Sincerely, Erik is a tender love letter to New York, books and lonely hearts – making it perfect for Valentine’s Day. Written and directed by the first-time filmmaker and book lover Naz Riahi, and chosen by Vimeo as one of its best films of 2020, the 12 minute short film is a love letter to New York City and to literature.
Sincerely Erik Short Film
In writer and filmmaker Naz Riahi’s short film we watch as lonely New York bookseller Erik navigates the city’s pandemic isolation as best as he can. Forced to close his small West Village bookshop due to the quarantine, the Bibliophile (played by real-life co-owner of Left Bank Books Erik DuRon) deals with his forced solitude and search for connection.
“This film required me to be vulnerable as a single New Yorker, sheltering in place,” says director Riahi. “I had to say out loud, ‘I’m lonely,’ and show that onscreen.” But much like taking a long, hot bath, watching a good film can feel restorative — and even more so when you’re alone.
The uncoupled, particularly those book-lovers living alone during the quarantine, are to be sure to relate.
This narrative short film, shown in its entirety below, was shot in late May at the height of Covid-19, with a tiny cast and crew.
Sincerely, Erik from Naz Riahi on Vimeo.
Naz Riahi is a true book lover herself and you can find her curated list of suggested reads here.
Writer & Director Naz Riahi
instagram.com/nazriahi
nazriahi.com
DP Alec Cohen
vimeo.com/alecc
Editor Kelly Lyon
kellylyonedit.com/