Filmmaker Profile: Nikki Mezaros
Nikki Mezaros
NIKKI MEZAROS is an LA-based queer writer and director from New Jersey who has worked on multiple TV shows, including as a staff writer for HBO. She's developing a feature with Lauren Miller Rogen attached to direct and LYLAS Pictures producing. Her short film, THE BOYFRIEND SWEATER, marks her directorial debut. Nikki is represented by Delaney Morris and Tracy Kopulsky at Grandview.
This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series.
What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?
My girlfriend Ellie is a textile artist and a firm believer in the sweater curse- has she yanked hair out of my head and stitched it into things she's knitting for me before? Maybe (definitely.) I loved the idea of playing off the lore of the hex and flipping it, having Jessie use it a means to a very toxic end. I've always been so interested in Ellie's art, an artform not a lot of people appreciate enough, but also the culture around knitting, too- the community of older women she talks to online for help, her vintage eighties knitting machine she has to troubleshoot herself, and the amount of time these artists have devoted to learning it.
Why does this story need to be told now?
"The Boyfriend Sweater" is, unfortunately, not a gay rom-com. It is, however, the story of a queer relationship, made by a predominantly queer cast and crew. I wanted it to feel real and funny and (sort of) sweet. I hope that we start to see more queer films being made in all genres, featuring characters who are allowed to be imperfect and stories that aren't forced into boxes.
What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?
I really wanted people to see the slow process of how something is made. Miya (Jessie) really values the craftsmanship of Ellie's textile work, and spent time learning how to properly use the machine. Everybody wears sweaters, but few people think about the time, hard work, and artistry behind them.
What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?
Everybody involved. This was my first film I've directed, and our producers Ella and Phoebe have been so incredibly helpful and supportive. The cast and crew are truly amazing. It may only be a 12-minute film, but there were a lot of set-ups, and only two and a half days to shoot it. Everybody really came together to get it done and brought so much to it that led to what it is now. Liz Charky, our DP, is endlessly creative and excited about filmmaking. Miya Folick is not only an incredible lead, but also made an original song for the film that I think is really essential to the ending. Paula, Penny, and Mike are all so funny and perfect. Ellie made what is probably the world's largest sweater (do not fact-check). By the way, Paula (Margot) would like to set the record straight that she is not actually five-foot-two. She's just an incredible actor!
How do you approach storytelling in your films? What’s your process for developing a script or concept?
You can have a good logline, but I think the characters are what make people really fall in love with a film. What I love about filmmaking is creating worlds that people want to be in and less-than-perfect characters you want to root for anyway. My favorite part of writing is always dialogue. Sorry, I love banter!
How do you feel about your film being screened in front of a festival audience?
I'm so excited that our film is having its world debut at Bushwick. It feels kismet. We may have made this film in LA, but I'm from Jersey, and there will be a lot of people there in the Brooklyn audience who have endlessly supported both me and our film that I am so grateful for. It's also very sweet to be playing with so many other amazing queer films.
What’s the last film you watched?
The Substance and Will & Harper! Sorry, that's two.
Nikki Mezaros’ Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series.
