The Nana Project is a 2023 American mockumentary comedy film directed by Robin Givens from a screenplay by Eric Ulloa (in his narrative feature writing debut), with additional writing by Carl Moellenberg and Anthony Del Negro, the film's producers. Set at the Timeless Acres Retirement Home, the film follows a documentary crew who develop an interest in one of its star residents—feisty chess master Helen “Nana” Lewis (Mercedes Ruehl). The film stars Ruehl with Nicky Whelan, Morgan Fairchild, Tony Todd, Charlene Tilton, Beth Broderick, Margaret Avery, Sierra McCormick, Katie Sarife, Gina Hiraizumi, Nolan Gould and Will Peltz.
It premiered as the opening night film of the SOHO International Film Festival on September 14, 2023.
Cast
Mercedes Ruehl as Helen “Nana” Lewis
Nicky Whelan as Jennifer
Morgan Fairchild as Francesca
Tony Todd as Jack
Charlene Tilton as Esther
Beth Broderick as Kitty
Margaret Avery as Gladys
Sierra McCormick as Sarah
Katie Sarife as Linda Jenkins
Gina Hiraizumi as Lisa Chen
Christina Moore as Cindy Trublen
Nolan Gould as Andrew
Will Peltz as Cody
Mike Manning as Todd Stevens
Production
On December 21, 2021, it was reported that Mercedes Ruehl will star in the mockumentary-style comedy directed by Robin Givens. On May 12, 2022, Nicky Whelan, Morgan Fairchild, Tony Todd, Charlene Tilton, Beth Broderick, Margaret Avery, Sierra McCormick, Katie Sarife, Gina Hiraizumi, Nolan Gould, Will Peltz, Olivia d’Abo, Eddie Steeples, and Mike Manning have joined the cast. Filming began in Louisville, Kentucky from May 18. A number of local background actors were hired to work on location: Julie Engelhardt, Lincoln Crum, Carlisle Baker, Mark Neff, Sally Johnson, Ed Hoben, Barbie Mueller, Kimberley Gant, Kathleen Ashcraft, Raydonna Guy, and Terri Weber.
Release
The film premiered as the opening night film of the SOHO International Film Festival in New York City on September 14, 2023.