The involvement of Killer Films, led by the esteemed Christine Vachon and Mason Plotts, who are now executive producers, adds considerable weight to Panthaki's independent production. Killer Films is renowned for backing critically acclaimed indie darlings, signaling strong industry confidence in 'In Starland.'
Written by Panthaki and Jason Kavan, 'In Starland' is described as a poignant coming-of-middle-age drama. It centers on Ernie, a 50-year-old loner portrayed by Clarence Maclin, whose quiet existence is disrupted when a group of young, hyper-connected influencers descend upon his small town. This unexpected intrusion forces Ernie to confront deep-seated questions about belonging, identity, and the life choices he has made.
The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Miss Benny ('Club Kid'), Bella Maclean ('Rivals'), Colin Buckingham, Leesie Pinto, Tai’mua, Kang Frvr, Mollee Gray, Gallant, Maxwell Cunningham, Marcus Scribner, and Ben Dickey.
Panthaki, who also produces alongside Daniel Khalili for Le Bateau Lavoir, Daisy Allsop for Archface Films, and Victor Paul Wajnberg, emphasized the film's truly independent spirit. The production was a lean 20-day shoot in Mississippi, deliberately crafted outside conventional studio systems. Panthaki reflected on the challenging yet rewarding process, stating, "This film has been independent in the truest sense of the word. We took something already considered independent and stripped even that infrastructure away. There was no safety net, just a group of people who believed the film should exist and kept finding a way to make that happen."
'In Starland' has already garnered early recognition, having been selected as one of the BFI and British Council’s GREAT 8 at Cannes earlier this year. This annual showcase highlights promising new UK features from first-time and early-career filmmakers to international buyers and festival programmers, hinting at the film's potential to resonate globally.
The director expressed immense gratitude for the film's journey and its upcoming premiere. "That belief has carried us all the way through — in Clarence, in Daniel, in me, and ultimately in the film itself. So to be invited to world premiere at a festival like Tallinn, and close the first feature competition, is a huge honour," Panthaki added.