“Stationed at Home,” a film written and directed by Daniel V. Masciari, made its Buffalo debut Oct. 14. The film took part in this year’s Buffalo International Film Festival and was shown in the historical North Park Theatre.
“Stationed at Home” was filmed in and inspired by Binghamton, New York. En route to Utica, New York, from New York City, Masciari’s bus stopped in a cold Binghamton.
“We stopped there, and I stepped out to stretch my legs,” said Masciari. “I looked out at this abandoned building on a train track, and something about the music, the cold, and the mood of the city, which has really vast architecture. It felt forgotten to me.”
In this small moment, Masciari thought of actor Erik Bjarnar. He said, “I imagined him driving a cab alone in this city.” Bjarnar later acted as the main character of “Ralph,” a role Masciari designed with him in mind.
Masciari used the Meisner acting technique, taught to him and other cast members by producer and actor Eliza VanCort. This method focuses on creating organic interactions between actors.
“Daniel was very good at not just making sure the scene goes the way he wants it to, but also working with actors to get exactly what he needs out of them,” said VanCort. “In the Meisner technique, there is a concept which I find to be quite effective. If you change one little part of your physicality, you can have a systematic effect on your entire body.”
In VanCort’s role, she found herself to be different than her character, “Elaine,” but through changing her shoes, she was able to step into the role.
Following the inspiration of 70s and 80s films, it was determined that the film would be set in black and white. Apart from this, Masciari was also inspired by the originality of the films.
” In the 70s and 80s, people were making indies with original scripts a lot more,” said Masciari. “I think that’s one thing we felt really passionate about when we were making the film.”
“People are hungry for authenticity,” said VanCourt.
The film focuses on small moments between strangers, all tied together through a mutual taxi driver. Masciari finds inspiration through these moments in his own life. Through these emotion-evoking interactions captured in “Stationed at Home,” a message of humanity and empathy is portrayed to viewers.
” I hope people leave the theater with a bit more sensitivity to others and strangers,” said Masciari. “I think there is a magic to be found in strangerhood.”
VanCort hopes for the film to deliver a similar message.
“We are in a place in society where we are focusing on division and what separates us,” said VanCourt. “What I think is really beautiful about this film is it’s all of those different characters who come together in the end for a shared experience. It really highlights to me the humanity that we all have.”
“Stationed at Home” officially releases Nov. 11, 2025, furthering the spread of the independently crafted and emotion-evoking film.
