Hillsborough Filmmaker's Family Comedy Set For World Premiere At NYC Film Festival

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough filmmaker Karl Ryan Erikson, along with his family, will be featuring their first feature movie in New York City.

"The Family Recipe" has been selected for the Big Apple Film Festival and will have its world premiere at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at Village East by Angelika. For tickets, visit baff2026springedition.eventive.org/schedule/tickets.

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Erikson described the movie as a Thanksgiving ensemble comedy that was shot locally in New Jersey in Branchburg and Whitehouse Station, with a mix of local cast and crew, including several ties to Hillsborough.

The screening marks the start of the film’s festival run, and Erikson called the premiere a big moment for both the project and the community that helped make it happen.

"We made this film independently on a small budget, but we approached it with the same care and intention as a studio film. Everyone involved brought a level of commitment that really elevated the final product," said Erikson.

The film is truly a family affair. Erikson is the writer, director, and editor; his wife Caroline, is the producer; and their sons Ben and Henry(who attend Sunnymead School) are actors.

He also said neighbors worked as extras in the film.

"It's been an awesome experience. As far as being able to work with people, I enjoy being around. I think that's probably the biggest takeaway, is to be able to make a project like this, and it's with people who you love and care about," Erikson said.

The Family Recipe (94 mins) is a Thanksgiving ensemble comedy about Alison, a mother trying to pull off the perfect holiday dinner for her unpredictable family. As traditions clash and tensions rise, the day quickly turns into a mix of chaos, humor, and relatable family moments.

"This film is about the pressure, chaos, and humor of family moments we all recognize. We wanted it to feel real, but also something people could laugh at together—like the studio comedies of the ’80s and ’90s that were meant to be experienced with a crowd," said Erikson.

The film is Erikson's first feature film and is based on his award-winning screenplay "The Family Recipe."

"The Family Recipe" has 19 Best Screenplay awards from national and international film festivals and contests.

To learn more about the film, visit instagram.com/the_family_recipe_movie or Erikson's film career visit instagram.com/karlryanerikson or youtube.com/channel/UC0jhr7ipNrOxmRsYUq9S8WQ.

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