From Variety · Ophélie Surcouf · · 1m 30s
Seven years to get 'Bedford Park' made
Stephanie Ahn's semi-autobiographical debut took seven years to reach the screen, and it arrives at Toronto with a Sundance prize behind it.
In brief
Stephanie Ahn's semi-autobiographical debut took seven years to reach the screen, and it arrives at Toronto with a Sundance prize behind it. A debut feature can take the better part of a decade, and the detours along the way are often what make the finished film better. Originally reported by Variety.
Seven years, one debut
Stephanie Ahn spent seven years getting 'Bedford Park' from script to screen. The film is semi-autobiographical, drawn from her own life.
“You Never Know What Can Make Your Film Better”
Sundance said yes first
'Bedford Park' won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Debut Feature at Sundance earlier this year, the first real signal that the long wait had paid off.
Toronto is the world stage
The film has its international premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, moving it beyond a U.S. festival audience for the first time.
Sony Pictures Classics steps in
A U.S. theatrical release through Sony Pictures Classics follows the festival run, so the film reaches cinemas rather than stalling on the circuit.
The cast she built around it
Moon Choi, known for 'Anarchist From Colony', and Son Sukku, from 'Sense8' and 'My Liberation Notes', lead the film and joined Ahn to talk through the journey.
Detours make the film
Ahn's takeaway from the seven years is that the delays and surprises were not just obstacles. What arrives unplanned can end up improving the work.
“You never know what can make your film better”
What matters most
A debut feature can take the better part of a decade, and the detours along the way are often what make the finished film better.
