THESE ARE MY FRIENDS!: 5 QUESTIONS for Filmmakers Aaron Bartuska and Will DiNola

Tinsel & Tine’s 5 Questions for Indie Filmmakers Series continues in 2026 with the creators of THESE ARE MY FRIENDS! writer/director Aaron Bartuska and writer/producer Will DiNola.  

Synopsis: A new entry in the one-crazy-night canon-an eclectic cast of twentysomethings – weave an irresistibly charming and hilarious tale about love, friendship, loss, and the horrors of modern living all over the course of one fateful house party.

There’s something scrappy, sincere, and unmistakably Philly about These Are My Friends. Fresh off its world premiere at the Philadelphia Film Society SpringFest, the film leans into the messy, often unspoken dynamics of friendship with a naturalism that feels lived-in rather than scripted.

I was amused watching the antics, angsts, and awkward encounters of this group of young friends and acquaintances—despite being far removed from the demographic this film is aimed at. The filmmakers have cited “Can’t Hardly Wait” as a touchstone, which came out during my 20s, though I’ve never seen it. Even so, the intended vibe is clear: Bartuska and DiNola aren’t chasing big, dramatic swings—they’re more interested in quiet fractures and fleeting connections.

That restraint mostly works in the film’s favor, giving the ensemble room to breathe and land moments that feel authentic. At times, though, the looseness drifts into a lack of narrative urgency, making certain stretches feel more observational than purposeful. Still, there’s a relatable undercurrent about savoring that fleeting window of life—when college is behind you, and full-on adulthood hasn’t quite taken the fun out of everything.

CLICK IMAGE FOR VIDEO INTERVIEW –
5 QUESTIONS FOR AARON BARTUSKA AND WILL DINOLA

T&T: In a nutshell what was the main inspiration for THESE ARE MY FRIENDS and/or the theme that is the heart of your film?
T&T: Tell us a bit about the music? (Who did you work with? What did you want to convey? Or any other tidbits)
T&T: Was there a point where you almost didn’t finish? And if so, what pushed you forward? OR
What’s been the most memorable response you’ve received thus far from anyone after seeing your
film?
T&T: Give a quick shout out to your creative team and anyone who helped get your film from an idea to Springfest…
T&T: Name 5 favorite films which influenced your desire to be a filmmaker …

Note: These Are My Friends! is the first in a pseudo-trilogy of Philly-set films the duo has made – following some of the same characters. The second entry, The Yardley Boys, is currently free to watch online. The third entry, Everyone’s Here, has been shot and is currently being edited!