Female Filmmaker Friday: Hannah Fidell, Director and Writer of the Comedy "The Long Dumb Road"

Hannah Fidell is an American writer, director, actress, and producer who has been making a name for herself in the world of independent filmmaking.

Fidell studied film theory at Indiana University, and eventually moved to New York to work at Ridley Scott’s production company.

In 2010, Fidell made her debut (in directing, writing, producing, and acting) with her film We’re Glad You’re Here, following it up with The Gathering Squall in 2011. Later, her film A Teacher debuted at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. 6 Years debuted at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2015. The drama centers on a young couple torn apart by events in their lives.

On November 16^th, Fidell's feature-length comedy, The Long Dumb Road, will be released. The story of two men who meet by chance, are both at a crossroads in their lives. Improvisation was so important in this road trip, comedy. The dynamic of the two male leads is apparent and helps tell the story. It wasn't about being married to the script; it was about character and relationships.

Fidell admits the idea of breaking the mold of what she normally made was enticing to her.

Listen to Hannah Fidell and her cast speak more on the subject: