The Nana Project


The Nana Project is a 2023 American mockumentary comedy film directed by Robin Givens from a screenplay by Eric Ulloa, with additional writing by Carl Moellenberg and Anthony Del Negro, the film's producers. Set at the Timeless Acres Retirement Home, the film follows a documentary crew who develop an interest in one of its star residents—feisty chess master Helen “Nana” Lewis. The film stars Ruehl with an ensemble cast that includes Nicky Whelan, Morgan Fairchild, Tony Todd, Charlene Tilton, Beth Broderick, Margaret Avery, Sierra McCormick, Katie Sarife, Gina Hiraizumi, Nolan Gould and Will Peltz.
It premiered as the opening night film of the SOHO International Film Festival on September 14, 2023, and was released on VOD, Blu-ray and DVD on September 10, 2024, by Gravitas Ventures.

Plot

Cast

Production

Development and casting

On December 21, 2021, it was reported that Mercedes Ruehl will star in the mockumentary-style comedy directed by Robin Givens.
On May 12, 2022, Nicky Whelan, Morgan Fairchild, Tony Todd, Charlene Tilton, Beth Broderick, Margaret Avery, Sierra McCormick, Katie Sarife, Gina Hiraizumi, Nolan Gould, Will Peltz, Olivia d’Abo, Eddie Steeples, and Mike Manning have joined the cast.

Filming

Filming began in Louisville, Kentucky from May 18. A number of local background actors were hired to work on location: Julie Engelhardt, Lincoln Crum, Carlisle Baker, Mark Neff, Sally Johnson, Ed Hoben, Barbie Mueller, Kimberley Gant, Kathleen Ashcraft, Raydonna Guy, and Terri Weber.

Release

The film premiered as the opening night film of the SOHO International Film Festival in New York City on September 14, 2023. Some of the cast was able to attend the screening due to the producers having signed an interim agreement that would allow them to promote the film during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. On May 14, 2024, Gravitas Ventures acquired the US distribution rights to the film and set it for a VOD and physical home media release on September 10, 2024.