The Last Film Festival of 2020!

So nice to have a little bit of happy news at the close of the year. Like many festivals, the Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards and Festival has had to forego a live event - it hopes to be back at Paramount Studios in 2021. But it has announced its 2020 lineup and awards, nonetheless, and Regret is among them!

In addition, Regret has also received a Bronze Award in the LGBT+ Short Film Category! I’m so grateful that the hard work of my team has been recognized again.

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Regret has its first live premiere at New Orleans Film Festival 2020!

We have been very lucky to be included in some beautiful festival line-ups at virtual festivals so far in 2020, but we are thrilled to be able to screen our film to a live audience in our hometown of New Orleans.

New Orleans will be offering Regret, along with much of their shorts program, online, but will also have two screenings of Louisiana Shorts in early November!

You can find the schedule and buy tickets here!

There will also be a recorded Q&A with director Rachel Grissom (that’s me!) as well as some of the other featured filmmakers after the block. So pack your cooler, bring a blanket, and come join us!

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REGRET keeps racking up the festivals!

I admit, when the pandemic hit, I thought that was it for festival season for us. Here was Ripe Figs LLC’s most ambitious project: the fourth adaptation of a Kate Chopin story, the longest running time, the biggest cast, the crowdfunded budget, the most locations, the extended production schedule. And here we were handed an anti-climactic festival season, in which no one could attend screenings, no fellow filmmakers would approach us after seeing it to discuss the joys and challenges of indie filmmaking, and we couldn’t enjoy the hard work of others.

But people are finding a way, though the in person connection to other filmmakers is what I miss the most. We are still celebrating the work, still sharing what we enjoy, and still hoping that the day will come soon when we can watch each other’s films.

For now, I am happy to say that Regret has been officially selected for another festival - the Phoenix Short Film Festival’s monthly awards, which puts Regret in the running for it’s annual event and awards, as well. So maybe there will be more news soon!

Not one, but TWO exciting film festivals!

Although the coronavirus pandemic continues to upend the film festival circuit, Regret rallies forth!!

Today I received news that it has been accepted to TWO film festivals - Film Girl Film Festival in Milwaukee, WI, and Franklin International Independent Film Festival in Franklin, TN! FGF will be virtual, so if you aren’t in Milwaukee, you may be able to participate anyway!

One of the joys of film festivals is the chance to see the work of other artists, and then to get to talk to them about what they do and how they do it, and to empathize, support and challenge each other. I have to say I am very sad to be missing that chance when festivals move online, but for public safety I am happy that this compromise is available.

I’ve been able to attend both of these festivals in the past, and both were unique, creative experiences. FGFF cultivated films from all over the world by female directors, and I can’t wait to see what they have to offer this year. FIIFF 2018 was a wonderful experience for me as well, because after being accepted that year, I learned that the festival would be taking place on the former historic campus of my high school alma mater - in what was the library when I was there. I am waiting to hear whether FIIFF will move forward with a virtual festival (the most likely option), or schedule physical screenings, but either way, it is amazing to be part of this festival. I’m so happy to see this kind of community growing in my hometown, and to be given a chance to be part of it.

A beautiful location, home to generous people.

Like many indie films, and short films in particular, support comes not only from donors of funds, but from the generosity of craftsmen and women who offer their expertise and sweat working for “day rates” or traded favors, and the kindness and openness of those who allow us into their homes and businesses to use as film locations.

REGRET was mostly shot on location at LA Serendipity Vineyards, a unique and picturesque vineyard in Bush, LA. Ernie and Jan were the kindest of hosts, and on our location scout I was privileged enough to taste their wares - and I highly recommend you seek them out! They also offer tours and tastings, Their annual harvest was this past weekend, and there are some amazing pictures in the Times-Picayune of the event!!

LA Serendipity Vineyards’ Annual Harvest

pic credit: Hunter Thomas

REGRET gets a little home state attention!

While Covid-19 has our world - and our industry - in turmoil, independent filmmakers are still working hard to keep going, because that’s what it takes to be an independent filmmaker. Festivals, though unable to safely have large screenings, are finding ways to showcase the work of those filmmakers everywhere.

While screenings are not scheduled (at this time), I am so honored that REGRET has been selected as a FINALIST for Best Louisiana Produced Film at the Louisiana LGBT+ Film Festival. Hopefully, once it is safe, we will be able to show REGRET to the people who supported us in making it.

REGRET's world premiere - Vero Beach!!

With everything that has been going on, film festivals have mostly gone on hiatus, but with evolving safety protocols and an increasing need for socially conscious work, they are beginning to open their doors!

Vero Beach Wine & Film Festival prides itself on promoting the work of underrepresented populations, as well as films that tackle issues and crises from across the world. I am thrilled to announce that Regret’s world premiere will be happening at this wonderful festival.

Due to the covid-19 crisis, Vero Beach will be holding smaller screening events over a longer period of time in August and early September, and individual screening times will be coming soon! I was honored for “Dr. Chevalier’s Lie,” the short film I wrote with Ripe Figs LLC, which was directed by Artemis Preeshl, to be included in the Vero Beach Wine & Film Festival of 2017, and doubly honored to be returning with another chapter in Ripe Figs LLC’s adaptations of Kate Chopin’s short stories, only this time as both writer and director.

