Carving a Life

Mitch (Tyler Bruhn), a woodworker struggling with alcoholism after the death of his mother, begins a relationship with Lauren (Karenssa LeGear), a local elementary schoolteacher. His past trauma and difficult relationship with his father strains his romantic relationship with Lauren. ==Cast==

• Tyler Bruhn as Mitch • Karenssa LeGear as Lauren • Aaron Landon Bornstein as Stephen • Lisa Winans as Rebecca • Sandi Todorovic as Eric • Jay Jee as Dr. Johnson • Laura Bohlin as Mary • Navid Negahban as Dr. Kasem • Tiffany Espensen as Veronica • Lindsay Kaye Sainato as Lyndsey • Marla Bingham as Rehab Psychologist • Kathleen Holt as Nurse Mary • Max Baroudi as Young Mitch • Samuel James Pfoser as Young Eric • Kellen Rose as Kid at beach • Mark Benjamin as Ethan • Frank Papia as Gordon • Lizet Benrey as Rehab Counselor ==Production==

It was the debut film of director Terry Ross. Principal photography took place in North County of San Diego, Anaheim and Julian, California. ==Release==

The film was presented at the American Film Market. The film had a screening in San Diego, a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles and was distributed by Indie Rights. ==Reception==

The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Katie Walsh at Los Angeles Times described it as well-intentioned but amateurish, calling it "the kind of DIY indie film that tries very, very hard but completely misses the mark." Chris Olson at UK Film Review scored it 4 stars calling it "genuinely moving [...] tender and engaging." Occhi Magazine rated the film 3 stars and said it would've been better with an "expanded plot and more focus on the characters." == References ==