Doc - Puzzle People

Documentary Feature

Title: Puzzle People

Project Status: In Development

Logline 

When a documentary on competitive speed puzzlers resonates with a film director, a quirky hobby for others becomes a tool for mental health and conversations around it.

Synopsis

Puzzling popularity has exploded recently, with sales increasing 300% during the pandemic. Within that growing community is a subset of enthusiasts who take their hobby to the extreme. They unbox brand new puzzles and see who can complete it in the fastest time. Now, these speed puzzlers are taking their passion in-person to competing in national tournaments.

Our film follows these nationally ranked puzzlers, eager to compete but also eager to make new friends. The Jigsaw Junkies are a team of 4 friends who live in 4 different cities. The only time they meet is at competitions. There’s also Adele, a grandmother who livestreams her puzzling on twitch, and has built a vast online following. She wants to find puzzlers who look like her to be able to compete with. They’ve all spoken about how puzzling has given them a place to belong.

While puzzling, our participants reveal how they've had trouble belonging outside of the puzzle community and we're able to have a deeper conversation about mental health and neurodiversity. These conversations begin to weigh on Emily, the film's Director; someone who has spent her entire life asking questions, trying to understand people. She realizes that their experience mirrors her own and realizes the importance of turning the camera on herself.

Through connecting with fellow puzzlers Emily and our audience ultimately begin to understand what it means to embrace who you are and the struggles you have. This is a film that reminds us the missing piece is often self-acceptance and finding friends that cheer for you even if you don’t win.

Team

Emily Sheskin: Director

Ben Kainz: Producer

Joe Victorine: Cinematographer

Seeking

Investors, Producing Partners, Distribution

Rights Available

All

Project Website

https://www.chickenwingpictures.com

Contact

ben@chickenwingpictures.com

414-238-3285