George Saunders-Adapted Short Screens at Cleveland International Film Festival

PITTSBURGH – Sticks, a short film based on the George Saunders short story of the same name,
will screen at the Cleveland International Film Festival on Friday, April 10, and Sunday, April 12.
Written for the screen by Reed Agnew (Wilfred, Son of Zorn), Sticks is an intimate look at
complicated family dynamics brought on by a father’s inability to express his feelings, except
through his attention to a strange pole standing in the front yard. Saunders’ short story, “Sticks,”
is included in the New York Times Bestseller and National Book Award Finalist, The Tenth of
December.

The short film, Sticks, which is the first from Pittsburgh indie film collective Made Here, won the
Programmers Choice Award at its world premiere at the Three Rivers Film Festival in November
2025.

“The Three Rivers Film Festival is proud to have been the home of the premiere of Sticks, which
exemplifies the talent we have in Pittsburgh’s independent filmmaking scene. Not only is it the
most accurate depiction of a yinzer family on film to date, the gorgeous cinematography adds
artistic depth to a very human story about the complex relationships we have with our families,”
said Shanna Carrick, executive director of Film Pittsburgh, the nonprofit that presents the Three
Rivers Film Festival.

“I hope people see it as an ode to the loveably kooky culture of Pittsburgh, my hometown and
my favorite city on earth,” says Agnew. “When I finally moved back here and started thinking
about what this thing could be, I had two goals. First, I needed a way to make fun and talented
friends. Secondly, I wanted to not embarrass myself in the eyes of George Saunders who is a
literary hero of mine. One thing I can say for certain: I made some really fun and talented
friends.”

Sticks was co-directed by Agnew, along with Dean Bog (Neighborhoods of Pittsburgh) and stars
Sara Lindsey (American Rust), Curtis Caldwell (How to Rob a Bank), Tim Griffin Allan (I Saw the
TV Glow) and Jackson Frazer (Ezra).

Screening information: Sticks will screen in CIFF’s Shorts Program 3 on Friday, April 10th at
4:55pm at the Playhouse Square Allen Theater and Sunday, April 12th at 12:00pm at the Cedar
Lee Theatre.
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