#United States #Durango #Bryan Mittelstadt #Quiet After Supper #Durango Festival

Bryan Mittelstadt Takes Home Best Actor Award

At the recent Durango Independent Film Festival (DIFF) in Colorado, actor Bryan Mittelstadt received the Jury Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Narrative Feature for his powerful portrayal of Tristan Weathers in the psychological thriller Quiet After Supper, produced by Lonely Rider Productions. This accomplishment highlights Mittelstadt’s impressive range and ability to embody complex characters.

A Dark and Gripping Story

Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, Quiet After Supper dives into the tumultuous life of Tristan Weathers—a meticulously organized serial killer. The story takes a turn when Tristan’s past friend, Abby, resurfaces, prompting a tense exploration of trust and dark secrets. Their meeting, seemingly innocent at first, unravels into a harrowing encounter that exposes Abby to the haunting relics of Tristan's horrific acts, leading her towards unsettling revelations.

Directed by Francis Tejada, who also wrote and edited the film, Quiet After Supper stands out for its combination of tightly woven narrative and character-driven development. It is more than just a thriller; it is a deep psychological exploration of the duality of human nature and the relationships we forge.

A Collaborative Effort

The film boasts a dynamic team, with notable performances by Laura Cantwell as Abby and strong supporting roles from Emma Reinagel, Alan Del Murphy, and Selena Lantry. The collaboration among the cast and crew created a haunting atmosphere that resonates with viewers, drawing them into a world imbued with tension and emotional depth. Tejada’s vision for the film blends meticulous planning with improvisational elements, creating a suspenseful yet unpredictable viewing experience.

Mittelstadt expressed his gratitude for the recognition from DIFF, emphasizing the collective effort involved in the production. He remarked, "Playing a character who is both disturbingly calculating and deeply human was a rare challenge, and sharing Quiet After Supper with such engaged audiences… has been an unforgettable experience."

Critical Recognition

Notably, the film and Mittelstadt have been recognized with several awards and selections at film festivals across the country. Mittelstadt's performance continues to garner attention, contributing to the film's reputation as a significant entry in the independent film realm. Recent accolades include:

• - Best Actor at the Fear Fest at the Farm 2025
• - Official Selection at the Dark Matter Film Festival 2025
• - Best Feature Film and Best Editing at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema 2026

Following its festival success, Quiet After Supper is looking toward further festival circuits and is exploring distribution opportunities, aiming to reach a broader audience. The combination of a compelling narrative and standout performances establishes the film as a captivating piece of independent cinema.

For those interested in delving into the world of Quiet After Supper, the trailer is available on YouTube, showcasing the haunting visuals and gripping performances that have captivated audiences at film festivals. As the film continues to gain momentum, it stands as a testament to the talent involved and the powerful stories available in independent filmmaking.