Cast & Brew, 10min., Spain/USA
Directed by Priscilla Zanni Bertran
Cast & Brew is a comedy about an AD trying to manage a film set where coffee has been delayed, and the lead actor, Bruce, refuses to do any takes without his coffee first. Chaos erupts when Craft Services informs the AD and Producer about a worldwide collapse in the coffee supply chain. On the meantime, Bruce demands his detailed coffee order while the director pushes for rehearsals. The scene inside the film happens in a Western field where Bruce proposes to his girlfriend, Sara. He is grabbing her in his arms and as soon as she accepts his proposal, he lets her fall to the ground claiming he lacks the muscle strength without his coffee. The Producer then reveals the truth about the coffee crisis, leading to Bruce quitting the film. This sparks a huge chaotic montage ensues with crazy physical altercations.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

"Cast & Brew" came to me in a New York coffee shop. From my window seat, watched people hurrying by, each holding a giant cup of coffeeIt struck me: not a soul without one, just a whirlwind of rush and stress.And I thought to myself "how attached are we to that coffee and why?".

"What would happen if coffee would completely vanish?"

My hope is that audiences recognize how fast-paced our society has become, where every minute not spent being productive feels like you have committed a crime. We're constantly rushing, and when we add caffeine into that mix, we only accelerate the loss of ourselves.

We lose the purpose of why we do things. I find this concept of obsession and lost of reality very interesting and I have discovered that I actually love to explore that in my films.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took a year. Script took me a week to make 1st draft as a visualised it all in that coffee shop in New York. I knew exactly what I wanted the film to be from beginning , middle and end.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Caffeinated Chaos.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

I think that basically just producing and doing all myself, even the costumes and all the set design. But, I liked because I am very detail-oriented type of a person and I just had a very clear visual of the costumes too and the set-design.

I had a clear visual concept and was able to build the world from scratch, including sourcing props and managing production logistics such as permits, insurances, all of that!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was like, 'Wow! It's amazing that people feel this way—it's spot on!' I loved that people could relate to it and see it reflected in real life!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I think I've kind of always known it. I transitioned from theatre to film, earning my bachelor's in Theater Directing and my Master's in Film. My characters are also very theatrical, and I try to bring that into my films, creating a dynamic balance.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

I've probably seen David Lynch's Blue Velvet more than any other film. I'm drawn to the way it blends darkness and absurdity, exposing the unsettling of everyday life into extraordinary elements, while still managing moments of dark humor. Its mix of psychological tension and surreal imagery really speaks to the kind of storytelling I love to explore in my own work.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I find festivals most valuable when they create opportunities for filmmakers to connect with peers, established directors, and industry professionals. Panels, Q&As, and mentorship programs help me gain insights into different approaches to storytelling and production, which I can bring to my own projects.

I specially find very helpful when festivals provide podcasts, interview opportunities and press exclusively to filmmakers so that we are all to get our name out there.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Working with FilmFreeway has been straightforward and efficient. The platform makes submitting and managing festival entries clear and organized, which allows me to focus more on the creative side of filmmaking rather than administrative hurdles. I especially appreciate the way it centralizes all my submissions and communications in one place, the graphics, the notifications and the system itself is great.

10. What is your favoruti meal?

Linguine with Bolognese sauce. A classic and delicious!!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I have a new very short film called Pineapple Butt, about an infidelity that gets discovered through the making of a Pineapple Juice. Shot in Burbank Studios and it will be getting into the film festival circuit shortly- excited too!

https://www.instagram.com/priszanni/