As Regret continues its festival season, I am looking forward to seeing all the amazing work of my fellow filmakers.

Thank you of course to executive producer Barbara Ewell, Producer Kim Rouse Bernard, our star Artemis Preeshl, and amazing cast: Audrey Lecrone, LaKesha Glover, Lara Grice, Dane Rhodes, Kaili Dyson, Blue Clarke, Kelly Lind, Maliek Small, Mustafa Harris, Tracy Norwood, Larry Lundy Jr, Connor Allen, and Michael Stewart. And of course cinematographer Patrick McGinley, Production Designer Laura Duval, composer Eric Laws, Editor Kimaree Long, Re-Recording Mixer Billy Theriot, Costume Designer Sandra Algood Taylor, colorist Bradley Greer, not to mention the best crew an indie filmmaker could hope for: Andre Herrera (1st AD and fellow indie filmmaker), Marcos Gonzalez, Erin Moreau, Sophia Alonzo, Derek Rocque, Charlie Mascagni, Justin Ditch, Jonah Carmena, Chad Shuttleworth, Hunter Thomas, Sandy Parker, Amy Laws, Elijah LeNoir, and Thalia Skeleris. Also, our amazing hosts at our locations: Jan and Ernie Langlinois at LA Serendipity Vineyards, Nick Usner at Grow! Farms, and Bobby Guillot. Not to mention Orange Whip Grip and SoundHard for their support. If ANYONE was left off this list is purely from a lack of organization on my part, not a lack of gratitude or contribution. I can’t wait until this festival circuit gets into full swing to show off their amazing work.

1st Annual New Orleans Comedy Film Festival presents:

“Getting In” (written and directed by yours truly).
It’s an ambitious and fantastic 5 day festival featuring dozens of films, short and feature length! “Getting In” will screen on opening night, quite an honor as a local filmmaker.

“Getting In” was shot in true no-budget fashion, pulled together with the enthusiasm and love that indie filmmakers bring. I had a talented and focused group at my back, and I can’t wait to work with them again. In fact, I can’t believe the path that brought me to this project (it’s one of my favorite true answers in a Q&A), but I do want to mention that I first came up with this idea almost 20 years ago, when I was a member of the Happytime Rainbow Bunny Squad, an improv team at IO West. Also, a story for another time.

If you get the chance to join us - and you really should - this is going to be SO MUCH FUN, I’m thrilled to show off the talents of my amazing cast: Audrey Lecrone, Doug Wilcox, Todd Voltz, Casey Haeg, Keota Picou, and Rosha Washington. As well as my true soldiers on my crew: cinematographer Patrick McGinley, and sound team Charlie Mascagni and Carlos Wilkerson.

April 1, 2020 6:30 PM
Cafe Istanbul
2372 St. Claude Ave
New Orleans, LA

It’s going to be a GREAT TIME.

Art Klub presents Female Filmmaker Festival - featuring Chopin shorts!

I am so excited to be attending, and included in, the 4th Annual Female Filmmaker Festival in New Orleans! Both “Ripe Figs” AND “Dr. Chevalier’s Lie” (which I wrote and produced) will be screening along with several other pieces by local female filmmakers!

Not only should people attend for another chance to see these films, shot beautifully by cinematographer Patrick McGinley, on the big screen, but to meet some of the other inspiring artists featured. At least one member of each filmmaking team will be present for a Q&A at the end of the screenings.

While she won’t be able to attend, congratulations to director Artemis Preeshl, as well as scholar and producer, Barbara Ewell. Also to our talented cast: Keota Picou, Donna DuPlantier, Tony Frederick, Aaron Romano, Rosha Washington, and Bryan Pedeaux! And the talents and skills of Matt Mercer, Eric Laws, Bradley Greer of Kyotocolor, and many others!

Please join us

Sunday, March 8, 2020
1941 Arts Street
New Orleans, LA 70117

5 pm - pre-screening reception with cash bar and vegan pop-up!
6 pm - two-hour screening including a 20-minute intermission
8 pm - Audience Q&A with filmmakers

Hope to see you there!!

episode 7 of Broad Strokes, my version!

Now, I may have been away for some time - those of you who follow me on social media may be up to date on my father’s health (he has been in the late stages of IPF, a chronic fatal illness, and I have been caring for him since late April. In October, he was approved for a lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic, and now I have the more joyous experience of caring for him in recovery!) - but in between the meds schedule, insulin shots, respiratory, physical, and occupational therapy, I have found time to work on one of my favorite projects: re-cutting the episodes I directed for the fabulous web series Broad Strokes, written by and starring Sapna Gandhi and Anisa Alamia. This particular episode also features the talents of Aubrey Mozino.

Hopefully, there will be more news soon (cause I’m a machine!! Actually, no, no I’m really not.) In the meantime, enjoy the director’s cut of this delightful, playful microshort.

“Breaking Bad”

You can watch the original here!

