of Screening
    Minneapolis, Minnesota
    United States
    September 4, 2021
    World
    Best Original Song WINNER | Best Actor (Female), Susannah Eckberg NOMINATION | Best Actor (Female), Taj Ruler NOMINATION
  • Snake Alley Festival of Film
    Burlington, Iowa
    United States
    July 21, 2022
    Iowa Premiere
    Best Comedy NOMINATION
  • Vox Popular Media Arts Festival
    Thunder Bay, Ontario
    Canada
    September 10, 2022
    Canada
    Official Selection
  • Twin Cities Film Fest
    Minneapolis, MN
    United States
    October 27, 2022
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Justin & Kristin Schaack

We are a comedy directing duo that have been making films and collaborating on visual media for over 25 years. Our creative partnership started in the theater waaaaaay off-broadway: 6th grade, middle school productions. This probably explains why we remain wide-eyed, playful, and imaginative. We craft stories that are fun and poignant. We love to explore universal themes and aim to make the absurd feel real and funny.

Our films have screened as official selections at 300+ international film festivals and received dozens of audience choice, best comedy, and best film awards over the years. While we never rest on our festival laurels, we like to think that they are a testament to our storytelling and creative execution. In November 2019, our film "Fairy Tail" received "The Fun Is Good Bill Murray Comedic Shorts Award" at the Twin Cities Film Fest, handpicked by living legend Bill Murray. Not only is it humbling to receive such a prestigious accolade, but the uniquely quirky name of the award speaks perfectly to our overall artistic objective. Fun IS good, and we’re proud to be the purveyors of FUN.

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Director Statement

Taj Ruler and Susannah Eckberg reunite on screen with their comedic wit, charm, and honesty. “Turning Forty” leans into a relatable hesitation of reaching a new age milestone, while encouraging one to embrace the knowledge and fortitude gained with each year.

They say write what you know, so this is a little love letter to us and our friends who are approaching the exciting (and not so exciting) moment of “Turning Forty.”