About the Film
Harry (Jerry Stiller), a recently widowed man in his golden years, has just moved in with his daughter and son-in-law. On his first morning in their home, all he wants is a cup of coffee and his morning newspaper. Instead, he finds himself on a bizarre search through town that leaves him newspaper-less and trapped in the world of modern technology. Directed by Steve Monarque, "Simpler Times" also features a special guest appearance by the other half of legendary comedy duo Stiller & Meara, Anne Meara.
"Harry's Theme"
"Simpler Times" (Harry's Theme Song)
music by Jerry Stiller, lyrics by Laura Carbonell
performed by Jerry Stiller
produced by Steve Monarque & Dawn Eaton
in association with MasterTrack Music, NYC
© 2013 Monarque/ Eaton/ Stiller/ Carbonell. All rights reserved.
PRESS
Jerry Stiller movie filmed in Passaic County premieres Christmas Eve
Suburban Trends, December 22, 2017
"Simpler Times," a 33-minute comedy starring Jerry Stiller airs Dec. 24 on ShortsHD at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Filmed primarily in Pompton Lakes and West Milford, the movie was written and directed by Pompton Lakes native Steve Monarque, who said he is thrilled that his story now has the opportunity to reach a wider audience.
SIMPLER TIMES, Starring Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, to Premiere on ShortsTV
Broadway World, December 8, 2017
"Simpler Times" stars Jerry Stiller and features special guest Anne Meara in their last onscreen appearance together. The made-for-TV film from director/writer Steve Monarque will kick off the "Stars in Shorts" block on ShortsTV Channel.
Steve Monarque [Interview]
Trainwreck’d Socitey, June 9, 2017
A few years ago this amazing short film entitled Simpler Times came to my attention, and I was deeply compelled by it. It’s such an amazing little film that is heart-wrenchingly beautiful. So I looked into who was behind the making the film...
The Ocktober Film Festival 2016 with Q&A selects
The Venue Report, October 9, 2016
Award winning Directors: Check out the inspiration behind their films! Very enlightening and educational! How did ‘Simpler Times’ Director Steve Monarque get Jerry Stiller to star in his film? Did you know that this was the last film that starred the infamous couple, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara together?
“Simpler Times”
The Jewish Standard Times of Israel, October 6, 2016
“Simpler Times,” starring Jerry Stiller and his late wife, Anne Meara, the other half of the legendary comedy duo Stiller & Meara, is their last appearance together onscreen. The movie will be shown as part of the Ocktober Film Festival…The film was a finalist at both the 25th annual San Diego Jewish FilmFestival and the Pittsburgh Jewish Film Forum’s Robinson Short Film Competition.
'Simpler Times,' filmed in Pompton Lakes, returns to area with screenings
Suburban Trends, October 5, 2016
"Simpler Times," a short film with local roots, is once again making the rounds in the area. The 33-minute comedy starring Jerry Stiller, and written/directed by Pompton Lakes native Steve Monarque, was filmed primarily in Pompton Lakes and West Milford.
Simpler Times, Starring Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, Screening in NY/NJ
Broadway World, September 22, 2016
SIMPLER TIMES, the 33-minute comedy starring Jerry Stiller, features a special guest appearance by the late Anne Meara. The made-for-TV film from director/writer Steve Monarque has upcoming festival screenings in the New York City Metro area.
Influx Magazine, November 19, 2015
A wonderfully funny and moving little film. Simpler Times is a wonderful short film and although it debuted in 2014, depending on when exactly it debuted that year, it might be still eligible for the nomination for the Best Live Action Short Oscar--something which it clearly deserves. Rarely do I say 'See this film'--but you must with this one!
Steve Monarque Radio Interview
WBNJ, June 6, 2015
Listen as we chat with Steve Monarque writer/director of “Simpler Times” starring Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. The film is screening Saturday 6/6 at 5:30pm at the Lighthouse International Film Festival.
Jerry Stiller Short Film Makes the Festival Rounds
Inquisitr, June 5, 2015
Jerry Stiller appears alongside his late wife Anne Meara in Simpler Times. The two formed the comedy team Stiller and Meara in the 1960s, making a living performing on popular variety shows. Stiller and Meara continued successfully into the 1970s, where the comedy team eventually dissolved, but the marriage continued. Meara took on a variety of television and motion picture roles going forward, and the couple appeared together from time to time in special projects over the years. Their last appearance on film together is in Simpler Times.
Jerry Stiller movie filmed in Pompton Lakes has upcoming local screenings
Suburban Trends, May 28, 2015
For those who might have missed seeing their hometown on the big screen last summer, a few upcoming area film festivals will soon offer up another chance.
'Simpler Times,' filmed in downtown Pompton Lakes, returns to the Garden State
Suburban Trends, April 20, 2015
After making the rounds at film festivals all over the country this past year, "Simpler Times" recently came back home to the Garden State.
Local Filmmaker Selected for Garden State Film Festival
Packet Media Group, February 24, 2015
The Garden State Film Festival announced today that the short Simpler Times, directed by Steve Monarque, will screen at the 2015 Garden State Film Festival located in Atlantic City... "We are thrilled to be able to present Simpler Times as a part of our 13th Annual Film Festival in Atlantic City, and shine a spot light on the extraordinary talent that our state has to offer,” says Diane Raver, the festival’s Executive Director and Founder.
