Brothers J.D. and Dustin Brenton are putting Festival Country on the big screen. Their new movie, Micronation, features familiar locations, a locally-loved band, and a quality cast of Hoosiers and nationally-recognized actors.

The bulk of filming was completed in June, and the first draft is set to be finished this year. Stay tuned for information regarding a premiere event and how you can see the film.

Dustin, who wrote, co-directed and produced Micronation, shares about his love of movies and insights into the newest film you’ll want to add to your “to watch” list.

Q: Where did your love of film and filmmaking originate?

A: It came from my older brother, J.D. Brenton. We grew up with a VHS camera our parents bought, and we made our own home movies. I always say that I was the little monkey that did whatever my brother asked me to do. I loved being in front of the camera.

When we got older, J.D. worked at Loews/Sony Theater in Greenwood, and I worked at Hollywood Video. He went to college for filmmaking in Philadelphia, and we’ve always discussed movies and how we could do it ourselves one day.

Q: What is your favorite movie of all time?

A: I have so many, but I always say The Back to the Future trilogy because I saw it when I was a kid, and it left a mark on me. I love the movie You’ve Got Mail, and can quote it, but I also love The Matrix and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, too.

Q: Is there a movie genre you gravitate towards?

A: I always say, “There are more movies out there besides Star Wars and Marvel movies.” There isn’t anything wrong with those movies, but I grew up watching the silly Pauly Shore and Adam Sandler films, Cabin Boy, Sweet Home Alabama, UHF, Office Space, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Forrest Gump. These are movies that tell stories and don’t have superheroes. Hollywood just doesn’t make them anymore…or at the very least, they are hard to find.

Q: Can you summarize your new film, Micronation, in one sentence?

A: It’s about a farmer who is learning to break out of his routines, let go of the past, and learn to love again, while trying to save his farm.

Q: What type of movie is Micronation?

A: It’s lighthearted and funny. While the premise is about a farmer saving his land through eminent domain, it’s not a political film. It’s about the farmer’s life and him breaking out of his routines. It’s similar to the comedies and romantic films that we used to see back in the 1990s.

Q: Is there a famous movie director or someone who inspires your work?

A: There is always the canned answer of Spielberg or George Lucas. There are so many great directors; we pull a little bit from everything we’ve watched. My brother and I will be shooting, and then realize that what we’ve done looks like a Michael Bay shot or something from a movie we love that we don’t even know who directed it.

Q: What do you hope the audience takes away from the film?

A: I hope they have a good time. I find that movies are an escape from the world and a form of storytelling. My intention is not to teach a lesson through the film, but viewers might learn something about love or that it’s OK to turn a page in life and start a new chapter. Ultimately, I hope they have a good time.

Q: Do you have a favorite line from the movie?

A: I don’t want to give any of the jokes away, but there are some great scenes filmed in Ann’s Restaurant. A group of friends meet there, and they talk and banter. The banter between the characters made the other actors and me laugh when we were filming.

Q: Can you tell me about the community aspect of making a film?

A: Making a movie is a completely collaborative project, from the cast and crew to my brother, fiancée, family, friends, community partners and local businesses; so many people have helped make this possible.

Q: Where can folks learn about and support local filmmakers?

A: My brother and I co-founded the Torchfire Film Festival, an annual festival celebrating new and independent filmmakers from Indiana and around the world. This is our third year, and each year, we have more submissions.

Some of the winning films are shown on the big screen of The Historic Artcraft Theatre in downtown Franklin. We’ll have awards, films, guest speakers and prizes starting at 7 p.m. on August 27. You can buy tickets online now.