Q&A with Filmmaker Ruth Solorzano, Producer of Regulars
Regulars • New York Premiere • BFF 2026
Making its New York Premiere at the 2026 Bushwick Film Festival, Regulars is a comedy murder mystery set inside a Dominican-owned Brooklyn dive bar on Halloween night, where a group of regulars is locked in with a dead body—and each has something to hide. Against the pressures of gentrification, the film turns a beloved neighborhood gathering place into a culture-soaked whodunnit.
Producer Ruth Solorzano traces the project’s path from a 2019 web-series idea rooted in her experience working at a Brooklyn bar to its feature incarnation. She discusses community, representation in the murder-mystery genre, the demands of a two-week shoot, and the sustaining force of a committed team.
Tell us about the moment this film began for you.
This film began back in 2019 with an idea for a web series. I was working at a Brooklyn bar, and I remember sitting there thinking the regulars that came in had such interesting lives that all intertwined. I wrote a few episodes about them and was prepared to shoot a proof of concept March 14th, 2020, then we all know what happened. Fast forward a few years later, I was producing a short and I had an EP who really loved the experience of being on set. He asked me what I could do with 100k. I dug up my old scripts and landed on a feature idea for the series I had written. That's how it was first born, and now years later, here we are.
What scene, character, image, or idea was the key that unlocked the film for you?
Honestly, the whole concept that everyone is a regular somewhere and how universal that idea was unlocked it for me. The second, I would say, is the Halloween aspect. We don't have many comedy/murder mysteries wrapped in Halloween, and we don't see people of color represented in the murder mystery genre. So I wanted all three of those things to really shine in the film.
Regulars
Why did this story feel important for you to tell now?
At its heart, it really is a story about community and gentrification. I think both of those things are more important than ever. We need community; it's a proven fact, it's what helps you live the longest. And gentrification threatens that, especially for communities of color. I think it's important we talk about that, but I wanted to make sure I didn't slap people in the face with it. I wanted the concepts to be approachable but also to shine a light on it all.
What was the biggest creative challenge or risk you took in making the film?
Filming this all in 2 weeks from 3am–4pm was pretty challenging. Getting everyone to believe in the film so much that they were willing to show up, for little money, and do it for the love of the story was also not an easy task. But I think making everyone feel seen and heard is what brings out that love, and even though it was challenging, everyone enjoyed and thrived during the experience. Also, fundraising another 100k was pretty hard as well.
Was there a point when you weren’t sure you would finish the film? What kept you going?
Honestly, no. I'm the kind of person who will get things done no matter what gets in my way. Was there a point I was a bit lost when it came to finishing the film... yes. But my team kept me going. I think the importance of having a great team is understated. If it wasn't for them, it would not have been done the way it was. My team kept me going.
What surprised you most about the film as it evolved from the original idea to the finished work?
I don't know if I realized how funny it would be. I knew our director, Tessa Greenberg, has a comedy background, but she was really able to bring the camp and the fun out of our film. I think originally I had thought it was going to be a bit more serious, but honestly, I would not have it any other way at this point. People need to laugh, and I think our film does a great job of accomplishing that.
What do you hope audiences take away from experiencing the film?
The importance of "chosen family." I think we forget how much people lean on each other at our local watering holes, or our local yoga class, or our local grocery store, etc... Community building is paramount, and I think our film speaks on that in a lovely way.
Is there a particular scene or moment you’re especially excited for audiences to experience at BFF?
One of my favorite scenes is between Ashley (played by Liza Treyger) and El (played by Han Van Sciver). Fun fact is we shot it at my old apartment, which was a revolving door for people from my college for more than 12 years. It involves a cat (also, that story was inspired by a friend of mine who had the same thing happen to them).
Has showing the film to audiences changed the way you understand it? If so, how?
Yes, I always love to hear when people laugh at moments I didn't expect. It's always so interesting to see what people respond to and what they think is funny.
Is there anything about this film, its inspiration, production, or your own journey that you think audiences or journalists should know?
I would challenge them to think of another campy, murder mystery comedy that features people from so many underserved communities and has a real message behind it. It's important to see yourself in film, and I know we definitely achieved that visibility.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to filmmakers just starting out?
Just start. Stop doubting. What lives on the page will just live on the page. You need to start making, and then everything else will eventually fall into place. Show up for yourself, be kind, and keep going.
What are you working on or developing next?
I am in the midst of writing my own feature based on my childhood (I grew up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church). It's more of a drama with dark comedy elements. I also host a podcast about Women Empowerment and Self Development called Break the Norm.
What film, TV show, or other piece of storytelling did you see this year that you absolutely loved?
I am in the midst of watching the show GIRLS (I know, late to the party), and although it is a very different perspective of NYC, I do think Lena Dunham is a prodigy, and I would love the opportunity to work with her.
If you’ve been to Bushwick the neighborhood, what do you love most about it?
I used to live in Bushwick off the J train! I love the Dominican of it all. Being half Dominican myself, it's so nice to be surrounded by such a rich and booming culture, especially since I wasn't raised around it.
What does “Make Time for Your Dreams” mean to you at this point in your creative life?
Oh wow, what a great statement. It means everything. Being a woman in this industry, you always feel like your time is limited (mostly it's the societal pressure of getting older). I think making time for your dreams is actually making time for yourself, which in turn allows you to make time for others. It's all connected and it's all so important for your development as an artist and as a human.
See Regulars at BFF 2026
NEW YORK PREMIERE
Thursday • October 8, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Regulars
Williamsburg Cinemas
On Halloween in a Dominican-owned dive bar facing NYC gentrification, misfit regulars get locked inside and find a dead body. The night erupts into an absurd, culture-soaked whodunnit where everyone has secrets...and everyone's a suspect.
GET TICKETS → https://www.bushwickfilmfestival.com/tickets
The 19th Annual Bushwick Film Festival returns October 7–11, 2026, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for five days of independent film, conversation, and community across Brooklyn.
Tessa Greenberg is a comedy director, editor, and writer from Brooklyn, NY.
She’s been working in the film and television industry since 2008, and has edited for HBO (How To With John Wilson), directed & written original comedy series on IFC, MTV, and Fuse, and directed commercials for Universal Studios Theme Parks, Fresca, Heinz, Flonase, Paw Patrol, Coca-cola, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, and Downy, among others.
SEE IT AT BFF 2026
Regulars
NEW YORK PREMIERE
Thursday, October 8
7:00 PM
Regulars
Williamsburg Cinemas
GET TICKETS
7:00 PM
Regulars
Williamsburg Cinemas
