A New York native, Renée Felice Smith moved cross country for her role on CBS’ hit, “NCIS: Los Angeles.” Smith starred in and produced “Baby,” a short film that went to SXSW in 2015. She was the writer, producer, and director of the award winning short film, “Young(ish)” starring Broadway veterans Alvin Epstein and Patricia Conoly. “The Relationtrip” marks her feature directorial debut.
“The Relationtrip” will premiere at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival on March 11. The film is co-directed by C.A. Gabriel.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
RS: “The Relationtrip” is a surreal comedy about two self-proclaimed loners who connect over their mutual disinterest in relationships and decide to go away on a “friend” trip where things get really, really weird.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
RS: Chris — the co-writer and director of the film — and I wanted to tell the tale we hear from our friends way too often these days. Two people meet, say they won’t rush into it, rush into it and are blindsided by what they learn about each other. We are fascinated with relationships and the way in which they develop and evolve.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
RS: We hope our audience can see themselves in Beck and Liam and find levity in their struggles, look at their own lives, and laugh at all our mutual human hiccups. I think the purpose of all artwork is to make us feel less alone.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
RS: Time! Managing time, thoughtfully working with pace, and surrounding yourself with supportive people who are proactive is really the only way to make a feature film in 16 days. And wow, we did it. Insane.
W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at SXSW?
RS: It’s really validation as a maker of any art. To have a festival as highly regarded as SXSW, a tastemaker in our industry, want to share your film with their audience is hands down the highest compliment we could ever receive and we are most grateful for their support. Prayer hands emoji.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
RS: Best advice: Zach Galligan, an acting teacher at NYU, said, “Leave yourself alone.” This advice has stuck with me and helped me as an actor, filmmaker, and human being. To remind yourself that you are enough is highly necessary when making art of any kind or just trying to get through your day.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
RS: Speak up and ask all of your questions. They only add to your strength and give everyone clarity. Work with people who listen and value your unique opinions.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
RS: Just recently I learned that two of my favorite films from childhood, “Big” and “A League of their Own,” were not only each directed by a woman but they were directed by the same woman, Penny Marshall. And of course they were.
Penny Marshall’s work is a magical confluence of imaginative storytelling and unapologetic heart, two of the qualities I most admire in a filmmaker.
W&H: There have been significant conversations over the last couple of years about increasing the amount of opportunities for women directors yet the numbers have not increased. Are you optimistic about the possibilities for change? Share any thoughts you might have on this topic.
RS: Yes, I am more than optimistic. I am sure the conversations will provide a tangible change. I know this because a conversation I had effected change for myself. After showing my friend and director, Nisha Ganatra, a short film I had directed, she said, “Renée, you need to make a feature. What do you need from me to make that happen?”
To be completely honest, I think hearing her question out loud was the catalyst for me. Somehow Nisha had allowed me to envision making a feature. She almost granted me permission somehow therefore I don’t think, I know encouragement is the key. Letting girls and young women know directing is a viable career option plants the seed and over time, their ideas will develop and grow.
