Breakup Season is a 2024 American romantic Comedy drama film written & directed by H. Nelson Tracey.
Breakup Season had its world premiere at the Desertscape International Film Festival in St. George, Utah on March 29, 2024.
Plot
Ben Russell (
Chandler Riggs) brings his girlfriend Cassie (
Samantha Isler) to his rural hometown for Christmas. Not long after they arrive, tensions within the family and unresolved issues in the couple's relationship lead to an argument that ends in a breakup. Cassie plans to return home, but winter weather and the town's remote location make travel impossible. Forced to remain together for the rest of the holiday, she and Ben navigate the discomfort of their recent breakup while spending Christmas together alongside Ben's family.
Cast
Development
Breakup Season was developed through the Filmmaker Residency program at the Eastern Oregon Film Festival, which provided writer-director H. Nelson Tracey with time, creative space, and resources to develop the screenplay, marking his feature-length debut as a writer and director.
The script evolved through live readings and local engagement, forming the foundation for the film's emotional and geographic setting.
Production
Principal photography took place in February 2023 in La Grande, Oregon.
Local community members participated as extras and provided logistical support.
The production was featured in local coverage for its positive impact on the community.
Release
World premiere
Breakup Season held its World Premiere on March 29, 2024 at the Desertscape International Film Festival in St. George, Utah.
Cast and crew attended the premiere, including all 6 members of the principal ensemble cast, and the film received 4 awards from the festival.
Festival circuit
Breakup Season screened at 39 film festivals in the United States.
Notable Film Festival selections included: Newport Beach,
Port Townsend,
Waco Independent,
Julien Dubuque,
RiverRun,
and San Antonio.
The film received multiple jury and audience awards on the festival circuit.
- Denver premiere
Breakup Season had its
Denver premiere at the Esquire Theatre on June 19, 2025.
The film's writer-director H. Nelson Tracey grew up blocks away from the Esquire Theatre, and the sold-out screening was one of the final public events at the historic 97-year-old venue before its closure.
It was covered by several local news outlets.
- Tulsa premiere
Breakup Season held its Tulsa premiere at the
Circle Cinema Film Festival on July 15, 2024, where it served as the festival's closing night selection.
The sold-out screening also coincided with Tulsa born actress
Samantha Isler receiving a Circle Cinema Walk of Fame medallion,
an honor she described as a surreal milestone given her long history with the theater.
- La Grande premiere
Breakup Season held its premiere in La Grande, Oregon, the movie's filming location, during the Eastern Oregon Film Festival on October 18, 2024.
The film screened to a sold-out audience at Eastern Oregon University's McKenzie Theatre and received a standing ovation.
The screening also coincided with La Grande's addition to the Oregon Film Trail, with a marker unveiled in the downtown core the following day recognizing
Breakup Season as the 43rd film featured on the statewide trail showcasing movie locations within Oregon.
Theatrical release
Breakup Season was released theatrically in 18 cities in the United States including Los Angeles, San Jose, Lexington, Mount Vernon, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Corvallis, beginning November 15, 2024.
Home media
The film was released on digital platforms on December 6, 2024 via distributor Buffalo 8.
Reception
On
The Oregonian, Kristi Turnquist wrote that "
Breakup Season offers characters who don’t always act in ways you might expect, lets the good cast of actors shine, and by the end, earns genuine emotion, with a conclusion that feels totally right."
On
Film Threat, Sabina Dana Plasse scored the film an 8 out of 10, writing in her review consensus section: "a promising seasonal classic for 20-somethings and the rest of us."
Accolades
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Desertscape International Film Festival | |
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Blue Whiskey Film Festival | |
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Waco Independent Film Festival | |
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Cobb International Film Festival | |
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| Madison Film Festival | |
| Queens Film Festival | |
Oak Park Illinois Film Festival | |
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| Richmond Film Festival | |
Phoenixville Film Festival | |
Port Townsend Film Festival | |
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Mystic Film Festival | |
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North Idaho Film Festival | |
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| Gig Harbor Film Festival | |
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| Klamath Independent Film Festival | |
| Eastern Oregon Film Festival | |
Naples International Film Festival | |
Mentone Film Festival | |
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El Dorado Film Festival | |
See also
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List of romantic comedy films
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List of films set in Oregon
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List of films shot in Oregon
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List of American films of 2024
External links
