Cooper Raiff Brings Independent Series “Hal & Harper” to Sundance Film Festival

October 18, 2025

Park City, Utah – Filmmaker Cooper Raiff is making waves at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival with his latest project, “Hal & Harper,” an original series presented within the festival’s Episodic section. This marks a significant step for Raiff, who previously garnered acclaim for his feature film, “Cha Cha Real Smooth” at the 2022 festival. This enterprising undertaking represents a creative leap, with Raiff independently producing an entire eight-episode season.

A New approach to Series Creation

Sundance programming officials highlighted the festival’s evolving support for independent series work. Senior Manager Adam Montgomery stated the goal is to establish a market for independent series, mirroring the existing infrastructure for independent films. “Hal & Harper” exemplifies this ambition, being a fully realized season brought to the festival by a returning filmmaker. This represents a shift in the landscape of independent content creation, moving beyond individual films to encompass serialized storytelling.

The Unique Production Challenges of “Hal & Harper”

Raiff embraced a highly unconventional production process, effectively treating the series as an extended, 300-page film. He simultaneously starred, wrote, and directed the project, a demanding undertaking that pushed the boundaries of independent filmmaking. According to Raiff, this approach was purposeful, aiming to maintain artistic control and avoid the typical development processes associated with television.The production involved significant challenges, with the director admitting it was a “really hard” and chaotic experience.

Executive Producer Daniel Lewis described the process as a “guessing game” for the crew, constantly adapting to Raiff’s multifaceted role. Despite the difficulties, the collaborative spirit fostered a unique learning habitat, forging a strong bond between the cast and crew.

Exploring Family and the Weight of the Past

The genesis of “Hal & Harper” dates back seven years, originating as a web series exploring themes of premature adulthood and familial trauma. The story centers on two siblings navigating their complex relationship with their father, Mark Ruffalo, following the decision to sell their childhood home. This event stirs up painful memories and forces them to confront unresolved issues. The series delves into the long-lasting impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships and the challenges of familial reconciliation.

A Distinctive Visual Style

“Hal & Harper” employs a striking visual technique: the actors, Lili Reinhart and Raiff himself, portray their characters at multiple ages. Except for brief flashbacks to ages two and four, the actors embody their characters as children and adults, even within the same scenes alongside actual young actors. This stylistic choice, Raiff explained, emphasizes the enduring nature of past traumas and how they shape present-day perspectives.It creates a sense of temporal fluidity, blurring the lines between past and present.

Reliving and Healing Through Storytelling

Raiff emphasized that the show is about “reliving things to understand them better and to heal.” He intends the blurring of timelines to reflect the way pain lingers and informs one’s life. The unusual casting choice-adults playing younger versions of themselves-highlights the emotional weight characters carry, demonstrating how childhood experiences continue to resonate into adulthood. The series’ visual language aims to evoke a sense of both nostalgia and unease.

When questioned about the autobiographical aspects of the series, Raiff playfully deflected, but ultimately acknowledged the influence of his personal experiences. He expressed that the characters felt as though they “dropped into his lap,” suggesting a deep connection to the story and its themes. This personal resonance adds another layer of authenticity to the series.

Feature	Details
Title	Hal & harper
Creator/Director/Star	Cooper Raiff
Co-Star	Lili Reinhart
festival Premiere	2025 Sundance Film Festival (episodic Section)
Key Themes	Family Dynamics, Trauma, Nostalgia, Reconciliation

Did You Know? Raiff independently financed and shot the entire eight-episode season, mirroring his approach to feature filmmaking.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the show’s unique age-bending visual storytelling, as it’s a key component to its emotional depth.

The Growing Trend of Hybrid Storytelling

The emergence of projects like “Hal & Harper” signifies a growing trend in the entertainment industry: the convergence of film and television.Historically, these mediums were distinct, but creators are increasingly experimenting with hybrid forms. According to a 2024 report by Variety, streaming services are actively seeking projects that blur the lines between film and television, demanding higher production values and cinematic storytelling techniques in serialized formats. This shift provides opportunities for filmmakers to explore longer narratives and develop complex characters over extended periods. The innovative approach to production, as seen in “Hal & Harper” signals a re-evaluation of conventional models, with creators seeking greater control and artistic freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is “Hal & Harper” about? “Hal & Harper” is a series about two siblings grappling with their troubled relationship with their father after he decides to sell their childhood home.
• Who created “Hal & harper”? Cooper Raiff created, directed, and stars in “Hal & Harper.”
• What makes “Hal & Harper” unique? The series features the actors portraying themselves at different ages, adding a distinctive visual and emotional layer.
• Were did “Hal & Harper” premiere? The series premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the Episodic section.
• What themes does “Hal & Harper” explore? the series explores themes of family, trauma, nostalgia, and the lasting impact of the past.
• Is this a move towards more filmmakers creating series? Yes, Sundance is actively supporting independent series alongside independent films.
• How did Cooper Raiff finance and create this show? Raiff independently financed and shot the entire season, adopting a film-centric production process.

