By Bailey Pennick
One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn about them as people. This year, we decided to get to the bottom of those artistic wells with our ongoing series: Give Me the Backstory!
“Because the world needs Bigfoot now more than ever.” That interview response shows the kind of confidence, care, humor, and whimsy you’re guaranteed to get with everything the Zellner brothers touch. It’s true, the world does need the majesty and power of the mighty Bigfoot as inspiration right now, and thankfully David and Nathan premiered their latest film Sasquatch Sunset at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to fill that void.
The film is a detailed and dedicated look at a family of sasquatches within the gorgeous landscape of the Pacific Northwest. However Sasquatch Sunset isn’t a nature documentary, it’s a cinematic adventure in the lush forest that just happens to be full of Sundance Institute and Festival connections. Though you wouldn’t recognize them, Fest regulars Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg star in the film, and as for the Zellner brothers? Their Institute history runs deep.
“Sundance has done more for us than just about anyone,” says David. “Our first film that premiered there was a short called Flotsam/Jetsam in 2005. In 2011 we screened a short called Sasquatch Birth Journal 2, which was one of the funniest, most ridiculous screenings we’ve ever had, so it made sense to try for Sasquatch Sunset.”
And we’re so glad they did. Below, read more about the production of Sasquatch Sunset, how the Zellners got into filmmaking, and what they would be doing if they weren’t making movies.
Tell us why and how you got into filmmaking?
We’ve been doing it since we were kids, eventually it became habitual.
Describe who you want Sasquatch Sunset to reach?
As many people as possible.
Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.
Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough are not only great actors, but lovely humans and an absolute joy to work with. They were fully committed to their roles and all in. It was the hardest we’ve ever laughed on a set.
Why does this story need to be told now?
Because the world needs Bigfoot now more than ever.
Your favorite part of making the film? Memories from the process?
Writing Sasquatch Sunset was surprisingly fun. It’s usually more painful. I cackled a lot to myself during that process, probably looked like a madman. Production was challenging given a remote location shoot with a tight schedule, complex creature FX, erratic weather, and wild animals. But the cast and crew were amazing and it was extremely gratifying seeing the sasquatches come to life. Everyone was in sync with what this film was meant to be, which made our jobs much easier.
What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?
The noble and majestic North American Sasquatch.
If you weren’t a filmmaker, what would you be doing?
I [David] have no other skill set. Nathan has a Computer Science degree and is very good with a BBQ grill so he’s a little more versatile.
Films are lasting artistic legacies, what do you want yours to say?
We’re not interested in being didactic. As long as they’re feeling something, whatever that is, it’s enough.
