“Pushing DIY filmmaking close to its creative limits, writer-directors Alexandra Kotcheff and Hannah Leder assume nearly all scripting, performing and production duties on their debut, The Planters. An offbeat indie in the vein of memorable comedies like Ghost World, Napoleon Dynamite and Rushmore that enthusiastically celebrates its own particular idiosyncrasies, this distinctive feature should enjoy a robust festival run…”
“When the book of no-budget filmmaking war stories is written The Planters should get its own chapter. Not only were Hannah Leder and Alexandra Kotcheff the co-writers and co-directors of this truly independent comedy, they also served as its cinematographer and camera operator, gaffer, production designer, wardrobe designer, hair stylist, sound recordist, and — oh yes — its two lead actors. With only producer Jacqueline Beiro and a few supporting performers rounding out the production team, Leder and Kotcheff persisted through desert heat and nearly 130 days of filming to produce their feature debut.”
“Rare is the film project that can be made with a crew you could count on one hand. Rarer still is one where the entire production team, cast and could fit on a tandem bike. It might sound crazy, but that’s exactly how Alexandra Kotcheff and Hannah Leder chose to make “The Planters,” their desert-bound dark buddy comedy of sorts.”
“The Planters triumphs at Raindance Film Festival: Alexandra Kotcheff and Hannah Leder’s Triple F-Rated feature The Planters - the rating given to films directed and/or written by women, which also includes women in significant roles on screen – has been named Film of the Festival at the UK’s Raindance Film Festival (September 18-29).”
“This week on On Story, co-writers and directors Alexandra Kotcheff and Hannah Leder discuss the process of making their feature film, The Planters. The film is a whimsically stylized comedy about a woman who buries treasure in the desert and befriends another young woman with a multitude of personalities. Kotcheff and Leder both star in the film.”