Kestrin Pantera’s sophomore feature has secured distribution. The winner of the Narrative Spotlight Audience Award at this year’s SXSW, “Pretty Problems” will hit theaters and VOD this year. Deadline reports that IFC Films landed global rights to the satire.
“Pretty Problems” tells the story of Lindsay (Britt Rentschler), who “is as bored with her marriage to Jack (Michael Tennant) as she is working in a boutique — until Cat Flax (JJ Nolan) swoops into the store, showering her with flattery and conspicuous displays of wealth. The pair bond over a bottle of wine, and Lindsay arrives home flushed with excitement about her rich new friend. Jack reluctantly agrees to accept Cat’s invitation for a weekend away, and they jump into a car and drive into another world: of butlers, gift bags, massages, and astronomically expensive wine their hosts forget even buying,” the source details.
“Kestrin and her team of writers and producers have absolutely nailed the existential crisis of the young and privileged, and the aspiring angst of the people who want to be them in this joyously satirical film that all audiences will enjoy,” said IFC Films president Arianna Bocco. “Its insightful and playful perspective is exactly the kind of independent cinema we want to continue to foster, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome them to the IFC Films family.”
Pantera made her feature debut with 2019 Sundance comedy “Mother’s Little Helpers.”
When we asked Pantera what advice she had for other women directors, she said, “Hire moms and support the fuck out of each other. I mention moms because they are prone to a certain skill set, but you should hire people, regardless of gender, who focus on anticipating needs in any situation, having a loving communication style while respecting boundaries, who are effective, and who can deliver. Make that the basis of all your hiring decisions,” she emphasized. “I find moms are more likely to have that skill set, but lots of other folks have it too. Just make that the priority when hiring. I’ve found a more diverse workforce to be the result of that strategy: all department heads on ‘Mother’s Little Helpers’ were women or women of color, and I think it speaks to the skill set we actively sought.”
