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TCFF 2024 Spotlight: Hold

Jared Huizenga

2024 marks 15 years of the Twin Cities Film Fest, which runs October 17-26 at the Marcus West End Cinema at the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park.

 

Nearly 150 films – including features, shorts, animation, and documentaries – will screen over the course of the festival, both in-person and online (through TCFF’s Streams platform). Additionally, directors, producers, and actors will walk the red carpet, present their films, and take part in Q&As and discussions about their work.


Over the course of TCFF 2024, we’ll be chatting with some of those filmmakers and stars to find out more about what they’re bringing to the TCFF screens.


 

Film:                                               Hold (tickets/info)

In-person screening:                    7:45 p.m., Wednesday, October 23

Filmmaker in attendance:            Yes    

Streams Pass:                                Yes (Heart to Heart short block)

 

If you’ve followed my TCFF coverage for a while, you’ve likely read/heard about my affinity for short films. I remain (and will likely also be) fascinated by the skill it takes to tell a complete story in a brief runtime. My watchlist often begins with the short blocks, and 2024 is no exception. “Hold” is one of this year’s films whose description peaked my interest. With the film’s screening on the horizon as part of the Heart to Heart block, producer Laura Faith took some time to discuss the film.


Q: Tell us a little bit about your film.

Logline: An early morning phone call propels a mother and daughter on a path toward connection and the mysteries held in the act of letting go.

 

Virginia Campbell is simply trying to hold on to her beloved status quo when extenuating circumstances bring her adult daughter, Julia, back home. Personalities collide after a phone call propels mother and daughter to a moment of reckoning. On a morning that is both ordinary and extraordinary, Virginia and Julia's hands are forced as they must test the ties that bind. Starring Emmy and Tony Award Winning actress, Debra Monk.

 

Q: Now tell us something about it that we might not be able to glean from the trailer or description.

“Hold” is loosely inspired by one real life event in a family's journey: a particular moment in time that continues to reverberate. As the themes of our film feel both timely and timeless, we hope our audience is touched by this unexpected foray into the power of loss, connection, and love.

 

“Hold’s” ending was directly inspired by the screenwriter/lead actress, Kelly Strandemo’s experience with her father. While Kelly is NYC based, her father was from Minnesota and much of his family will be attending the screening. It feels special to bring “Hold” to her family as the film revolves around him. Ms. Strandemo will be attending “Hold’s” screening Wednesday, October 23.

 

Q: If someone is only going to see one film at the Twin Cities Film Fest, why should it be this one?

“Hold” is a film for everyone: written during COVID in hopes of bringing people together, as well as helping to acknowledge and heal some moments families missed because the pandemic kept us apart. It’s a film that reminds us that even in difficult moments, love goes on, grief is real, relationships can mend, and you’re not alone.

 

Q: Prior to TCFF, where has the film screened, and what has the response been so far?

“Hold” has been screened at Flicker’s Rhode Island International Film Festival; Greenpoint Film Festival in Brooklyn, NY; Montreal International Film Festival where it won Best Picture; Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival; SOHO International Film Festival in NYC; and City of Angles Film Festival in Los Angeles, CA.

 

The response to “Hold” has been wonderful. People are finding it a personally impactful film. We’ve heard a lot of personal stories after audiences have watched because “Hold” has deeply touched viewers and they want to tell us why.

 

Additionally, “Hold” is beautiful to watch – the technical work is extremely high quality, as well as the moving performances. Debra Monk’s acting is incredible. 

 

Q: What was it that drew you to submit your film for the Twin Cities Film Fest?

Other filmmakers have highly recommended the festival to us because of its quality. We also hoped to bring “Hold” to Ms. Strandemo’s family on a big screen as mentioned above.

 

Q: What’s next for your film after this festival?

“Hold” will continue in festivals into next year and we will be deciding about distribution to bring “Hold” to a wider audience. Since “Hold” was produced by Heiress Productions, it will also be used to give back to small cancer non-profits in keeping with Heiress’ mission of creating dynamic film and theater, while raising cancer awareness and relief funds.


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