Comfort Food
written and directed by Reena Dutt
An AFI DWW+ Film
COMFORT FOOD is a short film that is part of the AFI DWW+ class of 2026, to be shot in the summer of 2025.
ABOUT AFI DWW+
The AFI DWW+ was launched in 1974 as the Directing Workshop for Women, one of the first gender impact programs of its kind in the cinematic arts, as well as one of the longest-running and preeminent film and television workshops nationwide. Since the program’s inception, DWW+ has trained over 350 filmmakers who give voice to historically underrepresented perspectives.
The past few years have been life-changing. I started the pandemic temporarily leaving my home in Los Angeles to see more of the country and heading up to Washington state to be closer to my brother. I left behind a 20 year career as a producer-actor, I lost my sweet Andy-The-Cat in 2020, and in 2021 my dear friend that I assumed I'd grow old with passed away. I started feeling alone, purpose-less, lost.
Through a turn of events, I began directing audiobooks and virtual theatre productions. Things shifted in my jumbalaya of life. I was directing more books, and diving into stories that felt pivotal for how we perceive our own lives and others'. FOUND was born from the pandemic after the Atlanta shootings - my first dialogue driven short film as a writer/director. The last time I felt this sense of social responsibility was in 2018 when I directed TOO MANY BODIES after Parkland happened. I was simply tasting directing then, and suddenly found myself wanting to make the whole meal.
The pandemic dessert was being accepted into the Drama League New York Directing fellowship - it became a sign that I did have a purpose, and it was a full pivot to Directing. Maybe I'm supposed to tell stories that I believe in...that are meaningful to me. Maybe my stories are important...maybe someone else out there needs to hear them.
When I submitted this film to DWW+ at AFI the last thing I was expecting was getting into the program. They accept eight filmmakers in each cohort...and I'm still shocked that I am one of them. I am in awe that I receive support when I chose my own heart's story. Things feel new. A buffet of opportunity. And I am loving every finger-licking bit.
Joining me are a slew of folx from every part of my life: folx who supported me before there was anything substantial to support; Folx who PA-ed for me early in their careers and are now burgeoning producers; Folx who lent me an ear when I wasn't sure what my next steps should be. Grateful is not remotely close to how I feel about each of these people. Thank you for joining us on this journey in whatever form that takes - amplifying on Social Media, contributing financially, and donating in-kind to support the production. It takes a village to tell the whole story.
FOUND behind the scenes still courtesy of
Seth Lonborg Photography.
TOO MANY BODIES cinematography by Daphne Wu.
Meet The Team
LISA (40s, South Asian American) heads to rural Georgia to fulfill her husband’s last request. Upon arrival she discovers his aging mother ANNIE (60-70s, 3rd-generation Asian American), pushing away the culture that he savored, forcing her to decide if taking care of an elder is more important than her own self-preservation.
This film dives into the gut of how complicated our American diaspora is - The histories that affect how we choose to hold on and let go of culture, our reasoning for proximity to whiteness, the idea of what our families hold back from us for survival - and how we digest this and move forward. It dives into what traditions we need to let go of, whether it's caring for the elderly, acknowledging a lack of acceptance, or how we reclaim our evolved culture as a means of self-preservation. This film dives into the dirty, ugly and resentful underbelly of the choices we make...with a sense of dark humor.
The film obscures the model minority and brings forward the humanity and complexity of what it means to be a part of the Asian American diaspora. Our communities have been in this country for multiple generations. Our distance from the motherland is getting further away...and yet, those integrated stories are rarely seen. The stories that mix congee with southern bbq ribs. Kinda tasty, maybe not? Well, I want that discomfort. I want to lift the veil on integration through the fun ride that revolves around when 'Lisa' meets 'Annie'. And I want you to join me.
PRODUCING TIERS
Location
Do you know of a house within 30 miles of Los Angeles that can double as an decrepit farm home in Georgia?
Catering
Do you run a catering company or restaurant that can donate a meal to our cast and crew?
Gear Rentals
Are you a filmgear rental company that has been seeking ways to support female driven material, female filmmakers or the BIPOC community?
Donating to the production in non-monetary ways can also lead to tax-deductible contributions to this project, particularly if the value is quantifiable.
Reach out and let us know how you can help!
IN-KIND DONATIONS
$10K+ Donation - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Individual title card in film credits
End of film group Logo card
Invitation to AFI DWW+ Showcase
Social Media Shout-out
Invitation to private screening/reception for film
$5K+ Donation EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Group title card in film credits
Social Media Shout-out
Invitation to private screening/reception for film
1K+ Donation ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Associate Producer Credit
Group title card in film
Social Media Shout-out
Invitation to private screening/reception for film
$500+ Donation - SPECIAL THANKS
Special Thanks in the credits
Social Media Shout-out
Invitation to private screening/reception for film
GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS
NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL AND EVERY OUNCE OF SUPPORT WILL GO INTO MAKING THIS FILM
31% FUNDED
$45K
GOAL
AFI is a 501(c)3 and donations may be tax deductible.
Inquire at comfortfoodmovie@gmail.com for ACH/Wire Transfer options for donations.
If you prefer to donate by check, mail your check payable to:
American Film Institute
℅ D2502 DWW COMFORT FOOD
2021 North Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1657
Memo must read:
“Reena Dutt, DWW+, COMFORT FOOD”