What did you think about Raiff’s innovative approach to storytelling? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!

How does Cooper Raiff’s previous success with films like “cha Cha Real Smooth” influence expectations for “Hal & Harper”?

The Rising Star: Cooper Raiff’s Sundance Journey

Cooper Raiff, the acclaimed filmmaker behind “Cha Cha Real Smooth” adn “Shithouse,” is set to premiere his new independent series, “Hal & harper,” at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.This marks a significant step for Raiff, expanding his storytelling into the episodic format while maintaining his signature blend of heartfelt comedy and relatable characters. The series is generating buzz as a key independent television project to watch at Sundance, alongside other anticipated premieres.

“Hal & Harper”: A Deep Dive into the Series

“Hal & Harper” follows the lives of two college students navigating the complexities of young adulthood,friendship,and burgeoning romance. While specific plot details remain largely under wraps,early reports suggest the series will explore themes of vulnerability,self-discovery,and the awkwardness inherent in forming deep connections.

Hear’s what we know so far:

* Genre: Coming-of-age dramedy, independent series.

* Creators: Cooper Raiff serves as the writer, director, and executive producer.

* Production Company: Black Bear, known for supporting independent film and television.

* Cast: Details are still emerging, but the series features a mix of established and up-and-coming actors.

* Format: Expected to be a limited series, perhaps paving the way for future seasons depending on reception.

Sundance Film Festival: A Launchpad for Independent Talent

The Sundance film Festival has long been a crucial platform for independent filmmakers like Cooper Raiff. It provides exposure to industry professionals, critics, and a dedicated audience eager to discover fresh voices.

* Historical Significance: Sundance has launched the careers of numerous prominent directors, including Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Kevin Smith.

* Independent Spirit: The festival champions unique and unconventional storytelling,making it an ideal venue for Raiff’s distinct style.

* Distribution Deals: Securing a premiere at Sundance often leads to lucrative distribution deals with streaming services or traditional networks. Expect “Hal & harper” to attract significant interest from platforms like A24, HBO max, and netflix.

Raiff’s Previous Successes: Building Momentum

Cooper Raiff’s previous work has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

* “Shithouse” (2018): Raiff’s directorial debut, a micro-budget college comedy, earned him recognition for his authentic portrayal of freshman year experiences.

* “Cha Cha Real Smooth” (2022): This Apple TV+ acquisition solidified Raiff’s position as a rising star. The film, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, won the Audience Award at Sundance and received positive reviews for its charming story and nuanced performances.

* Key Themes: Raiff consistently explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the search for meaning in his work, resonating with audiences seeking genuine and relatable stories.

The Impact of Independent Television

The rise of independent television series is reshaping the landscape of entertainment.

* Creative Freedom: Independent series often enjoy greater creative control compared to network television, allowing filmmakers like Raiff to pursue their artistic vision without compromise.

* Niche Audiences: Streaming platforms enable independent series to reach targeted audiences who appreciate unique and unconventional content.

* Critical Recognition: Independent television is increasingly receiving critical acclaim, challenging the dominance of mainstream programming.shows like “Atlanta,” “Barry,” and “Reservation Dogs” have demonstrated the power of independent storytelling.

What to Expect at Sundance 2025

The premiere of “Hal & Harper” at Sundance 2025 is expected to be a major event.

* Premiere details: Keep an eye on the official Sundance Film Festival schedule for screening times and locations.

* Industry Buzz: Expect significant media coverage and industry networking surrounding the series.

* Potential Distribution: The festival will likely be a pivotal moment for securing a distribution deal for “Hal & Harper,” determining its future availability to audiences.

* Raiff’s Presence: Cooper Raiff is expected to attend the festival and participate in Q&A sessions, offering insights into his creative process and the making of the series.