Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Joshua Dietz embraces his unique weirdness, crafting stories that defy conventional industry expectations. This short film is a testament to his commitment to authentic storytelling.
- Collaboration and trust in his team were pivotal to the film’s success. Dietz emphasizes the importance of working with people who elevate the project beyond its original vision.
- Independent filmmaking allows for bold, unapologetic creativity. Dietz encourages filmmakers to create for themselves first, ensuring a personal connection to the work.
Joshua Dietz is making waves with his directorial debut, Supper, a film set to premiere at the prestigious HollyShorts Film Festival.
With a notable cast including Dale Dickey, Aleksa Palladino, and Jeff Perry, this film explores the darkly comedic terrain of familial dynamics.
Behind the scenes, Dietz collaborated with producers Thomas Hartmann and Allison Dietz, and partnered with DP Adam Leene.
Their collective effort brings to life a unique vision that challenges traditional storytelling norms.
Q&A Interview
How did Supper come to be your next project?
I'm in an era where I'm unapologetically being myself. After being laid off from an exec job in 2024, I went all in on writing/directing. I made 'Supper' because I had to prove those weird ideas in my head were worth making. I wanted to plant my flag with something that was very me.
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process?
This was my first time directing, so everything was a bit surprising. I realized that people really get into the groove of your story. Working with an incredible team made the film better than I envisioned. Seeing others care as much as I did was very exciting.
Is there a moment in Supper that feels uniquely yours?
I thrive in the space where tragedy and humor intersect. I love dialogue and the absurdity in tragic moments. That's where my unique stench is left on this film.
"I love finding the thin line where something can be tragic and still funny."
What was the hardest creative decision you faced?
Choosing the shots was tough. The film is a 20-minute dinner table scene, rehearsed like a play. We shot a test with phones and I hated it—felt boring. So, DP Adam and I spent a lot of time ensuring every shot felt like a varnished painting. It was hard to commit, but once on set, seeing it come to life eased my stress.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
An appetite for seeing more weird things!
How has this film influenced your future storytelling?
People dig this short, which is rewarding. It’s locked in my unapologetic self, and I’m ready to keep creating weird stories with unique characters. We're all weird inside, and these stories help me understand our world better.
"Make something that you love. The worst case is if no one likes it, including yourself."
What does being selected for HollyShorts mean to you?
Living in LA for over ten years, finding a great home for our LA premiere was essential. HollyShorts has a great reputation. Playing at the Chinese Theater with other great films is exciting. I hope we're the weirdest film in the bunch.
What's next for Supper?
We’re exploring expanding it into something longer but will continue playing more festivals, like Odense International. We’re also looking for where it will live online, hoping to have that locked in by the end of the year.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to start difficult conversations."
Meet the Cast and Crew
- Sam Rechner
- Andrew Perez
- Joshuah Arizmendi and Henry Samiri
- Joshua Ryan Dietz: Writer/Director
- Producers: Allison Dietz
- Production Designer: Angela Simmons
For more on Supper, visit Joshua Ryan Dietz's website.
