Rent Free (released in Brazil as Sem Pagar Aluguel) is a 2024 American comedy drama film directed by Fernando Andrés from a screenplay written by Andrés and Tyler Rugh. The film stars Jacob Roberts and David Treviño as two best friends from Austin, Texas who attempt to go a year without paying rent after a failed move to New York City.
Premise Childhood friends Ben (Roberts) and Jordan (Treviño) plan to move from Austin to Brooklyn, but Ben's misjudged behavior towards their would-be roommate's boyfriend causes them to be kicked out of their new apartment. Back in Austin, the pair work gig economy jobs while living with Jordan's girlfriend Anna. When Anna kicks them out, the pair make a pact to couch surf for an entire year.
Cast Jacob Roberts as Ben David Treviño as Jordan Molly Edelman Neal Mulani Sarah J. Bartholomew Zeke Goodman Jack Austin
Production Director Fernando Andrés and his cowriter and childhood friend Tyler Rugh previously collaborated on Andrés' 2022 feature directorial debut Three Headed Beast. Preproduction for Rent Free took place in spring 2023 and the project was filmed that July and August. Rent Free was largely shot in chronological order, other than the film's opening scenes in New York City, which were filmed after shooting wrapped in Austin.
Release Rent Free premiered on June 7, 2024, in the U.S. Narrative Competition at the Tribeca Festival.
Reception Accolades Award Ceremony date Category Recipient(s) Result Ref. Tribeca Festival June 15, 2024 U.S. Narrative Competition Rent Free
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