Ben, a young auto mechanic, living in a small town spends his days working, fixing cars at the local highway rest stop owned by his grandmother, Joanie. A business that has now become obsolete with the surge of new automated and electric vehicles on the roadways. No one needs to stop at a gas station anymore. Instead he fills his time replacing out of date snacks and repairing his own car: a ‘73 Ford Mustang. As Joanie’s age begins to catch up to her, Ben must face the truth about the new world he lives in and the life they currently live.

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FROM THE DIRECTOR

“‘Rest Stop’ emerged from the intersections of my personal history and the evolving landscape of technology. As a child, I witnessed the impact of the digital era firsthand when my best friend's family retail business succumbed to the rise of online shopping. The indelible memory of that closure, marked by his tearful departure, left an enduring impression on me.

A decade later, while on a familiar drive to Denver, a seemingly unrelated radio segment on automated cars sparked a profound connection. The discussion centered on the potential economic upheaval for small highway towns due to electric and automated vehicles. This small moment of insight resonated deeply, prompting a vivid recollection of my friend's family and their struggle against the tides of technological change. It was a conspicuous absence in the discourse – the human narrative submerged beneath economic analyses. REST STOP is my response, an exploration not just of the economic repercussions but a poignant examination of the human consequences entwined with technological progress.

Through this project, I seek to unveil the stories of those affected by the inexorable march of innovation, mirroring my friend's experience from years ago. As electric cars redefine travel and commerce, the owners of rest stops and roadside attractions face an uncertain future, echoing the uncertainties my friend's family navigated in the face of e-commerce. In essence, REST STOP is a reflection of the humans affected by a world in constant transformation.”

-Noah Sellman

CREDITS:

CAST
Ben// Gabe Rivas (@gabagoolrivas)
Joanie// Marilyn Brett (@marilynbretttoo)
Gavin// Eric Charles Jorgenson (@ericcharlesjorgenson)

CREW
Director & Writer// Noah Sellman/ @noahsellman

Producers// Matt Marder/ @mattmarderfilms , Russell Goldman/ @russell_goldman
Executive Producer// Russell Goldman/ @russell_goldman , Ishi Metkar/ @ishiserious , George Sellman

Cinematographer// Matt Kleppner/ @mattkleppner
Assistant Director// Jess Dho/ @jessicadho
Production Designer// Shane Bannon/ @shanebannonfanaccount
Editor// Mike Small/ @mike7y

VFX Supervisor// Alan Chamberlain
Score// Sleeping Lion/ @sleepinglionmusic
Sound Design// Nate Flaks/ @nateflaks
Sound Recording// Sydney Kasahara/ @sydneykfilm

Casting// Jamie Ember/ @jemberjembs
Hair & Make-up// Emma Croft/ @emmacroftmakeup

Gaffer// Kishan Patel/ @kpatelcine
1st AC// Ali Arminio/ @aliarminio
2nd AC// Earl Xiaoh Davis/ @cine.arl
Art Director// Celina Bernstein/ @cgrayb
Key Grip// Erique Dubois/ @eriqueduboise
Swing G&E// Rene Salguero/ @rene_salguero_griplife

Script Supervisor// Tamara Farsadi
CCO// Richard Smith
PA// Amanda Rockwell/ @amandafernandezrockwell, Isabella Fitzgerald Harewood/ @izzyfh