Martha Plant (Alexandra Kotcheff) buries knick-knacks and tchotchkes in cookie tins and — without fail — the lucky folks who stumble upon this “treasure” leave cash in gratitude. This twee practice is Martha’s business and as she calls it, “the highlight of my day.” It’s also an independent venture, until she meets Sadie Mayflower (Hannah Leder).
The upcoming indie comedy “The Planters” sees Martha and Sadie joining forces as friends and business partners. Despite being dubious of Sadie at first, Martha soon trusts her over everyone else. “Whatever happens out here, is between you and me,” she says in the film’s trailer. Things run fairly smoothly for the duo, until they don’t.
One day, they bury treasure, but receive no cash in return. Sadie wonders if the pilferer is unaware of their system. “Maybe they’re confused, I know I am,” one character says. But Martha’s not interested in giving anyone the benefit of the doubt. “Why would someone want to sabotage my business?” she asks. She and Sadie decide to get answers.
“The Planters” was written, directed, produced, and crewed by Kotcheff and Leder. The pair filmed their feature debut “for 127 days entirely without an on-set crew and in isolation, save for trips to the local supermarket, a bike shop, and gas stations for lengthy drives to remote desert locations,” per a press release. The filmmakers also took on “all on-set roles, including but not limited to cinematography, production design, costumes, and hair [and] make-up.”
“The Planters” has screened at AFI Fest and Bentonville Film Festival. The film hits virtual cinemas and select theaters October 9, and will be available on digital and VOD December 8.
