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Where We're Meant to Be
Where We're Meant to Be
	Official poster
Directed by	Michael Howard
Written by	Michael Howard
Starring	Blayne Weaver; Tate Hanyok; Sarah Bousquet; Tracey Coppedge; Tim Ross; Anna Nalepka; Seth Nicholas Gore;
Cinematography	Chris Medico
Edited by	Michael Howard
Production; company	Invisible Productions
Distributed by	TurnKey Films
Release dates	April 8, 2016 (Vail Film Festival); July 7, 2017;
Running time	113 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$35,000

Where We're Meant to Be is a 2016 American drama film written and directed by Michael Howard. The film travels in and out of the lives of a number of different characters as each one connects to the next during their most pivotal moments.

The film won multiple awards during its film festival run and was picked up for distribution by TurnKey Films in 2017. It was released via Flix Premiere in July 2017.

Plot

The film consists of multiple storylines and each story has a character or incident that changes the life of another character in a variety of ways. Some interactions are very direct while others may be small, seemingly inconsequential, moments that have just as large of an impact. The film explores these moments and more as we see into various lives during certain vital moments.^[1]

The stories broadly consist of:

A couple on a blind date.
A sister deals with loss concerning her brother and nephew.
An older woman dating a younger man must choose between her relationship and her children.
An FBI surveillance team oversees an abduction and the resulting fallout.
A teenage boy and girl attempt their first sexual experience.
An engaged mother of two deals with an unexpected illness.
A married couple struggle with the thought of parenting.

Primary cast

Blayne Weaver as Charlie
Tate Hanyok as Anna
Sarah Bousquet as Samantha
Meredith Sause as Beth
Lex Wilson as Cameron
Harper Grimmett as Finn
Tracey Coppedge as Carrie
Tim Ross as Bobby
Anna Nalepka as Wendy
Seth Nicholas Gore as Will
Rob Rainbolt as Peter
Michael Howard as John
Don Sill as Chad
Shalita McFarland as Tisha
Thaddaeus Edwards as Walter
Eric Pastore as Jeff
Stephanie Minervino as Katie
Christopher Houldsworth as Mac
Jack Harrison as Ferrante
Pepi Streiff as Granny

Production

Where We're Meant to Be was filmed on a budget of $25,000 over 23 days between May and July 2015. The film was shot on location in North Carolina with filming taking place in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Roxboro, Cary and Fuquay-Varina.^[2]

Music

The score was written by Steven Grove and the soundtrack consists of songs from Greg Laswell, Cary Brothers, Jack the Radio, Day at the Fair, Buddy (band), Tom Rosenthal (musician), Butterfly Boucher, and other indie artists from around the world.^[3]

Themes

The central theme of the film is connection and how small moments that seem inconsequential can make a huge difference in a life. And since you don't know what moments can make the difference, there's no point in stressing out about it. Howard says of the theme that "one of the most important aspects is to just live your life regardless of what's happening around you. If you're worried or stressed out about something, it's not going to do any good to shut down and not keep moving on. And whether the situation turns out good or bad, there was still so much wasted time in that interim. It's not how much time you have; it's how you use that time that makes all the difference.^[4]

Reception

The film had its world premiere on April 8, 2016 at the Vail Film Festival and continued on with a successful film festival run. It garnered more than a dozen award wins and nominations throughout the festival circuit and was picked up for distribution by TurnKey Films in 2017.^[5]

Critical reception

Where We're Meant to Be received positive reviews from critics.

Reel Honest Reviews: "A thoughtful, beautiful film full of love and emotion. Creating such a philosophical and entertaining film on this budget should be lauded as a true accomplishment. Be sure to catch this film...it might just change how you see the world."^[6]

Indie Spotlight Network: "...bravely written script with heartfelt dialogue as well as compelling character development."^[7]

The Independent Critic: "Where We're Meant to be is an indie gem" and "emotionally honest story and performances along with an uncommon intelligence that permeates through every digital cell of the film."^[8]

Accolades

Festival	Year	Award Category^{[citation needed]}	Recipient	Result
filmSPARK Film Festival	2016	Best Film (Best of Fest)	Where We're Meant to Be	Won
Raleigh Film Festival	2016	Best Feature Film	Where We're Meant to Be	Won
Los Angeles Cinefest	2016	Audience Award Best Film	Where We're Meant to Be	Won
Los Angeles Cinefest	2016	Best Feature Film	Where We're Meant to Be	Nominated
North Carolina Film Awards	2016	President's Award	Michael Howard	Won
Cape Fear Independent Film Festival	2017	Best Screenplay - "Don Award"	Michael Howard	Won
Cape Fear Independent Film Festival	2017	Best Feature Film	Where We're Meant to Be	Nominated
Eastern NC Film Festival	2016	Best Film	Where We're Meant to Be	Won
		Audience - "Distance Award"	Where We're Meant to Be	Won
		Best Supporting Actor	Seth Nicholas Gore	Won
		Best Actress	Tracey Coppedge	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actress	Anna Nalepka	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actor	Blayne Weaver	Nominated
GardenCity International Film Festival	2017	Best Feature Film	Where We're Meant to Be	Nominated
Asheville Film Festival	2016	Best Supporting Actress	Anna Nalepka	Won
		Best Film	Where We're Meant to Be	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actor	Jack Harrison	Nominated