9-06-2023 2:11pm

FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA ANNOUNCES Waiting for the Light to Change" - A Poignant Exploration of Twentysomething Malaise

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

"Waiting for the Light to Change"

2023 Slamdance Film Festival ‘Grand Jury Prize’ Winner

Imagine being nestled in a serene lake house in Michigan, the chilly breath of early spring caressing your face. "Waiting for the Light to Change," a film directed by the talented Linh Tran, transports you to this very setting. The story unfolds over a week-long beachside getaway where five friends in their twenties find themselves mired in existential contemplations.

Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, there is little to do in this quaint lakeside town. This tranquility, however, proves to be a catalyst for introspection. The characters grapple with the quintessential crises of their early-to-mid twenties: the daunting prospect of growing older, the pressure of establishing a career, the relentless quest for life's purpose, the weight of past regrets, and the anxiety over an uncertain future.

The Creative Minds Behind the Scenes

Linh Tran didn't just direct this film; she also co-wrote it, along with Jewells Santos and Delia Van Praag. The producing team, composed of Jake Rotger, Jewells Santos, and Sam Straley, worked tirelessly to bring this poignant story to life, with James Choi lending his expertise as the executive producer.

A Stellar Ensemble Cast

Leading the cast is Sam Straley, who you might recognize from the Hulu series "The Dropout," or from his regular appearances on "The Kids are Alright" (ABC) and "Welcome to Flatch" (Fox). Straley portrays ‘Jay’, a character as complex and layered as the actor himself.

Completing the ensemble are Eric Barrientos as ‘Alex’, Qun Chi as ‘Lin’, Joyce Ha as ‘Kim’, and Jin Park as ‘Amy’. Each actor brings a unique depth to their characters, further enriching the narrative of "Waiting for the Light to Change".

So, if you're in the mood for a film that combines scenic beauty with emotional depth, "Waiting for the Light to Change" is the perfect pick for your next movie night. It's not just a film; it's an introspective journey into the heart of youth and the crossroads of life.

-By Anita Johnson-Brown

"Waiting for the Light to Change" release dates, Debuts Theatrically in New York on Sept 15th and Chicago on Sept 22nd. Premieres on North American DVD and VOD Platforms on October 20, 2023...

Los Angeles, CA – September 6, 2023 – Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, is pleased to announce both theatrical and digital release dates for filmmaker Linh Tran’s debut film, the dramatic feature WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE -- the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival ‘Grand Jury Prize’ winner for ‘Best Narrative Feature.’ WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE will be available to rent/own on all digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms in North America, as well as on DVD, starting on October 20, 2023, through Freestyle Digital Media.

The acquisition of WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE kicks off Freestyle Digital Media’s first look with DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts and its Indie Studio Initiative, which produces DePaul student feature films. Prior to the October 20, 2023, digital release date, 2 limited week-long theatrical engagements for WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE are scheduled in New York and Chicago.

New York -- September 15-21, 2023 at Manhattan’s Quad Cinema. Immediately following both the Friday (9/15/23) evening and Saturday (9/16/23) evening showings, there will be Q&A sessions with WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE director/writer Linh Tran, actor/producer Sam Straley, producer Jewells Santos, and producer Jake Rotger. Tickets are now available for purchase on the Quad Cinema website:www.quadcinema.com
Chicago – September 22-28, 2023 at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center. Immediately following the Saturday (9/23/23, 6:00 p.m.), Sunday (9/24/23, 3:00 pm), and Wednesday (9/27/23, 6:00 pm) showings, there will be Q&A sessions with WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE director/writer Linh Tran (9/23 and 9/24 showings only), actress Jin Park, producer Jewells Santos, and executive producer James Choi. Tickets are now available for purchase on the Gene Siskel Film Center website: https://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/waiting-light-change