In this discussion on EoM Presents, Thomas Manning talks with cinematographer Cristina Dunlap about Chili Finger, which recently had its world premiere at SXSW. Dunlap breaks down the process of balancing a very calculated approach to cinematography within a chaotic narrative.
L-R: Sean Astin and Judy Greer in CHILI FINGER. Photo Credit: Cristina Dunlap. Photo courtesy of SXSW.
Directed by Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad, Chili Finger stars Judy Greer, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston, and John Goodman.
If you prefer an audio version, you can listen to the full interview here:
Official Synopsis:
When Jessica Lipki discovers a severed human finger in her bowl of chili, she recognizes an opportunity to seize control of her stagnating life. Jess blackmails the regionally-beloved fast-food chain for $100,000 in return that she and her blissfully ignorant husband, Ron, keep quiet about the incident. Unbeknownst to Jess, her stunt has caught the attention of “the” Blake Junior, the plutocratic founder behind the “Blake Junior’s” food empire. He recruits his ex-marine buddy, Dave, to investigate Jess and discover the truth behind the chili finger…
World premiere during SXSW Film & TV Festival 2026.
For more information, head to the official SXSW Film & TV Festival Chili Finger webpage.
Thomas Manning is a member of the NCFCA, SEFCA, and CCA, and also the co-host of the television show and radio program Meet Me at the Movies. He has served as a production assistant and voting member on the Film Selection Committee for the Real to Reel Film Festival. Additionally, he manages his own film review and interview site, The Run-Down on Movies. Manning is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a double-major in Communications and English. His passion for cinema and storytelling is rivaled only by his love for the music of Taylor Swift.
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Categories: EoM Presents, Filmmaker Interviews, Publications, Stream
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