Some films whisper instead of shouting. Piggy Duster is one of those rare projects that stays with you long after the credits roll. Premiering at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, this intimate feature tells the story of Vivian (Julia Ma) and her stepfather Keith (Brian Landis Folkins), who retreat to the Colorado Rockies in an attempt to rekindle the childhood tradition of their annual camping trip. However, tensions rise when Vivian plans to attend college near her biological father in China. As emotions flare, a curious bear circles their campsite, forcing both to confront unspoken truths and unresolved bonds.
Written and directed by a close-knit team of independent artists, Piggy Duster was inspired by the filmmaker’s experience camping with his father. One summer, a bear wandered into their camp, and while his brother slept, he and his father stayed up all night. That night sparked an emotional turning point and became the seed of this film years later. “It’s a story about the camping trip that didn’t go as planned but brought us closer,” the director explains.
The film’s development spanned over a decade, fueled by long-term creative relationships. Actress Julia Ma, who plays Vivian, worked with the director on a short film when she was eight. Over the years, they stayed in touch and began developing Piggy Duster together. Her role was written specifically for her. The role of Keith was filled much later, with veteran actor Brian Landis Folkins joining just a month before filming. Their chemistry is undeniable and essential to the film’s impact.
Shot at 10,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies, Piggy Duster is a true two-hander. With just two characters driving the story, the film unfolds in long, uninterrupted takes that allow emotional beats to breathe. There’s no rush, no gloss, just an authentic rhythm that mirrors real life. It’s a style deeply influenced by the quiet magic of filmmakers like Hayao Miyazaki.
At its core, Piggy Duster explores identity and reflection. “You’re always ‘you,’ but sometimes you lose track of who exactly that is, the filmmaker says. The film speaks to that internal struggle, especially in relationships where we’re known in ways that may not reflect who we’ve become. Both characters grapple with change and find a way forward through that tension.
The production was a labor of love. Almost every crew member wore multiple hats. Producers Alex Rhodes-Wilmere, Evan Diercks-Brown, and MJ Alhabeeb Jr. helped shepherd the project through years of shifting industry challenges. Cinematographer Laffrey Witbrod brought a raw, naturalistic beauty to the visuals. Elysee Wilsey’s art direction gave the film an almost tactile warmth, while editor Billy Vinson shaped the narrative in post with clarity and care.
Despite the rugged setting, the wilderness didn’t present the biggest obstacle. It was navigating the changing landscape of the film industry over five years of development. The team worked hard to stretch every dollar and keep the creative integrity intact. “The most rewarding part has been when someone tells me, ‘I need to call my dad’ or ‘I need to reach out to someone,’” the director shares. “That’s what the film is meant to do.”
Though filmed in Colorado, Piggy Duster carries a meaningful link to the Midwest through producer Alex Rhodes-Wilmere, who hails from the Chicagoland area and got his start in filmmaking there.
The team felt strongly that JDIFF would be the right home for their film. “We didn’t want to screen just anywhere,” they said. “We wanted a festival that values films with heart. Julien Dubuque has that reputation.”
The connection to JDIFF also came through producer MJ Alhabeeb Jr., who previously screened his film Plight at the festival and returned raving about its unique community and spirit. That endorsement and the festival’s support of authentic indie voices made the decision easy.
“To be part of the JDIFF lineup is a real honor,” the director says. “We’re excited to screen alongside so many great films and meet audiences who appreciate storytelling with emotional depth.” They’re especially looking forward to seeing how Dubuque’s tight-knit community responds to a story that is, at its core, about connection.
As for what they hope audiences take away, the message is simple. “When the film ends, we hope people feel moved to reach out. To call that person they’ve been thinking about. The one they’re not sure how to talk to. Piggy Duster is a soft film but carries a deep emotional weight. It’s about listening, healing, and remembering that love sometimes lives in silence.”
You can follow the film’s journey at PiggyDuster.com or by searching Piggy Duster on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, IMDb, and Letterboxd.
