ATLANTA, GA — The quirky romantic comedy short Roast Pork Butt, inspired by a hilariously disastrous real‑life date, is gaining attention on the indie film circuit after receiving a Best Short Film nomination and Best Actor win at the Atlanta Comedy Film Festival and earning several festival nominations across the country.
Written and produced by Atlanta‑based filmmaker Bryan McClure, Roast Pork Butt spins one of his most memorable dating misadventures into a sharply observed, laugh‑out‑loud narrative. The film is equal parts absurd and heartfelt, embracing the awkwardness of modern romance while celebrating the beauty of human imperfection. It stars McClure himself alongside Nikki Tomlinson and Erin C. Davis, who together bring to life the unexpected chaos of a dinner date gone comically wrong.
The short has been described as a “RomCom for anyone who’s ever tried too hard,” and has found a home with audiences who appreciate emotionally honest storytelling wrapped in unconventional humor. Following its world premiere earlier this year, Roast Pork Butt has screened at several regional and national festivals, with numerous nominations.
“Turning one of the worst nights of my dating life into something people can now laugh at in a theater has been strangely rewarding,” McClure said. “But more than that, I think indie filmmakers know what it’s like to make something personal with limited resources. That’s what makes this win at the Atlanta Comedy Film Festival so meaningful—it validates the power of DIY storytelling.”
Roast Pork Butt is currently in discussions for wider digital distribution.
For indie filmmakers, Roast Pork Butt stands as a reminder that sometimes the most painful experiences can yield the most relatable and resonant stories—especially when paired with humor, heart, and a plate of overcooked meat.
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