Family Ties: A Showcase of Family-Collaborated Films at SXSW
The SXSW festival this year showcases several movies where family members are not just behind the scenes but also on screen. "Family Movie" stars Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, and their children, Sosie Bacon and Travis Bacon, in a story about a family making low-budget horror films. "Their Town," directed by Katie Aselton and written by Mark Duplass, features their daughter Ora Duplass in her first feature film. Other films with family ties include "Campeón Gabacho," "Crash Land," and "Poetic License."
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick co-directed "Family Movie," with Bacon being credited due to DGA rules. The project originated from a short film made during the pandemic on their farm in Connecticut. The script evolved into a comedy after screenwriter Dan Beers interviewed the family members. The Bacon-Sedgwick clan shot the film on a ranch near Round Top, Texas, with their children, Sosie and Travis, playing key roles.
The family dynamics on set were evident, but the children's professionalism and hard work were touching and magical. Similarly, the Aselton-Duplass family's film "Their Town" was a collaborative effort that showcased Ora Duplass's talent and independence. Mark Duplass and Katie Aselton found the experience enriching and unexpected, with Ora's performance exceeding their expectations.
The mother-daughter dynamic between Katie Aselton and Ora Duplass on set was a bonus rather than a problem, enhancing their working relationship. Mark Duplass expressed pride in watching his daughter rise to the challenge of filming long hours and finding her passion. The families' experiences working together were rewarding and may lead to future collaborations, depending on the children's interests and career paths.
Overall, the films created by these family units at SXSW highlight the unique dynamics and talents that family members bring to the filmmaking process. The festival serves as a platform for showcasing their collaborative efforts and the creative bonds that exist within these families.