QUESTION#1: How do your top 3 favorite films influence your filmmaking?:

The Wizard of Oz was the first movie I could recite by heart by the age if 3, my ruby red slippers were the first pair of “heels” I owned, and it sparked my imagination and love for story telling. I think the best films tell stories from your heart, that make you think, and punch you in the guts with feeling. What Dreams May Come made me fall in love with the artistry of filmmaking. To take an idea as complex as the afterlife and not only bring it to life, but make it accessible through visual art and music blew my mind. That film was the one that made me truly appreciate all other aspects aside from the story that go into making a film. Any of Nancy Meyers’ films… she is a powerhouse female director whose artistic style is crystal clear. From impeccable production design, to the heart and grit of her dialogue, to the music that lifts the emotional beats to the three dimensional, bold, complex, messy, complicated, fascinating female characters she features. When you watch a Nancy Meyers movie, you know it. That signature stamp is something I will consistently aim to present in my own work.

QUESTION#2: What do you wish someone would ask you about your film and why?:

Why should I watch it? My goal as a filmmaker is to create entertaining stories with heart. I want to showcase characters who don’t often get the spotlight, to tell stories that are relatable and to offer well rounded perspectives that make you think and ask questions.

You should watch Just A Friend because I know that you will connect with at least one of the character’s journeys, and may walk away with a new perspective that you weren’t expecting.

QUESTION#3: What scared you the most about making this film?:

Finding the perfect balance in tone because the subject matter in our film can be heavy.

I found that many films presenting LGBTQ storylines in the past tended to leaned into the trauma. A key piece that the queer community have shared with me is that they are sick and tired of only having their stories told if they are filled with devastation, pain, and struggle.

Yes, those stories have a place. They are incredibly important to understand our history, and how far we have come because of those who stood up and made space for us.

This film had to have hope while also honouring the struggle that so many people experience when they are forced to find chosen family. I think it’s time to shift the focus and celebrate that queer humans are thriving. Our joys and happiness are just as valuable to an audience as our struggles.

Humans are complicated. We contradict ourselves, we dig our heels in, we let fear direct our actions, we let the opinions of others penetrate our hearts, we evolve… this film celebrates a moment of clarity for our lead in regard to something she has been struggling with for years.

I think we’ve all had those “ah-ha” moments throughout our lives, and they should be celebrated.

QUESTION#4: You have to choose one to make your next movie: 1) unlimited budget but only a single take of every shot 2) Academy award winning composer, but they're not allowed to watch the film 3) A-list cast, but they're directed using only charades. Which one do you pick and why?:

Unlimited budget and one take!!!

I love the spontaneity that actors find in that first take… like life, it truly is the first time it lives in the body. There is magic in mess and I think when you do too many takes, you lose some of that human aspect and it becomes too polished.

With endless budget we can have multiple cameras to get as much out of each take as possible. Reactions in real time are GOLD. Rehearse, rehearse and run it like a play. The actors will love it, the crew will get shorter days, and the editor gets streamlined dailies. Win-win-win!!!

Alternatively though, I’m f-ing aces at charades… so that could be fun too.

QUESTION#5: What's does the future hold for this film and you?:

We are currently in the middle of our festival run, so we hope that there will be many more opportunities to share it in a theatre with an audience.

We post updates on our instagram page @justafriend.shortfilm so if you missed it or would love the chance for friends or family to check it out, that is the best place to stay in touch.

We also have some exciting distribution news for fall 2024, but we have to keep it on the DL until then. So please follow along to get the goods!

Social media tags to share with our readers: Instagram:

@justafriend.shortfilm , @courtney_deelen - Website: https://www.deelenwithtrouble.com/justafriend

5Q's w/Courtney Deelen "Just A Friend" Director