PORTLAND, Maine — It was about a decade ago when Sara Friedman had the idea for a movie she hoped to shoot in her hometown of Cape Elizabeth. Like most small, independent films, it was a labor of love, one she wrote, directed, produced, and starred in.
The film, "Heightened," is finally being distributed nine years after Friedman, a first-time director, got the ball rolling. It took so long because its difficult to get a movie made, and then another heavy lift to get it distributed.
"Heightened" was ready to be sent out into the world a year ago when the actors' strike came along. Union rules prevented Friedman from promoting the picture during the walkout.
"Of course I was frustrated for the film," she said. "I understood the greater good of the strike and I'm glad for all the protections it afforded us. But at the time it was definitely a bit of a bummer, so I’m glad I can talk about it now."
"Heightened" will be available on Oct. 1 and later on all video on demand platforms, including Apple TV and Amazon.
Friedman, after all these years, couldn't be happier about the release. "It's phenomenal news," she said.