Filmmaker Profile: Tea by Blake Rice
Welcome to the Bushwick Film Festival Q&A series, where we introduce you to the incredible filmmakers behind this year's lineup. Each of these talented storytellers has crafted a unique vision, reflecting diverse perspectives and powerful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences today. In this series, you'll get an inside look at what inspired their work, the challenges they faced, and the creative processes that brought their films to life. Through candid interviews, they share their thoughts on the impact of their films, the themes they explore, and their hopes for how audiences will connect with their stories. Whether you're here for drama, comedy, documentary, or experimental films, these filmmakers are sure to inspire you with their dedication and passion for the craft. We hope you enjoy getting to know the voices behind this year's festival as much as we have enjoyed bringing their films to our screens. Let’s dive into their stories!
About This Film
While rehearsing asking out the girl of his dreams, a lonely and highly allergic Circuit-Shack employee gets stung in the throat by a hornet.
Q&A WITH DIRECTOR BLAKE RICE
Black Rice, director of Tea
What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?
I was inspired to create this film from a monologue from an incredible actor I saw years back, named Isaac Lee. He performed an original piece which displayed a character asking out the girl of his dreams, meanwhile they get stung in the neck by a horney - I thought, what a killer backdrop for a short film!
Why does this story need to be told now?
I think this story can be told ANY time...and that's it's purpose to me...I can fit in now, it can fit in any time. We/everyone can be lonely no matter the current events, and Tea is a comedy about the universal feeling of loneliness.
Describe who you want this film to reach.
As many people as possible. We try to make films as universal as possible. A goal with Tea was to be agenda-less. Without a topical angle, in hopes to live longer than a current film festival season!
What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?
I want people to not know what genre this project is....Our goal is to provide a unique expierience that the viewer has throughout this 12 minute journey.
How do you want people to feel after they see your film?
A tug on the heart chords.
BIOGRAPHY
Blake Rice is a New Jersey native and an award-winning director. His upcoming projects include DISC, starring Jim Cummings, and his debut feature The Empty Lot. These new works continue to showcase Blake's distinctive vision and storytelling prowess, following his previous successes such as PEOPLE LIKE YOU, which earned him the “Best Director” award at the 2019 New York City International Film Festival, and STEPS, a critically acclaimed drama that received Official Selection at the Sidewalk Film Festival and won the “Special Grand Jury Award” at the 2022 DeadCenter Film Festival.
Thank you for joining us for this special Q&A with the filmmakers of the Bushwick Film Festival. We hope this conversation has given you insight into the artistry, dedication, and heart that went into bringing their films to life. Each of these creators represents the spirit of independent filmmaking—fearlessly telling stories that reflect the complexities of our world and the personal experiences that shape us. As you continue exploring this year’s lineup, we encourage you to dive deeper into these works and discover the powerful messages, emotions, and perspectives they offer. Whether you're a long-time supporter of indie films or a newcomer to the festival, your engagement and curiosity make all the difference in uplifting these voices. Stay tuned for more filmmaker spotlights, and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s screenings. Let’s continue celebrating the magic of storytelling together!
