Director Natalie Camou and writer Kyle Selby recently reflected on their creative journey behind #1 Bad Dad, sharing insights on both the film’s development and their experience presenting it at the festival.
For Camou, directing the project marked a powerful personal milestone. She explained that taking on #1 Bad Dad required her to step into unfamiliar territory and embrace creative vulnerability. “This was really me coming out of my comfort zone” Camou expressed. The film pushed her to trust her instincts, take risks, and explore themes that challenged her emotionally and artistically.
Writer Kyle Selby described the heart of the story as rooted deeply in connection and redemption. “At the heart of this, it is a father–daughter redemption story,” he said. “They kind of exist in almost two different worlds when they meet and have to learn to exist in each other’s worlds.”
Selby emphasized how the contrast between the characters creates both emotional tension and an opportunity for growth — a dynamic he carefully crafted in the script and that Camou brought to life on screen.
#1 Bad Dad stands as a testament to creative courage and emotional storytelling, blending humor with healing as its characters navigate their way back to each other. Camou and Selby hope the film encourages audiences to reflect on family, forgiveness, and the unexpected ways people learn to meet in the middle.
