16 to Life explained

16 to Life
Director:Becky Smith
Producer:Terry Trimpe
Starring:Hallee Hirsh
Shiloh Fernandez
Mandy Musgrave
Theresa Russell
Music:H. Scott Salinas
Cinematography:Quyen Tran
Editing:Eleanor Infante
Country:United States
Language:English

16 to Life is a comedy film directed by Becky Smith and starring Hallee Hirsh as Kate, a bookish teen about to turn 16 who plays match-maker for her friends. Co-stars include: Shiloh Fernandez, Mandy Musgrave, Theresa Russell, Carson Kressley and Nicholas Downs.[1] The film was originally titled “Duck Farm No. 13”, but the title was changed to appeal to younger audiences; it was filmed primarily in McGregor, Iowa and premiered August 29, 2009 at the Landlocked Film Festival.[2] [3]

Premise

An omniscient narrator begins the film only to have the main character, Kate, interrupt him to add her point of view. This introduction sets the scene as we watch Kate arrive at the riverside malt shoppe, Float-on-Inn. She arrives early to read a book about the cultural revolution in China. Not your typical 16-year-old.

Kate demonstrates her maturity and care by helping her co-workers navigate their dreams, horoscopes, and moral dilemmas. At the same time, she has her own moral dilemma to navigate. Today is Kate's birthday. She's 16 and never been kissed.

Notes and References

  1. Premiere set for film shot in Iowa. Hoopla (Cedar Rapids Gazette) http://hooplanow.com/movies/2009/08/premiere-set-for-film-shot-in-iowa/
  2. Web site: Landlocked Festival bringing '16 to Life' home for premiere. Cedar Rapids Gazette. August 27, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091003191001/http://gazetteonline.com/entertainment/2009/08/20/landlocked-festival-bringing-16-to-life-home-for-premiere. October 3, 2009 .
  3. Sellout Englert Crowd Cheers Iowa-Made '16 to Life', California Chronicle, August 31, 2009, http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/yb/134747091