About the Film

FIRST PERSON PLURAL is the story of two Minneapolis filmmakers—the son of a Somali imam and daughter of a white Baptist preacher—who fall in love on Thanksgiving Day and bring together their estranged families for Thanksgiving dinner.

Created before our eyes by its film making characters, FIRST PERSON PLURAL takes us inside the creative process—of Cinema, belief, and love—showing how the images we create and consume can bring understanding, but also destruction. Love can conquer all, but it’s fragile, and needs our care and courage. With a cautionary twist, FIRST PERSON PLURAL expresses hope and tolerance at a time when we need them most.

Made with and for the people of its story, FIRST PERSON PLURAL aims to create an engaging discussion of some of today’s most pressing issues: immigration, intercultural and interfaith understanding, and the rise and origins of political violence and extremism.

Written and directed by Eric Tretbar (2019 Winter Light Films, drama). Starring Faysal Ahmed (438 DAYS, SICARIO 2, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, WATU WOTE) and Amanda Day (THE SEEKER), this new feature film brought together actors, artists, composers and musicians from the Twin Cities’ thriving Somali, film, theater, and music communities.

Supporting cast includes filmmaker and activist Fathia Absie (THE LOBBY), author Ahmed Ismail Yusuf (The Lion’s Binding Oath), Pearce Bunting (BOARDWALK EMPIRE), Michelle O’Neill (Guthrie Theater), Barkhad Abdirahman (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, FARGO) and Mikey Johnson (SUPERMOTO).