Derek Cianfrance Dollies Down the Toy Aisle for Roofman

by Pablo Kjolseth

I’m putting my money on Roofman to make big waves this season. The film is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, who was imprisoned in 2000 for breaking into more than 60 McDonald’s restaurants via the roof. Four years later, Manchester escaped from jail, holing up in a Toys ”R” Us in Charlotte, North Carolina. The film, slated for release this October, stars Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage, but what interests me most is its director. I always had a feeling about Derek Cianfrance.

Derek grew up in Lakewood, Colorado and attended the Film Studies Program at CU Boulder, where I was working as a TA and projectionist. Early on, I noticed Derek’s curiosity, passion, and drive represented in his roles as student, cinephile, and young filmmaker.

Since making the highly praised Blue Valentine, Derek has been living in New York City, but I recently had the chance to talk with him about his upcoming fifth feature film.

Pablo Kjolseth: The manager we worked with at The Vi…