EXCLUSIVE: Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live) is among the names that have signed on to star in the indie feature Best Friends Forever from filmmaker Liz Manashil.
Also set to star are Kimia Behpoornia (Abbott Elementary), Eliza Bennett (Dynasty), Catherine Corcoran (Terrifier), Jessie Ennis (Mythic Quest), Aparna Nancherla (Another Simple Favor), Esther Povitsky (Drugstone June), and Rekha Shankar (Gamechanger).
The film is written by Amy Taylor and Liz Manashil and will be directed by Liz Manashil (Bread and Butter). The film is produced by Laura Reich and Pardis Sullins, line produced by Elena Weinberg, and executive produced by Tiffany L Gray, Katie Leary, Charlie and Will Pigott, and Debra Treviño. Associate producers are Emily Hagins (Sorry About the Demon), Ted Geoghegan (We Are Still Here), and Carter Smith (The Ruins).
The horror-comedy follows the bachelorette party reunion of five high school friends as they become exposed to toxic positivity turned supernatural and start to turn against each other. Manashil, who previously managed Sundance Institute’s Creative Distribution Initiative and is a producer’s rep for independent features, is embarking on this project for multiple reasons.
“Making a feature in 2025 requires a lot of reflection on how to create something both boundary-pushing content-wise as well as sustainable,” said Manashil, who previously managed Sundance Institute’s Creative Distribution Initiative.
“Our producers are on board for the long haul to create opportunities for this film outside of the traditional distribution deals. We’re looking to prove something with this picture: that the people who have committed their lives to telling stories can carve a path to do so for the long term. Creatively, our predominantly women-led team is working to tell a story that makes people laugh, cry, and want to throw up. That’s the sweet spot.”
