When 23-year-old drug dealer Syl Goetzman loses an ounce of weed he owes to the son of a mob boss, he must find it before they kill him.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Justin Sirkin

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

At the time I came up with the concept for the film, I needed something to laugh at because I was going through a rather tough time in my life. I was unemployed, in the middle of college, and didn't know how my future was going to look. I was also trying to make another film but it wasn't getting off the ground so I had to pivot to something else.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This is a film about a moron. A moron who deals drugs. It's a fun, dark blend of crime fiction and slice-of-life comedy.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Choices and Consequences play a role, but I never think about that when I'm writing. It reveals itself after I finish the script and even more so after I lock the edit.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

We shot this film very fast and very soon after I wrote it. I wrote the script a week before we shot and it took two days to shoot. Post took around 5 months, and it has evolved really beautifully

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been wonderful. Lots of laughs, shock, and conversations after the film ends.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I couldn't be happier with the feedback. I really thought this wasn't going to be a lot of people's cup of tea, but more people have enjoyed it than I was expecting which is really nice.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I want people to have a good time and laugh and consider donating to our feature film Reseda based on this short. Email unamarigold@gmail.com if interested in donating!

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

All of the above. Producers, Sales Agents, Buyers, Distributors, Film Festival directors, Journalists. Anyone who is interested in helping us get this film to the public and assisting us in getting our feature film made.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Laugh! Stop laughing. And laugh again.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What happens to Syl after he gets chased by the mobsters? Does he get away or is he caught?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Support our feature film Reseda! We are going into production in Summer 2024! Contact my producer Una Campbell at unamarigold@gmail.com to help us bring the film to life.

Interview: December 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Reseda

When 23-year-old drug dealer Syl Goetzman loses an ounce of weed he owes to the son of a mob boss, he must find it before they kill him.

Length: 8:22

Director: Justin Sirkin

Producer: Justin Sirkin

Writer: Justin Sirkin

About the writer, director and producer:

JUSTIN SIRKIN is an award-winning writer, director and producer from Calabasas, CA. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley and attended California State University, Northridge where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Film Production. In 2023, Sirkin wrote, directed and produced his short dark comedy film Reseda (2023) which won Best Short Screenplay at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival. Sirkin also produced the independent award-winning short film Baby (2021) with his production company Park Alisal Pictures in association with Faith Film Works. Sirkin's work has been featured both nationally and internationally garnering attention in the Generation Z independent film scene. His work often features a mix of genre-blending, dark comedy, and morally questionable characters.

Key cast: Ravi Neill (Syl Goetzman), Luke Sendaydiego (Jack), Ving (Ving), Henri Moss (Floyd Caponero), Jackson Barbagelata (Spicy Spencer), Gino Cazalli (Ventura)

Looking for: sales agents, distributors, buyers, producers, journalists

Instagram: @justinaaronsirkin

Hashtags used: #Reseda2023 #SylGoetzman

Website: justinsirkin.wixsite.com/mysite

Other: IMDb

Funders: Please email: unamarigold@gmail.com, if interested in becoming a donor to the Reseda feature film now in development

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Sacramento Film Festival/1028 2nd street Old Sacramento - December 16, 2023 @ 1pm