One of the most highly anticipated indie films of the year was made right here in the region, and it finally hits the big screen this weekend. ‘What We Hide’ is a family drama focused on two young sisters caught up in fear and lies as the strength of their bond is tested by those with questionable motives. You can see the official trailer here.
What We Hide was written and directed by award-winning creator Dan Kay, with critics saying this locally-filmed flick “crafts a raw, emotionally intense … indie gem.” The ensemble cast features a mix of rising and established stars, with particularly impressive performances by young actors in the dramatic piece. Much of the film was shot in the Tampa Bay region, including Seminole High School, Bauder Elementary, and several Plant City locations (including the sisters’ home). Area residents filled out much of the film crew, as well, adding even more Tampa Bay flair to the film.
After making a limited debut last week in NYC and LA, the acclaimed film festival favorite makes its nationwide debut this weekend, including runs at four of our favorite theaters across the Tampa Bay Area. Here’s where you can catch What We Hide in the region:
Tampa Theatre – Tampa, August 29 – September 4th
Green Light Cinema – St. Pete, August 29 – September 4th
Burns Court Cinema – Sarasota, August 29 – August 31
Premiere Cinemas – Plant City, August 29 – September 4th
In addition to the screenings, there are several events planned in the area for the release of What We Hide. For a special experience, we highly recommend attending one of the screenings that includes post-film Q&As with producers and cast:
- August 29 – Tampa Theatre, 7:30 pm showing
- August 30 – Plant City Premier Lux, 1:15 showing
- August 30 – Green Light Cinema, 7 pm showing
- August 31 – Burns Court, 3:30 pm showing
- September 4 – Tampa Theatre, 7:30 pm showing
What We Hide shines a light on the struggles of ‘opioid orphans’
What We Hide is one of the first major movies to showcase the stories of the opioid epidemic through the eyes not of the victims who lose their lives, but of the people affected by their addiction and loss. The film opens immediately after their mother’s fatal overdose, as sisters Spider (McKenna Grace) and Jessie (Jojo Regina) hide her body to avoid being separated by the strained foster care system. But with the local sheriff (Jesse Williams) asking questions and their mom’s drug dealer (Dacre Montgomery) lurking, their future becomes uncertain. How far will they go to keep their secret?
“I’ve been interested in telling a story about the opioid epidemic for years, because my family, like millions of American families, has been directly impacted,” writer/director Dan Kay said. “We’ve experienced how the insidious disease of addiction not only destroys the life of the addict but tears apart the fabric and foundation of the addict’s family. It’s this damage, the collateral damage caused by addiction, that compels me. Most of the books, articles, movies, and TV shows on this topic focus on the addict. But what about the heartbreak and chaos that’s left in the addict’s wake?”
In addition to established actors in supporting roles, the film’s main characters – sisters Spider and Jessie – are played by two of the fastest rising stars in Hollywood. McKenna Grace has become instantly recognizable, thanks to her Primetime Emmy-nominated performance as Esther Keyes in The Handmaid’s Tale and for her excellent work in movies like Captain Marvel and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Up next, she will take on a main role in a new Hunger Games film, Sunrise On The Reaping.
Jojo Regina, meanwhile, has been stunning audiences with the depth of her performances for someone so young. Her breakout role came in 2022 as young Kya Clark in the blockbuster film adaptation of Where The Crawdads Sing.
Don’t miss this locally-made film when it hits our theaters this weekend. Read more about the movie here. See its official filming location across the region courtesy of Film Tampa Bay. What We Hide will also be available for purchase or rental on streaming platforms, including AppleTV, Amazon and Fandango at Home, beginning August 29.
