Destry Allyn Spielberg, the youngest daughter of the legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, recently shared her personal journey towards directing her first feature film, ‘Please Don’t Feed the Children.’ In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Destry opened up about the challenges she faced after a back injury forced her to step away from competitive equestrianism and paved the way for her career in filmmaking. The film, starring Michelle Dockery, Zoe Colletti, and Giancarlo Esposito, is set to start streaming on Tubi from June 27.
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Transitioning from a life dedicated to equestrianism to finding her path in the film industry was not easy for Destry. The 28-year-old filmmaker described this shift as “hard, confusing, and weird,” emphasizing the struggle of not having a clear direction after her injury. However, the setback led her to explore a new passion for directing, similar to that of her renowned father. With determination and perseverance, Destry made her way behind the camera and made her directorial debut with ‘Please Don’t Feed the Children.’
Following her decision to leave competitive horse riding, Destry delved into acting and eventually found her way to directing by co-writing and filming short films. This creative process ignited her passion for directing, and she described her experience on set as a “spiritual” one, where her instincts and ideas flowed effortlessly. Her journey as a filmmaker included the release of short films like Rosie in 2019 and Let Me Go the Right Way in 2022, leading up to her first feature film.
‘Please Don’t Feed the Children’ explores a dystopian United States plagued by disease, where a group of teenagers encounters unexpected challenges. Despite the constraints of indie filmmaking, Destry managed to bring her vision to life with the support of her cast and crew. She reflected on the importance of patience and the unpredictable nature of the filmmaking process, highlighting the dedication and hard work that went into the project.
With her debut feature film receiving positive feedback, Destry is already working on her next project titled ‘Four Assassins (And a Funeral),’ showcasing her potential as a promising director in the industry. Recently returning to competitive equestrianism after eight years, Destry expressed her enduring love for horse riding, indicating her multifaceted talents and interests. ‘Please Don’t Feed the Children’ is set to captivate audiences when it premieres on Tubi on June 27, marking a significant milestone in Destry’s burgeoning directing career.
As Destry Allyn Spielberg embarks on this new chapter in her professional journey, her resilience and creative vision continue to shape her path in the film industry. With a supportive cast and crew by her side, she navigates the challenges of indie filmmaking with grace and determination. Stay tuned as Destry’s directorial prowess unfolds on screen with the release of ‘Please Don’t Feed the Children,’ promising audiences a thrilling cinematic experience crafted by a rising talent in Hollywood.
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