Q&A with Filmmakers Kristina Libby & Tim Cahill

May 28

Micah Khan has directed and produced over 30 short films and recently wrapped the indie TV pilot BOOKS, starring Spencer Grammer (Rick and Morty, Greek) and Ajay Naidu (Office Space), as well as the vampire thriller short STAKEOUT, starring Seth Gilliam (The Walking Dead, The Wire) and Sonja O’Hara. His acclaimed short Meetcute on Danceworld was featured in MovieMaker Magazine, tweeted by Ben Stiller, and praised by Game of Thrones’ David Benioff. Micah also directed The Zombie Wedding, the first feature from Weekly World News Studios, with a 21-person ensemble cast.

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?

We love Books. And, TV. And, we had no idea why they had to be so separate. So, we thought, what if we make a nice cozy show in a bookstore? Then, we went to McNally Jackson and had a really hilarious experience with a clerk about a John Grisham novel. After that we were convinced we were on to something.

Why does this story need to be told now?

Book reading is having a moment. With events like Reading Rhythms and book-themed date nights selling out, readers are finding each other and coalescing. But, if you watched tv you'd never know. This is a reflection of the times.

Describe who you want this film to reach

Anyone who has ever loved Alice, Peter Pan, Lyra, or another literary figure and those who find themselves drawn to books and bookstores like bees to honey.

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

A good laugh and a warm sense of what could be possible if we allowed ourselves to inhabit a bookstore for a while.

What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?

Cheers. Friends. Classic 90s sitcoms that were big-hearted, funny and ultimately shows you wanted to live inside.

Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.

Our director, Micah Khan, has done a wonderful series on his Instagram with all these stories. Check it out!

Can you talk about the festival experience? How does it feel to have your film selected?

Thrilled! We are excited to share the project with our community here in NYC!

Early bird or night owl?

Early birds.