INTERVIEW: Nick Borenstein finds success with 2 short films at Tribeca
Photo: Nick Borenstein is the director of 99 and Sweater, two films that recently played Tribeca Film Festival. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by K2 Publicity with permission.
At this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, director Nick Borenstein struck gold twice. He had not one, but two of his short films screen at the annual festival. Sweater deals with Corey’s horrible day, followed by a free cup of coffee, while 99 finds a mother and son looking for a bat mitzvah gift at a 99-cent store.
Borenstein wrote, directed and stars in both features, and the films continue to screen at festivals.
Recently Borenstein and Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails about the two films. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What inspired Sweater and 99? Where did the inspiration for the projects come from?
I have been dancing since I was young and always wanted to integrate dance into my filmmaking. Dancing is so expressive, and I loved the idea that Sweater could ground a character in movement and celebrate this intersection of film, music and dance.
99 is inspired by the relationship between my mother and I, and for as long as I can remember, she has been obsessed with 99-cent stores. At its core, I wanted the film to illustrate these small, intimate moments between mothers and sons, especially during challenging times.
Do you find the relatively short duration of these films constricting or liberating?
I love creating short form work. While it’s a challenge to tell a complete and immersive story in a shorter time frame, the end result is really satisfying. Plus, short form is usually cheaper and allows filmmakers to make work without the constraints of needing a financier, network or studio. While I’m currently writing a feature film, I hope to continue making films that range in run time.
How long did the production take for each film?
If you can believe it, we shot both films in one day.
When did you realize you had the talent and drive to become a filmmaker?
I’ve always loved telling stories, and after spending many years as a development executive, tasked with nurturing and producing the stories of other filmmakers, I was ready to start sharing my own POV. Fortunately, I was just crazy enough to take that risk and made three short films in one year.
What’s it like to have two films at the Tribeca Film Festival?
When I was a freshman at NYU, I took a class that was all about the Tribeca Film Festival. It is an absolute honor for a film to be recognized by the same festival years later. And yes, to have have two films recognized in one year is absolutely insane (and humbling).
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
99 and Sweater are currently playing film festivals. Click here for more information on Nick Borenstein.
