5 Questions with Jordan Tetewsky

Jordan bolue.jpg

1) Can you talk briefly about your background, and how you first got interested in filmmaking?

I got interested in filmmaking because I liked movies growing up, and also liked making stuff with my friends.

2) What was the initial idea for this project and how did it evolve from there?

This project was a thesis film, and I’d spend summer nights writing jokes with a friend. We didn’t have a very refined process, but there were a lot of Buffalo ‘66 viewings.

3) What was the biggest challenge in making this film? And the easiest part?!

I struggled to push this short to the finish line, and it stayed in post limbo for a long time, because all I saw in it were the issues. The easiest part was probably in securing a wonderful crew- I am so grateful to all of my Purchase colleagues, as well as my friends from home who were down to work on this.

4) What’s a film you’ve seen recently, new or old, that you really loved and why?

I can’t help but list a few here. Hope that’s okay.

Come and See- This had been on my list since seeing Son of Saul. I’m glad I got to catch it a couple times at Film Forum. There aren’t many movies that do what these two do.

Wendy and Lucy- I can’t think of a word that captures what this movie makes me feel. It is stressful in the most serene way. I’ve now watched four of Kelly Reichardt’s movies in the last few months, and they’re all special.

Five Easy Pieces- This is a perfect film I always come back to. I can’t praise enough all the choices in the writing, directing, and acting.  I love all the characters. I Bobby’s knowledge that he doesn’t live up to familial expectations, his challenging behavior, and his habitual choice to hurt others because it's easier than dealing with his own problems. He’s a drifter who runs away whenever things get tough to confront.

5) What’s next for you?

I would like to work with all of my friends on their future projects, as well as my own.  I would also like to work on Kelly Reichardt’s next movie. Are you on good terms with her?

vimeo.com/jordantetewsky

IG: @jordan-tetewsky