Sundance 2021 Midnight selection: MOTHER SCHMUCKERS by Lenny and Harpo Guit

Two low-down, rotten brothers named Issachar and Zabulon are starving and can’t seem to scrounge up a meal anywhere. Things only get worse when they lose the beloved dog belonging to their mom, Cashmere, who kicks them out of the family apartment until they return her nippy little January Jack. Things are going to get uncomfortably bizarre with these two dopes on the run in the ruthless urban jungle of Brussels.

Filthy and yet oh-so-charming, the Belgian filmmaking duo of Harpo and Lenny Guit (who will likely never be confused with the other Belgian directing duo, the Dardenne brothers) are quite the Midnight discovery. Their madcap adventure goes gross Three Stooges. It’s sparkling with energy, lo-fi visual trickery, and the ingenuity to make every creative decision equal parts surprising and ridiculous. Mother Schmuckers is sure to offend some—hell, that’s the point—but it is destined to find cult comedy status.

Contains graphic depictions of animal abuse, sexual violence, and other subject matter that could be offensive to some viewers. Not suitable for audiences under 18.

Lenny and Harpo interviewed by Emmanuel Itier:

Q: Tell us a little bit about the genesis of this project

Lenny: We filmed for years shorts and we felt it was time to get a feature made. To our surprise we got some financial backing and we were able to bring our dream to life. It was a different experience from making shorts since a feature is all about endurance. Months and months of work and you have to remain focused and pumped up.

In any case we worked with most of our same friends with whom we had made our short. So, it was like summer camp for us. It was so much fun but in a more professional atmosphere since for the film everyone was being paid!

Q: What are the themes explored in this film? Any messages?

Lenny: We were not trying to be political in any ways but it’s true that it’s about two young men struggling and with no money. So, in a way, it’s about how society is hard on people who have nothing. For sure this is a movie of our times that reflects on the “have” and the “have not” people in our society.

Q: Were you surprised from the Sundance selection?

Harpo: Totally! We submitted the film to several festivals and we were shocked to get into Sundance! We knew since last July and we had to keep it a secret to everyone for months. We were avoiding talking about it and saying that maybe the movie will never get in any festival. At the end it’s a little sad we cannot be there in the flesh and see the reactions of the audience. But, we have super happy about the selection. This should open doors and get us a distribution deal.

Q: Best and worse souvenir from making this film?

Lenny and Harpo: The food! Haha! Best thing was the great food we had for meals and sometimes it was terrible! Also, our favorite souvenir is working with our dog. The problem is that now he thinks he is a star and we are going to negotiate hard to get a cut from his next salary! Haha!

2021 I Feature I 70 min I Belgium I Production: Roue Libre I Sales: Best Friend Forever http://www.bestfriendforever.be