- Jared Huizenga
TCFF Spotlight: Hiding Places
Over the course of 10 days, October 19-28, film fans and filmmakers from across the country will descend upon the ShowPlace ICON Theatre at the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park for the 2023 Twin Cities Film Fest.
More than 140 films – including features, shorts, animation, and documentaries – will screen over the course of the festival, both in-person and online. In addition, a large number of 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 2023, 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: Hiding Places
Screening: 8:15 p.m., Tuesday, October 24
When attending film festivals, you often find yourself with plenty of dramas, documentaries, and short films to fill your days and nights. So when I sit down each fall to map out my TCFF experience, I look for things that catch my eye as being a little different from the pack. When I checked out the info for director Brad Barnes' "Hiding Places," and saw the words "fugitive hiding" and "world premiere," I knew it was on my short list. Prior to the film screening at TCFF, Brad took some time to chat about the film.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your film.
An interracial couple struggling to hold their marriage together wakes up to discover their daughter has found a fugitive hiding from the police in their garden shed. After allowing the fugitive into their home, allegiances are tested, and old wounds exposed as the couple must decide to help or hinder their guest.
Q: Now tell us something about it that we might not be able to glean from the trailer or description.
The idea for this movie was born in 2020 and came out of discussions my wife and I were having as an interracial couple in a year of activism and ongoing struggles for social justice. I wanted to weave some of those concerns into the movie. The movie has been called a dark comedy with social relevance; the social part was there from the beginning. The challenge was allowing comedy to comment on issues of such grave national importance. A big question then and now was can we laugh at all? This film was an attempt to answer this question. At one point my wife and I were even calling it – a trivial farce for serious times.
Q: If someone is only going to see one film at the Twin Cities Film Fest, why should it be this one?
I’ve been told that it’s a film that’s hard to anticipate and I very much hope that’s the case. I’m also proud of it as a teacher. I teach directing and consider anything I make an opportunity to broaden my reach as an instructor – on this one, I was happy to promote former students to key positions on set. The film was made with alumni and current students from two film schools (USC and Sacred Heart University, respectively).
Q: Prior to TCFF, where has the film screened, and what has the response been so far?
This is our very first screening for a festival audience. I feel lucky to be screening here.
Q: What was it that drew you to submit your film for the Twin Cities Film Fest?
Minneapolis was very much on my wind in 2020 when the idea was born. Also, my producer was at TCFF previously and loved how well it was run and how much it supported indie filmmakers.
Q: What’s next for your film after this festival?
I’m hoping to sell the film to bring it to audiences who can’t make it to a festival.