A Heartwarming Coming-of-Age Comedy by
Writer / Director - C.G. Ryche
ABOUT SAVING CEDAR
Saving Cedar is a heartfelt, feel-good comedy written and directed by multi-award-winning filmmaker C.G. Ryche about fighting for something that matters. When a beloved performing arts school faces closure, a group of young musicians refuses to stand by and watch their second home disappear. United by the lessons their mentor has taught them, they set aside their differences, overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, and organize a livestream benefit concert in a last-ditch effort to save the school that changed their lives.
Filled with humor, unforgettable characters, uplifting music, and timeless values, Saving Cedar is an inspiring coming-of-age story that reminds audiences of all ages that a single act of kindness can ignite a movement, ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they come together, and some of life's greatest lessons are learned outside the classroom.
What Critics are saying about Saving Cedar
“There is a very John Hughes feeling to the music and the film, if I’m being honest. If John Hughes had decided to make a movie about sixth graders, music lessons, and a looming threat of influencer culture. It gave me the kind of nostalgia that makes you want to put on a jean jacket and stare dramatically out a school-bus window while thinking about your future.”
- Olivia Monahan aka Liv Styler, “The Black C.A.P.E.”
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"The film's strongest quality is its ensemble. The young performers bring an appealing looseness to the comedy.”
- Dipankar Sarkar, North East Film Journal
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“Saving Cedar understands that its greatest asset isn't spectacle; it is the chemistry of its ensemble and the sincerity behind its story.”
★★★★½ — 4.5/5
- Amarachi Ndukwe, “The Daily Read”
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“Director C.G. Ryche delivers a nostalgic coming-of-age story that is hilarious, heartfelt, and full of personality.”
- Agnes Odek, “Poeticalfeels”
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“Saving Cedar has both heart and soul. Director C.G. Ryche takes a cast of unknown child actors and combines it with a tale of overcoming the odds. The result is a short film that inspires viewers to never give up the fight while also pointing the way to the cross.”
- Tim Ristow, “Creative Christians”
FILM TRAILER
WORDS FROM DIRECTOR
For me, Saving Cedar is an homage to one of my favorite writer-directors, John Hughes, and the kind of character-driven films that could make you laugh while still saying something meaningful about growing up.
Behind the scenes, the film had an equally important purpose. I wanted to give young actors the opportunity to step onto a real film set, live a piece of their dream, and experience firsthand what it actually takes to make a movie. My hope is that the experience inspires them to continue pursuing their craft and their own creative journeys.
God Bless & thanx for your interest in Saving Cedar.
C.G. Ryche
The Cast
A good movie is only as strong as its cast, and it was a real pleasure working with the talented young actors who brought Saving Cedar to life. Watching some of them experience the filmmaking process for the first time, while seeing others fully develop their characters through backstory, preparation, and conversations about their roles, was one of the most rewarding parts of making this film.
I believe movies, especially comedies, need personality and relatability. Great dialogue is about more than the words on the page. The audience needs to understand who is delivering the line just as much as the context and intention behind it. This cast embraced that challenge and gave Saving Cedar its personality, humor, and heart.
For inquiries regarding podcasts, interviews, or film reviews with writer/director C.G. Ryche or members of the Saving Cedar cast, please contact us below.
Press kit and additional media materials are available upon request.