Q&A with Filmmaker Lilian T. Mehrel

Sep 29

Lilian T. Mehrel is an award-winning writer and director with a visionary sense of feeling and humor. Winner of the Tribeca AT&T Untold Stories Award for her debut feature Honeyjoon (Tribeca 2025), her films have also screened at Clermont-Ferrand and the AmPav Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes. She has been recognized with the SFFILM Rainin Grant, TorinoFilmLab ComedyLab, Film Independent Episodic Lab, Sloan Episodic Award, and NYSCA/NYFA Fellowship, among others. A graduate of NYU Tisch Grad Film (MFA, PDS Fellow) and Dartmouth College, Lilian creates bold, comedic, and emotional cinema, and has been featured in Variety, Vogue, and IndieWire.

This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

This question: despite everything, can life still be sweet? (also, a trip to an Azorean island)

Describe who you want this film to reach.

Everyone craving the surprise of laughter and feeling in the dark, the inside joke of being human. (everyone)

How do you want people to feel after they see your film?

Alive. (also, flirty)

What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?

Capturing magic on Super8 film. (also, night-swimming in an ocean hot spring with cast & crew.)

How do you feel about your film being screened in front of a festival audience?

Sharing it with audiences is my favorite thing in the world. I can't wait to take you for a (sexy funny emotional) rollercoaster ride.

One thing people don’t know about me is _____.

I love whales (they know).

What three things do you always have in your refrigerator?

Lemons (x 3).

This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series

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