Episode 113 - Threading Destiny – Behind the scenes on the movie Sew Torn
Today we’re threading together sewing, and fate with some of the extraordinary people behind one of the most innovative and visually striking films of the year—Sew Torn. It’s a thriller. A dark comedy. And a stitched-together cinematic wonder that explores how every decision unravels a different destiny.
In Sew Torn, Barbara Duggen—‘The Mobile Seamstress’—stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong. Faced with a suitcase full of cash and two injured men, she must choose what’s next Each decision plays out in a unique timeline, with wildly different and increasingly dangerous consequences. The result is a story of grief, survival, and redemption—where thread becomes both weapon and lifeline.
Joining me are the father-and-son creative team behind the film: Freddy Macdonald, the 24-year-old - youngest-ever Directing Fellow at the American Film Institute. Freddy’s debut feature Sew Torn premiered at SXSW and headlined the Locarno Film Festival’s Piazza Grande. His thesis film, Shedding Angels, won a Student Academy Award and was shortlisted for a BAFTA. Sew Torn was acquired by Vertigo Releasing and Sunrise Films and opened theatrically nationwide
Alongside him is his father and producing partner Fred Macdonald—a seasoned media executive and writer whose companies have collaborated with Disney, DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and more. As former CEO of Olive Jar Studios, Fred led creative for award-winning theme park media and advertising campaigns, including a CLIO Gold-winning Coca-Cola spot.
Also joining us is the magnetic Irish actor, Eve Connolly. A graduate of Dublin’s Gaiety School of Acting, Eve launched her screen career in Into the Badlands, and has since appeared in The Other Lamb, Vikings, and River Wild. In Sew Torn, she brings grit, emotion, and inventiveness to her role as Barbara—a woman who sews her way out of impossible circumstances.
We’ll talk about how sewing literally powers the film—from embroidered “Talking Portraits” to stitched title cards to intricate Rube Goldberg-style thread rigs. And we’ll explore how the film’s visual and emotional complexity reflects the choices we make—and the ones that make us.
(3:27) Hear a clip from the movie that sets the scene for the whole movie. Fred and Freddy comment on it. Hear how the concept for this film was Freddy’s entrée to the American Film Institute. No Country For Old Men had something to do with this!
(6:33) What was it like to get a call from Joel Cohen? Fred explains. The three things Fred heard on the initial call from a friend Peter Spears, Joel Cohen wants to meet, Searchlight wants to buy the short film, Rich Klubeck from United Talent Agency (UTA) wants to represent Freddy as a director. This all happened while Freddy was still a high school senior.
(10:17) How did the whole movie launch from the simple idea of a lost button? And by the way…there were NO computer-generated effects in the movie.
(13:30) What’s it like for Freddy and Fred to work together? Do they always agree? agree? Freddy learned stop motion animation at the age of nine…from his dad. At the same time Fred taught Freddy to write films!
(17:11) Three altering decisions. Why this story structure? Freddy explains the difficulty in making the feature length film out of the short.
(19:49)How long did it take from beginning to end to make the film? Well…Freddy was 18 when they started – and just turned 24 as it was released!
(20:24)Freddy and Fred explain the Rube-Goldberg contraptions they built. No-tricks…everything was in camera…with a small budget too! And…what was their OMG moment?!
(23:46) The embroidered talking portraits…Fred and Freddy talked about these innovative elements in the movie and how they were created. Learn how BERNINA was essential in creating these and how they all worked together. Hear about the Metler introduction and how this made such an impact in the movie
(27:46) Location, location, location. How did the town where they shot the movie affect the feeling and cinematography of the movie? Learn about this town and the people who live there…and how some of them were extras in the movie.
(31:03) Barbara’s journey…what influenced her arc? Physical want + emotional need.
(32:25) This deeply physical film leans surprisingly heavily on non-verbal. How did Freddy and Fred make this work? Also, hear about Eve’s audition for her part and what she did to win the role.
(35:06) Sound design and the music score were deeply important to this movie. Learn how Jacob Tardien the music composer created the sound that added so much to the film. And learn how that sound was made.
(37:32) What was the toughest scene to film and how did they approach it? And how did no dialog carry this critical 6 minutes?
(40:02) There are three very distinct stories in this movie…how were they filmed? Well, Freddy, as the script supervisor, explains how they put all of this together and maintained continuity.
(41:24) Any special behind-the-scenes stories that can be revealed just for this podcast? Oh yes…listen to Fred’s story about an actor that maintained character…all the time!
(45:38) What’s next for Freddy and Fred? Working together is at the top of this list. Do they have one in the works…yes, yes they do! And Fred would like a slightly bigger budget for the next film!
(46:50) Anything we didn’t ask that they wish we had?! Not a thing.
(47:40) How can you reach Freddy and Fred? www.macdonaldentertainment partners.com.
(48:13) Now…meet Eve Connolly
(48:50) Eve talks about what drew her to the script. The short film had a lot to do with it!
(49:45) Eve tells of the initial conversation she had with Freddy and Fred. Their explanation of wanting emotional depth for Barbara was a large draw.
(51:33) How did Barbara prepare for this role? Years of working as an actor prepared her…but finding something to identify with was even more important. Once on set…she’s ready to go and she’s in the moment!
(52:46) Hear Barbara’s favorite clip form the movie…and the pivotal conversation that tells so much. Now Barbara shares what this meant to her and why.
(55:28) This incredible physical role…How did Eve do this?
(56:27) The rigs that were created in the film…Barbara tells all. How did she learn to build and manage these? Does Eve sew?!
(58:41) The dance in the movie…Barbara tells of doing this dance and how she felt doing. How did she audition for this? Over ZOOM…and the dance…it was a natural for her…and very emotional.
(1:01:39) Location–Location-Location. How did this affect her performance?
(1:02:30) And that haunting stillness?
(1:03:41) What part of Barbara’s character stayed with Eve? That very strong connection with her mother…and the fact that she did this even though it was quite intimidating. Eve know the potential for this film and wanted to do justice to this creation. Overcoming her nerves was pretty big for her!
(1:05:56) Did this experience change how Eve will play future roles?
(1:07:07) What was her favorite of filming. The cast, the crew…all the people involved in the movie. Definite respect for Freddy as her director. Oh, and singing High School Musical every day before filming!
(1:08:11) Her favorite part of the movie…refer back to the clip we played! And filming the scenes on the road.
(1:09:19) Any behind the scenes stories? She talks about the car. And yes, it wasn’t a prop…it’s a real thing!
(1:10:51) What’s Eve’s dream? Not what you might think. What’s next…she’s developing a series in Ireland.
(1:11::51) Anything we didn’t ask?
(1:12:03) How can you reach out to Eve? @eveconnolly on Instagram.
Our Thanks to Freddy and Fred Macdonald and Eve Connolly for their time and conversation.
You can now order Sew Torn to be released on June 13th on Apple+TV.
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