Grandpa's Got A Brand New Pill, 9min,. USA
Directed by Jeffrey Moline
Grandpa's Got A Brand New Pill is a short musical film that features an original song inspired by writer, producer, performer Jeffrey George Moline's eighty year old mother. Grandpa's Got A New Pill tells the story of Tootie, a headstrong, independent woman on the eve of her ninety-sixth birthday. Tootie feels unseen and constrained by the rules and regulations of Shady Nook Retirement Home. With a little help from her friend Awesome Lee Bodacious Queer Country Superstar - Tootie decides to make sure her party has a happy ending!

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Grandpa's Got A Brand New Pill started first as a song which was inspired by my mother and her boyfriend over using viagra.

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

The idea for the film started in May 2024 at an SGI World Peace Meeting when a member suggested that if someone started a project at the end of the year they could look at the year in review and say "I did this..." A few weeks later I had written the screenplay and started working in the recording studio with Jacob McCaslin and long time friend Ringo Maestro producing the music. The experience of working with Jacob, viewing his video work and his love for the character of Tootie made it clear to myself and co-producers (Terrence Franklin and Tangelia Rouse Ringo that he should be our director . A process of six months.

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

Amusing and subversive.

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

Overcoming my own self doubt - learning to trust my team, my talent and my story.

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

Floored - Gobsmacked. Happy, ecstatic and joyful that people connected with the story, the characters and the song.

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

I've been a storyteller since childhood. I loved Hollywood Musicals and wanted to dance and sing on screen.

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

Auntie Mame - but I never miss an opportunity to view The Fifth Element

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

My festival experience is limited, I enjoy connecting to other creatives and being inspired.

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

My experience has been very positive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A nice medium rare cheeseburger with fries and a Tequila ginger ale.

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

I'm going to make 5 more Awesome Lee Bodacious musical videos along with an EP. I am also working on a feature with my husband and co-producer Terrence Franklin called The Last Will of Lucy Sutton which follows his family's 1845 journey from slavery in Florida to freedom in Illinois twenty years before the Civil War.