Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- The Challenge of Nimbleness: Ryan Farhoudi discovered that filmmaking requires a remarkable level of adaptability, as anything that can go wrong, likely will.
- The Power of Collaboration: Collaborating with talented individuals proved invaluable in the production of Road Kill.
- A Humbling Honor: Being selected for HollyShorts is a humbling honor for Farhoudi, as he hopes for the film to reach a wider audience.
Ryan Farhoudi steps into the spotlight with his film Road Kill, which will be featured at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival.
As the writer and director, Farhoudi brings a compelling narrative to life, supported by producer Sophie Kargman and a talented cast including Skyler Gisondo, Jonathan Tucker, and Alycia Debnam-Carey.
The film showcases a gripping story of a man's goodwill turning into a scapegoat scenario on a desolate highway. With a dedicated crew including DP Irvin Liu and editor Christine Park, Road Kill is set to leave its mark on the festival circuit.
Q&A Interview
What inspired you to make Road Kill?
I’d read a newspaper article that had some absurd correlation to this idea, and it stuck with me. It was so bizarre, and as I mulled it over, this is slowly what rose to the subconscious surface.
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time?
What surprised me about the process was quite literally just how nimble one has to be to make a film. Whatever can go wrong… will.
"Whatever can go wrong… will."
Is there a particular moment in the film that feels uniquely yours?
I think everything about the filmmaking process is so collaborative, BUT I think the writer-director's DNA really informs how everyone does their jobs individually.
"The writer-director's DNA really informs how everyone does their jobs individually."
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
How much money to spend. Everything creatively is impacted by that decision.
What do you hope audiences take away from Road Kill?
I just want people to realize that life is a steam train going one direction, and it’s the same for all of us. Good, bad, and otherwise.
"Life is a steam train going one direction for all of us."
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?
It’s truly an honor. Humbling.
At the core of all your work is a desire to…?
Entertain.
Main Cast and Crew
Actors
- Chris Sheffield as Hot Dead Guy
Production Team
- Executive Producers: Giovanni Ribisi, Leigh Whannell, Hassie Harrison, Farrel Farhoudi, Adam Demos, Fidis Giammarco Bortignoni, Nick Delli Santi
- Line Producer: John Hermann
- Composer: Ronen Landa
- Sound Mixer: Garret Barnett
Ryan Farhoudi's Road Kill is more than just a film; it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit and nimbleness required in independent filmmaking. Don't miss its showing at HollyShorts 2025.
