Film festival brings ‘American Pie’ star, others to Chandler

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

The ninth annual Chandler International Film Festival brought many aspiring filmmakers, actors and others to LOOK Cinema and other downtown venues.

Some of those actors have established themselves as big-screen stars over the past decades.

One of the actors / producers who made an appearance was Tara Reid.

Perhaps best known for her breakout role as Vicky in the “American Pie” franchise, or for her roles in “The Big Lebowski,” “Van Wilder,” “Cruel Intentions” or the “Sharknado” franchise, Reid was in Chandler to promote a much different role than many of her previous ones.

“Dr. Quarantine” is a full-length feature film in which Reid plays the lead — a psychiatrist. Her character tries to help her stranded family and patients remotely during a viral outbreak, while the doctor’s own mental state takes twists and turns.

Reid also took in a scheduled late-night conversation with fans Friday, Jan. 31, in which one commentator said she “dropped some gems” and “shared powerful insights on why supporting independent filmmakers is so important.”

On her way into that conversation, Reid took a few questions from the Chandler Independent.

Actor Chris DuBose, right, poses with a Chandler International Film Festival staff photographer Jan. 31 before the evening’s last set of stars arrive.

Independent Newsmedia/Jason W. Brooks

She said child stars of today need to have an ongoing awareness the film business is constantly changing and that it’s a roller coaster.

“Don’t be disappointed in things that happen along the way,” Reid said. “There’s always bumps. Things go up. Things go down. You just have to stay strong.”

Reid said Chandler was a unique trip, in that her schedule won’t allow her to attend many festivals promoting Dr. Quarantine.

Reid, who’s been involved in more than 100 films between acting and producing, said the quality of a film often gives it life in the public eye, even if it doesn’t have a large promotional budget.

“A lot of films surprised us,” Reid said. “We never knew American Pie would be such a hit. The Big Lebowski didn’t do that well (in initial theater gross), but then, it became a cult film. So did American Pie and Van Wilder. Even with the Sharknado movies, I’ve been blessed to do something I love and that’s acting."

Reid told a Chandler Film Festival interviewer that smaller, independent films have a built-in flexibility larger studio productions won’t have.

“I think independent films have a lot more creativity and a lot more power, where you can make your own decisions,” Reid said. “You can go to a place where you’re not controlled. That’s where the real art is.”

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.   Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.