pennies (2026)

pennies is a short American drama about a quiet bookstore owner who returns to his rural hometown after his mother's death. The homecoming forces him to face people from his past who have become influential in the community and whose presence complicates his inheritance.

The film explores grief, belonging and the discomfort of returning to a place that has changed. Brent Stansell, Greg Oliver Bodine and Todd Scofield lead the cast, while Lena Streitwieser directs from a screenplay by Mary Beth Warner.

• Directed by Lena Streitwieser.
• Written by Mary Beth Warner.
• Stars Brent Stansell, Greg Oliver Bodine and Todd Scofield.
• The production company is Pennies Pictures.
• The project received festival recognition in 2024-2025, including a Best Screenplay award and regional honors.