Filmmaker Statement

The Man on the Bus is inspired by a combination of a long-distance relationship that I was in and an article that I once read about the importance of discussing boundaries early on in relationships. The film explores what happens when a supposedly monogamous couple discover too late that they have different definitions of cheating. Lara also encounters alternative possibilities for her future during her journey, including the mundane interactions of a middle-aged couple, a woman clinging to her youth and going through yet another breakup, a happy family at their bus stop reunion, and a young man that she quickly begins to idealize. The film asks, how can you tell if a relationship will last or not? I am pursuing the challenge of conveying ambiguity and complexity in relationships through film while still telling a concise and engaging story. I hope that audiences will find the story thought-provoking and that it will spark discussions about the characters’ differing perspectives.