West by God

Dane is used to everybody wanting something from him. As a drug dealer in small-town West Virginia, it kind of goes with the territory. Nelly remains unimpressed, even when he does a little business on the side during their first date. The high school student exerts fascination on Dane. He can talk to her – about dreams, regrets and the fact that maybe it’s not so cool after all when your own life has become a rap anthem.
by Scott Lazer
with Aphrodite Armstrong, Kyle Riggs, Michael Washington
USA 2022 English 13’ Colour World premiere recommendation: 14 years and up

With

  • Aphrodite Armstrong (Nelly)
  • Kyle Riggs (Dane)
  • Michael Washington (Fiona)

Crew

Director Scott Lazer
Screenplay Juli Blachowiak
Cinematography Taylor McIntosh
Sound Design Dean White
Sound Rob Bluemke
Casting Cathrine Lellie
Colourist Derek Hansen
Associate Producer Anthony Greene
Producers Jefferis Gray, Talia Cohen

Scott Lazer

The director was raised in the American South and the communities and subcultures of New Orleans, North Carolina and West Virginia inspire his filmmaking to this day. At home in all genres, forms and media, he selects an approach for each new project that uniquely serves the story he wants to tell.

Filmography

2016 J. Cole – Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming; documentary 2017 J. Cole – 4 Your Eyez Only; documentary 2020 Visitors; short documentary · Commute; short documentary 2021 Mango; short film 2022 West by God; short film

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2022