HFF 2015 Interview: Keep in Touch Director/Producer/Writer Sam Kretchmar

After a life crisis, a man attempts to track down his long-lost childhood love, only to discover that she was killed in a car accident many years prior. His online search leads him to her younger sister, an aspiring musician who bears a striking resemblance to the girl he used to love. Quickly becoming obsessed, he arranges a not-so-chance meeting, and a relationship blossoms between the two before he has a chance to disclose his true identity. Keep in Touch is a 2015 Heartland Film Festival Award Winner, Narrative Feature.

We spoke with Director/Producer/Writer Sam Kretchmar:

HF: What is your film about, and how did the project come to be?

SK: Like a lot of movies, the ideas for this story came from some real life. Mike was going through some middle school memories when he found out his middle school crush had passed away. I loved the idea of building a story around childhood love, the impact it has on you and how much we change when we grow up. Mike’s middle-school crush sadly passed away… my middle-school crush did some adult films… this was the start of this film… life is weird.

HF: What was your role in the production?

SK: Director/producer/writer/cameraman

HF: Why did you submit to the Heartland Film Festival? Have you been to the Festival before?

SK: I think this film is unique in that it is an honest story about a regular person… it’s something that could happen to anyone. Heartland seemed like it had an audience that is looking for that kind of movie. Also… I’m from the Midwest and I wanted the movie to get an audience with people like me.

HF: This year’s tagline is “Movies That Stay with You” – what lasting effect will your film have on moviegoers?

SK: We made this as a movie with a strong social message about friendship and family but in a way that can connect with people from all different backgrounds, age groups, etc. So I hope we’re able to achieve this and that audiences will be able to relate this story to past or future experiences in their lives somehow.

HF: What has inspired you to become a filmmaker?

SK: I’ve always loved movies. As a kid I made videos/movies all the time… I never imagined I’d do anything else. Both of my parents have always been very creative, and they never allowed the dream of being a filmmaker seem unattainable. I’ve been lucky enough to work for some pretty great directors at a young age. Seeing them work has really been the best inspiration.

HF: What is something that you know about filmmaking now, but you weren’t told when you started your career?

SK: When I started I thought the important thing was to be able to “stick to your guns” and “push for your personal vision”. Now I think that’s horrible advice. It’s so much more important to have good collaborators. You have to be able to listen and be flexible, especially with indie movies.

HF: What are some of your favorite movies? What’s your favorite worst movie (you know it’s bad, but still love it)?

SK: I love Vertigo, Starship Troopers, Singin’ in the Rain… anything by the Coen Brothers. This second part is a great question… Might Ducks 2? Mad Max: Fury Road?

HF: How many film festivals has your film been a part of? What do you like the most about the festival experience?

SK: We’ve played in about 8 festivals so far. My favorite part is meeting other filmmakers and sharing stories. It’s also really special to see an audience’s reaction to the film.

HF: Heartland Film Festival moviegoers love filmmaker Q&As. Let’s say a Festival attendee wants to earn some brownie points—what is a question that you’d love to answer, but haven’t yet been asked?

SK: Why is Reggie Watts in your movie? Who wrote the 2nd song in the credits? Did the cops ever get involved with your movie for any reason? Was a crew van stolen? How many tractors did you flip over?