"Regret" is almost finished!

we are HOURS away from locking picture, as the lovely and talented Kimaree Long balances final edits, tech challenges (damn you Avid!), post-production supervisor duties, and of course the ever demanding demands of motherhood (of a teen, no less). Like many of the female filmmakers on this project, she is a Superwoman.

Next up, Eric Laws takes on composing our score, Bradley Greer at Kyotocolor will do our color, and then we will hit the festival circuit!

You can follow this blog, of course, for updates. We also have a tumblr where we are posting pics from set and post, and more details!

WHERE HAVE I BEEN!?

I know, it has been so long since an update! And all I can say is that I have been VERY busy. Work and more work, and fitting in indie projects around day jobs. I consider myself a very lucky person that I can work in a field I love and enjoy, so that even the “day job” doesn’t feel like a grind.

“Regret” is moving through editorial! A rough cut has been finished, and the past two weeks have been spent on pick up shoots. Yesterday, Sunday, March 24, we filmed an additional scene to add to the film — which means I’m happy to welcome the talented Mustafa Harris to the cast!

The festival run has finished for the three films I’ve had on that circuit for the past year or so. “Ripe Figs” and “Dr. Chevalier’s Lie” will be moving into online distribution soon, most likely through a streaming platform, while “Getting In” will be posted on my personal website (here, in case that confused you). In fact, "NOPD:COVEN” has been renamed HANLEY & BORDEAUX and additional episodes are on the drawing board.

This past weekend I had the privilege of teaching a production audio workshop at NOVAC, an excellent resource center for independent filmmakers in New Orleans. Besides education and training opportunities, NOVAC also helps independent filmmakers access the tools, networks, and professional support to make their projects.

In the coming weeks, I will be collaborating with other New Orleans independent artists on a few projects, and can’t wait to share them.

A Grissom Double Feature! (Local Screening!)

OK, maybe that heading is a little grandiose — but I’m very excited! DTC Film Festival is a local festival started last year by local Louisiana filmmakers, and it really focuses on the things that make a festival special: opportunities to see independent work of all kinds while also bringing filmmakers together to encourage, inspire, and support each other.

DTC will be screening to of my projects: “Dr. Chevalier’s Lie,” which I wrote and produced as part of the Ripe Figs, LLC team that adapts the short stories of Kate Chopin (a Louisiana writer from the 1880’s and 90’s) to film, as well as “Getting In,” the first of a web series which I wrote and directed.

Both are screening on Saturday, Feb 9, at 6 pm in a block of short films. The DTC Film Festival is in Covington, LA, a short drive from New Orleans. Get tickets here.

Another chance for NOLA to see "Getting In!"

As my current projects are all in various phases of post or prep, it may be a while before you see another festival announcement on this page. So I’m delighted that I get to celebrate with a local festival, because “Getting In” was a community effort, for sure. There are plans for more episodes in 2019, and you know me, the show gets much darker as it goes on. But this light-hearted first installment was a lot of fun to make, and a lot of fun to watch, so we hope you can make it out:

Feb 9, 2019
6:00 pm

DTC Film Festival
Southern Hotel
428 E Boston St
Covington, LA

Come early to see other great films (the festival kicks Saturday off with king cake, mimosas, and conversation at 11!

Finishing up our Festival Run with a wonderful local film festival!

As the festival season ends of “Dr. Chevalier’s Lie,” I am delighted to say that we will be finishing up with a local screening that the production team has a chance to attend. It took so much work to make this film, which is on-traditional and edgy and made more than a few people mad, and frankly we are proud of all of that.

We are screening as part of the line-up for the DTC Film Festival, a delightful festival on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, founded by local filmmakers. Come see our defiant little film at 6:00 PM, along with several other beautiful short films.

"Getting In" and "Ripe Figs" both screen this week at the SSIFFF!

Kicking off the New Year with a film festival in Biloxi Mississippi! Roulette tables, here we come!

The Southern States Indie FanFilmFest is held at the Palace Casino Resort, and runs Jan 2-4, 3019. Both films screen on Thursday, Jan 3!

“Getting In” 11:00 am
”Ripe Figs” 1:15 pm

“Getting In” is nominated for Best Web Series and Best Director, Web Series

“Ripe Figs” is nominated for Best Director, Southern States Short; Best Lead Actress, Southern States Short; Best Cinematography, Southern States Short; Best Original Soundtrack, Southern States Short

We hope to see you there!

"Ripe Figs" takes home 2 awards from the Black Film Festival of New Orleans!

We are ever so proud of our nominations at the Black Film Festival of New Orleans: “Ripe Figs” was nominated in three categories: Best New Orleans Short Film, Best Music/Sound Design, and Best Cinematography. The line up at the first Black Film Festival of New Orleans was impressive, and we are honored to have our two companion pieces, “Ripe Figs” and “Dr. Chevalier’s Lie” included and screening back to back. We are especially proud of our two talented team members: Patrick McGinley, for his Best Cinematography win, and Eric Laws, for his Best Music win.

Congrats to everyone! It was a beautiful festival, and we can’t wait to attend again in 2019!