BERLIN FILM WEEK 2026: GERMAN PREMIERE: RIDE OR DIE
US | 2025 | Drama, Thriller | R: Josalynn Smith
When Paula (Briana Middleton), a young Midwesterner who dreams of a fresh start in California, runs into Sloane (Stella Everett), her secret high school crush who has her demons, the chemistry is electric. What starts as a casual reunion between two high school classmates quickly evolves into something deeper when they make a spontaneous decision to road-trip across the country together. However, unforeseen consequences make their journey more perilous, transforming their whirlwind romance into a tense thriller.
Beautifully shot and anchored by outstanding performances from Middleton and Everett, Josalynn Smith’s directorial debut deftly navigates the couple’s romance, equal parts sexy and nurturing, establishing the deep bond the two feel for each other quickly. Grounded and engaging, the film is a very exciting debut.
Festival Selection: World Premiere Tribeca Film Festival.
The screening of RIDE OR DIE will be preceded by:
Yellow Canary (Germany, 2025, 11 min)
Directed by Izel Elif
Cast: Fabienne-Deniz Hammer, Cenk Bayram Babaoglu, Veronika Strauch, Gizem Kaya, Derya Celikkol
Synopsis: Leyla, born in Berlin, moves back and forth between the city's voices and the echoes of her Turkish roots. Through a series of fleeting encounters across the city and with her grandmother’s words accompanying her, the question of belonging grows stronger - along with the quiet hope of finding herself.
Beautifully shot and anchored by outstanding performances from Middleton and Everett, Josalynn Smith’s directorial debut deftly navigates the couple’s romance, equal parts sexy and nurturing, establishing the deep bond the two feel for each other quickly. Grounded and engaging, the film is a very exciting debut.
Festival Selection: World Premiere Tribeca Film Festival.
The screening of RIDE OR DIE will be preceded by:
Yellow Canary (Germany, 2025, 11 min)
Directed by Izel Elif
Cast: Fabienne-Deniz Hammer, Cenk Bayram Babaoglu, Veronika Strauch, Gizem Kaya, Derya Celikkol
Synopsis: Leyla, born in Berlin, moves back and forth between the city's voices and the echoes of her Turkish roots. Through a series of fleeting encounters across the city and with her grandmother’s words accompanying her, the question of belonging grows stronger - along with the quiet hope of finding herself.