Exclusive Interview: Director Panta Mosleh and Star Nikki McKenzie Talk ‘The Wedding Contest,’ Female-Led Filmmaking, and More

Romance, rivalry, and ridiculous amounts of cake—The Wedding Contest is the perfect recipe for a modern rom-com. Written by Deirdre Jones and directed by Panta Mosleh, the film follows two fiercely competitive wedding planners, Taylor (Nikki McKenzie) and Ben (Giles Panton), who go head-to-head to win over a wealthy couple. But as the sabotage escalates, so do their unexpected feelings for each other.

At the heart of the film is its quick-witted banter, playful chemistry, and a refreshing take on the genre—elements that immediately drew both Panta and Nikki to the project. In our exclusive interview, the duo shares what made The Wedding Contest a must-do, how they fostered an environment of spontaneity and improvisation on set, and why championing female-led stories is so important to them.

PC: Panta and Nikki, what was it about Deirdre Jones’ script that attracted each of you to The Wedding Contest?
Panta: It was the playful banter between the leads that initially drew me to the script. Their exchanges are sharp and witty, and I loved the challenge of bringing that chemistry to life on screen. Comedy is all about rhythm, and Deirdre’s writing had a natural cadence that made it perfect for an engaging, fast-paced rom-com. Plus, with Nikki’s impeccable comedic timing and fantastic performance, she truly brought the character to life, making the movie an absolute joy to watch.

Nikki: I first read The Wedding Contest on a plane, and I remember laughing so hard that I startled the person sitting next to me. It was unexpectedly charming, with a goofiness that completely tickled me. As a comedy nerd and a romance junkie, I loved how Deirdre Jones seamlessly blended the two. Its heart and competitive spirit reminded me of my favorite classic rom-coms, like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and When Harry Met Sally.

I also deeply connected with the character of Taylor. I loved how vibrant, strong, fun, and smart she was—I felt like she was written just for me! It’s rare for a romantic lead to embrace full-on silliness, and this script gave me the freedom to let my goofball side shine. I also loved that it’s a modern rom-com because (spoiler alert) Taylor doesn’t have to sacrifice her career or lose herself in the process of finding love.

PC: Panta, in addition to directing, you also have experience in front of the camera. How has your background as an actor influenced your approach to directing and collaborating with your cast?
Panta: My acting background, particularly my training at the Groundlings and the SNL Scholarship I received from them, has given me a deep understanding of comedic timing and performance. Studying and performing sketch and improv comedy at that level sharpened my instincts for what makes a scene funnier, how to heighten a comedic moment, and how to create an environment where actors feel comfortable taking risks. Because I know what it’s like to be in their shoes, I approach directing in a way that’s actor-friendly—using action-based notes, playing with beats, and keeping the energy spontaneous. I think that’s a big reason why the humor and chemistry in The Wedding Contest feel so natural and organic.

PC: Nikki, you’ve shared online that this filming experience holds a special place in your heart because it was female-led. How did working in that environment, where you felt safe and supported, empower you to take more creative risks with your performance?
Nikki: I felt an inherent trust and camaraderie being led by a team of women. Panta was intentional about creating a set that felt safe, supportive, and like a family. She nurtured an environment where everyone felt seen and valued—whether you were a PA or a grip, you were important. She led with heart and joy, which made coming to work an absolute pleasure. That energy was contagious, and it fueled me to take more creative risks because I felt so inspired.

It’s rare to be on a set where everyone is truly invested, but this was one of those special experiences. People were so committed to the project that they stepped in to help wherever needed, even beyond their roles. The entire cast and crew shared the same goal—to make the best film we could—and that sense of teamwork made the creative process feel expansive and freeing. It allowed me to stay present, be playful, and get out of my head. I felt free! And I knew that if I took a big swing and missed, they’d be there to catch me. Whenever I think about the kind of set environment I want to be part of—or the kind of leader I want to be—I always come back to this experience. It’s a testament to the magic of working with Panta.

Panta: As a female director, I know how important it is to foster an environment where actors, especially women feel heard, valued, and empowered to bring their full creative selves to set. Seeing Nikki flourish in that space and take bold, comedic swings was incredible. Her instincts are razor-sharp, and the way she played with the character added so much depth and humor to the film.

PC: Panta, as the director, how did you create an on-set environment that encouraged the ensemble to take ownership of their characters and improvise naturally? Nikki, was there a particular improvised moment that made the final cut that you’re especially excited for audiences to see?
Panta: Comedy thrives on spontaneity, so I made it a point to leave room for play. The executive producer was fully supportive of allowing the performers to improvise, which gave me the freedom to encourage the cast to bring their own comedic instincts to the table. I prepared a few strong prompts for different scenes to spark improvisation, and once we had a solid take with the script, I let the actors experiment.

Having trained at the Groundlings, where improv is king, I know how valuable it is to give actors the space to discover unexpected comedic moments. We often did a “script take” followed by a “fun take,” where they could throw in their own ideas. Some of the funniest moments in the movie came from those unscripted bits. It was all about keeping the energy alive and giving the actors the freedom to bring their own magic to the characters.

