Cancer. COVID. Strikes. After a 9-year journey, 'A Little Prayer' was still worth the wait

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At a recent Q&A for the film that I wrote and directed, “A Little Prayer,” someone asked me, “Why did you want to tell this story?” I bumbled and came out with something along the lines of “Who knows?”: The process is mysterious, the journey senseless, to the rational mind.A story comes from so many places — what you’ve lived, what you’ve seen, what you’ve read and, for me, from a deep, unconscious place.I started “A Little Prayer” nine years ago when my daughter was 15.

She’s now 24.The story concerns a man, played by David Strathairn, who tries to protect his daughter-in-law, played by Jane Levy, when he finds out that his son (Will Pullen) is having an affair.You find out as a parent, or with any real love, that when you love someone you want to be with them.

But when you understand that it is no longer for their best and highest good, you have to transcend your own personal desires and let them go.I only realize in retrospect that I was writing unconsciously about my daughter growing up, going away and becoming an adult.The process of making any film is much like parenting.

To do it as a true independent makes absolutely no sense.First you have to write the thing.

Then you work up the chutzpah to share it with other people.Then you have to find someone to help you make it.

I went through at least four producers before I found Lauren Vilchik.She told me a story that her family was going overseas and she discovered her teenage son didn’t have an up-to-date passport.

They were leaving in two weeks.She drove five hours to the passport office in Atlanta, sat outside the door until someone came out and returned home with her son’s passport.

Never say die: perfect for a producer.Then I had to raise the money.My pitch was simple: “You won’t make any money.

You probably won’t get your investment back.You have to think of it like you’re...