Mark Duplass and Katie Aselton Discuss Their Film on Teens Facing the Reality of the American Dream and an Uncertain Future at SXSW Studio

For Katie Aselton and Mark Duplass, the creative partners behind the indie film movement since their breakout in 2005 with The Puffy Chair, their latest project, Their Town, was inspired by their observations of the challenges faced by today’s teenagers, particularly as reflected in the lives of their daughters, Ora and Molly.

Duplass expressed a sense of urgency in capturing the teenage experience, stating that the young people he knows appear “contemplative, slightly sad, and anxious,” aware that the American Dream they have been taught to pursue is elusive. “They don’t know what to do about it,” he noted.

In crafting this narrative, he faced the “interesting challenge” of offering dignity to these characters, reminiscent of the emotional resonance he felt when he first watched Before Sunrise at age 17. Recognizing his limitations as a 48-year-old man, Duplass wrote what he believed to be the best script and entrusted Aselton with the direction. He praised her lyrical style, which he felt created a conducive environment for the actors to improvise and develop their characters authentically.

Duplass emphasized the importance of empowering young actors like his daughter, Ora, in her first major film role, and her co-star, Chosen Jacobs. He encouraged them to reinterpret parts of the script to reflect their unique perspectives. “I wrote this to the best of my ability, but there are going to be things that I just didn’t get right,” he explained.

Their Town premiered at SXSW this past Saturday and follows the story of Abby (Ora Duplass), who, after her boyfriend drops out of a high school play, helps introverted Matt (Jacobs) take on the role opposite her. The film chronicles their night-long journey through their town, filled with self-discovery and revelations from their pasts.

Aselton highlighted a dual goal for the film: to showcase the beauty of “unfussy” indie filmmaking while sharing that experience with young talents like Ora and Jacobs. “It felt like a fun foundation, as a gift to them of like, ‘Hey, just so you know, it can be done, and it can be really, really fun,’” she remarked, reflecting on the simplicity and joy of film-making in contrast to the pressures within the industry today.

Ora Duplass shared her initial nerves stepping into her lead role but expressed enthusiasm for the project. “I feel like this is such a side of teenagers that just isn’t shown on TV,” she said, emphasizing a narrative that explores the deeper, more mature feelings teenagers contend with today. She pointed out that, unlike prior generations, young people today are compelled to think critically about the state of the world and their futures.

Jacobs resonated with the film’s theme of untapped experiences among young adults, highlighting a narrative focused not solely on uniqueness but also on the “great message” that "there is something special about being regular."

Reflecting on the changing landscape for indie filmmakers, Duplass acknowledged the challenges while affirming the critical importance of storytelling in today’s society. “Making stories is possibly more important than ever,” he said, valuing the communal aspect of filmmaking as an essential practice, regardless of financial outcomes.

Aselton echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism for the evolution of cinema amid current industry challenges. “I think that this year for filmmaking has been such a cool year,” she remarked, hoping that creativity will flourish in the coming years.

The panel concluded by sharing advice for young people navigating today’s complexities. Duplass noted the importance of presence over advice, stating, “What we need more than ever right now… is for you to be a post in the maelstrom for the people that you love.”

Aselton added that the core message of Their Town revolves around vulnerability and support—“I see you, and I’m going to let you see me. And that is terrifying, but I’m not going anywhere,” she stated, defining it as a profound gift of love and friendship.

Their Town is currently being represented for sales by Submarine and CAA.