Nikki: It’s hard to remember now because Panta gave us so much freedom to play. The first take was always on script, she’d give notes, and then for the last take, she’d always say, “This one’s yours. Do your magic.”

I do remember that a lot of fun physical bits made the cut—like Giles and me taunting each other with “toodles,” me scarfing down twelve cupcakes, and the amazing Rami Kahlon and I doing our best friend handshake. There was one time I accidentally hit Giles with my backpack while we were interviewing on the couch. It was such a surprising moment that it made the crew laugh, so I used it to fuel our competitiveness.

I also remember Giles and me having a blast with the bounce house scene. We got to improvise a lot of awkward yet sweet moments of our characters falling for each other—both literally and figuratively. In one take, our characters fell into each other’s arms, and the whole set giggled when Panta yelled, “Cut!” It’s always a win when the crew gets lost in a scene like that. We even made Panta blush! That was a great moment when Giles and I high-fived, and I thought, “Yay, we’re giving people the rom-com feels. Mission accomplished!”

Panta: There were so many gems from Nikki and the rest of the cast. Some of the funniest moments in the film weren’t even in the original script! Because we had the freedom to play, Nikki and the ensemble discovered hilarious, unexpected moments that made the film even more dynamic and fun.

PC: Nikki, Taylor and Ben’s relationship undergoes a profound transformation throughout the film. How did you and Giles approach building that dynamic, especially considering how different their starting point is from where they ultimately end up?
Nikki: The foundation of our dynamic was the real friendship Giles and I developed, which made our on-screen chemistry effortless. We trusted each other and worked as a team. He’s a fantastic actor and a dream scene partner because he commits 110 percent—so much so that he spoke in his English accent for the entire shoot. I didn’t hear his real voice until the wrap party! Honestly, it still weirds me out that Giles isn’t British.

We both live and breathe acting, love to clown around, and are perfectionists (we’re Virgos), so we matched each other in intensity and commitment. This made it fun to dive into our scenes, escalate the beats, and play. Plus, Giles and I genuinely made each other laugh, so even when our characters were at odds, there was always an undercurrent of fun. Our friendship made our characters’ care for each other feel real, which helped the relationship transformation unfold naturally.

PC: Throughout your careers, you’ve both championed powerful female-led stories. Who are the women in your own lives who have shaped you as storytellers?
Panta: My mother has been one of my biggest inspirations. She’s incredibly strong, resilient, and endlessly supportive—qualities I strive to bring to the women I write and direct. Growing up, I watched her navigate life’s challenges with grace and humor, which deeply influenced the way I tell stories. I’ve also had the privilege of learning from incredible female mentors in the industry who have paved the way for voices like mine. I’m passionate about creating female-led stories that celebrate complex, layered women because I know firsthand how powerful and transformative those stories can be.

Nikki: The women who have shaped me as a storyteller are my Filipino mom and lola (grandma). I grew up in a family led by strong, passionate, and animated women. My mom has six sisters, and my grandma was the matriarch and rock of our family. Storytelling was a big part of our lives—we loved sharing stories over delicious meals and enjoyed attending musicals and live theater together.

The arts and singing are deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, and my mom and grandma always encouraged my sister and me to perform whenever our family gathered. We were the entertainment at parties, and we loved it! They inspired us to sing and put on plays for our family and friends. It’s no surprise that both my sister and I became professional actresses. Our mom and lola were our biggest fans, always encouraging us to perform and find our artistic voices. I owe so much of my love for acting to their unwavering support and belief in me.

PC: What’s next for each of you?
Panta: I have a few exciting projects in the works! I’m currently developing a half-hour comedy series called Pass the Salt, which follows a traditionally raised queer Iranian-Palestinian Muslim Canadian navigating her identity and first year of grad school while falling for her Israeli-Jewish lesbian roommate. Their relationship forces them both to confront family expectations and cultural taboos—all while trying not to get kicked out of their shared house.

My feature documentary, Pride & Prayer, is also ready for the festival circuit. It’s an intimate exploration of the intersection between queerness and faith, following individuals as they reconcile their LGBTQ+ identities with their deeply rooted religious beliefs, uncovering struggles, triumphs, and moments of joy along the way.

I’m also continuing to expand my work in television directing. I love jumping between genres and formats, and I’m always looking for the next great story to tell—especially those that amplify underrepresented voices in a joyful and compelling way.

Nikki: I recently shot the multicam pilot presentation Ethel and Ernie, where I had the pleasure of playing Ernie, a playful and kind Filipina caretaker who looks after a spunky and hilarious Jewish widow. It’s a fresh take on The Odd Couple dynamic and sheds light on the unique relationship between a caretaker and her client.

I’m also starring in the indie comedy A Fantastic Relationship opposite the amazing Bridge Stuart. It’s the “anti-rom-com” rom-com about a couple who breaks up but lies about still being together for a dinner party. The film is currently hitting the festival circuit and has premiered at the Sedona, Stony Brook, Tacoma, and Bushwick Film Festivals.

Make sure to follow Panta (Instagram) and Nikki (Instagram). Watch The Wedding Contest on Prime Video today.