Game Brunch (2020)

More than eating is in store when a couple invites friends over for a Sunday brunch.

"Game Brunch" on the blog. Check out The Making of.

Behind the Scenes

Screenings & Awards

2021 Chattanooga Film Festival

2021 Horrible Imaginings: Campfire Tales

2021 Blackbird Film Festival

2021 Queens World Film Festival

2021 Die Laughing Film Festival (Winner: Best Comedy)

2021 Adirondack Film Festival

2021 Indigo Moon Film Festival

2021 Revolution Me Film Festival (Winner: Best Ensemble, Nominated: Best Comedy, Best Director, Best Actor (Ricardo Manigat), and best Actress (Ricki Lynée)

Crew

Writer, Director, Producer
Christina Raia

Cinematographer
Peter Westervelt

Assistant Director/Editor
Matt Gershowitz

Full Cast & Crew: IMDb

Director Statement

“Game Brunch,” like most of our recent projects, came out of our weekly writing group, where Kelsey, Ryan and I (and sometimes other CongestedCat collaborators) encourage each other to come in with new pages or pitches every time we meet up. After working on some darker projects, I wanted to jump into something light-hearted with actors I've loved working with in the past or have wanted to work with for a while. I sat down one evening and tried to come up with an idea that could be shot in my apartment (but in a way it hadn’t been used before) and could work as a short ensemble piece. I made a list of actors I like and started thinking about how I could pair them up. I recalled a game night I hosted years ago and found myself chuckling at the notion of revolving an entire film around one specific word (which I can’t reveal — you’ll just have to watch the film when it’s done). I just started writing and an hour later I had an absurd 15-page script. When I sent it out to Kelsey, Ryan and some other trusted writers to read, I said that it’s a super silly Mel Brooks meets Edgar Wright kinda thing and asked them to let me know if it’s not too ridiculous to keep working on. Everyone got a kick out of it and really encouraged me to revise the script & direct it. A couple even said “please make it!” It was exciting to see such a positive response to it, especially from the actors I had in mind, once I eventually shared it with them. They all eagerly accepted the roles. I think they, like me, needed a break from the overwhelming amount of things to be outraged about in the world and loved the idea of just focusing on making something fun. And what fun it was to make! I hope it's just as much fun to watch!

Press

Cast

Starring:
Ricardo Manigat,
Ricky Lynée,
Dani Thomas,
Alexander Alvarez,
Jen Bendick,
Miranda LeeAnn