TAKE 25! San Diego Jewish Film Festival celebrates silver anniversary with flicks screening Feb. 5-15 in La Jolla
La Jolla Light, January 28, 2015
Among the shorts are ‘Simpler Times,’ a non-techie’s nightmare starring Jerry Stiller, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at ArcLight Cinemas.
BWW Interview: San Diego Jewish Film Festival Promises Something for Everyone
BroadwayWorld.com, January 20, 2015
Craig Prater brings an abundance of experience to his role as Executive Director of the San Diego Jewish Film Festival. This year's events promise to be more exciting than ever, with highlights including a short film starring Seinfeld icon Jerry Stiller... "SIMPLER TIMES is so great. It's sensitive, realistic in today's world, yet funny"
45 Shorts Among Offerings at San Diego Jewish Film Festival
San Diego Jewish World, December 2, 2014
Celebrating the San Diego Jewish Film Festival's 25th Silver Anniversary... a juried competitive program of short films... featuring in Program #4 Simpler Times, starring Jerry Stiller.
Winners Announced for 2014 International Family Film Festival
Hollywood, CA, November 9, 2014
The International Family Film Festival announced the award winners for their 19th annual festival at Raleigh Studios, Hollywood. Hosted by Disney legend Bill Farmer, the ceremony bestowed a plethora of special and individual category awards for feature, short, and professional student films.
Spare Times for Oct. 31-Nov. 6
New York Times, October 30, 2014
Big Apple Film Festival (Wednesday through Nov. 9). 11th annual showcase of independent film at the Tribeca Cinemas. More than 120 short and feature-length films and documentaries will be screened, and there will be post-screening discussions with filmmakers and others. On Nov. 8 at 2:15 p.m., Jerry Stiller will receive a lifetime achievement award following the screening of “Simpler Times,” a short film in which he stars.
11th Annual Big Apple Film Festival Announces Lineup & Honorees
Way Too Indie, October 23, 2014
... Another standout film in this year's Big Apple Film Festival is director Steve Monarque's Simpler Times, a comedy short starring Jerry Stiller, his wife Anne Meara, and their daughter Amy Stiller. Jerry Stiller will be BAFF's recipient of the "Golden Apple Award", an honor previously bestowed on Cuba Gooding, Jr., Morgan Spurlock, Anthony Bregman and Alan Cumming.
19th Annual International Family Film Festival Announces 2014 Lineup
The Hollywood Times, October 22, 2014
In “Simpler Times” (Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara), a recently widowed man in his golden years moves in with his daughter and son-in-law and finds himself trapped in the world of modern technology.
The Movie Network, October 22, 2014
...The festival will present its “Golden Apple Award” to actor/comedian Jerry Stiller. Best known for his role as Frank Constanza on Seinfeld, Jerry Stiller stars in SIMPLER TIMES, premiering at BAFF on November 8th.
October 09, 2014
The 11th annual Big Apple Film Festival is proud to present our honorary Golden Apple Award to actor/comedian Jerry Stiller.
Los Angeles International Short Film Festival Announces Line-Up for 2014
Hollywood, CA, July 16, 2014
LA Shorts Fest to Showcase Shorts Directed by Luke Wilson, James McTeigue, and Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Mark Strong, Tony Hale, Jerry Stiller, Edward Asner, Sam Jaeger, Burt Young and Camilla Belle. The 18th annual Los Angeles International Short Film Festival will run from July 24th to 31st at the Laemmle NoHo 7 in North Hollywood.
Millburn student's film opens for 'Simpler Times'
The Item of Millburn and Short Hills, July 23, 2014
A short film created by Jasen Aziz, a 16-year-old student at Millburn High School, was recently selected from a pool of 25 student films in New Jersey to open before "Simpler Times," a movie starring Jerry Stiller.
Jerry Stiller visits Pompton Lakes for movie screening
Suburban Trends, July 6, 2014
Guests of the July 1 early screening of the short film "Simpler Times" starring Jerry Stiller were thoroughly entertained not only by the film, but also by Stiller himself, who made a surprise personal appearance at the event.
Jerry Stiller movie is shown in Pompton Lakes
Suburban Trends, June 29, 2014 Pompton Lakes residents can see their hometown on the big screen next week during public showings of the locally filmed movie "Simpler Times." The made-for-TV film starring Jerry Stiller will be shown at the Carnevale Center on July 1, and the community is invited to attend.
Film contest for NJ middle and high schoolers in West Milford area
Aim West Milford, June 19, 2014
MonaVision Films, the production company behind "Simpler Times" starring Jerry Stiller ("King of Queens," "Seinfeld"), will host a contest for middle school and high school student filmmakers. Aspiring filmmakers from New Jersey schools may compete for the opportunity to have their short films (10 minutes or less) screened prior to "Simpler Times."
Pompton Lakes filmmaker featured in New Jersey International Film Festival
The Record, May 26, 2014
No doubt there were technophobes 3,000 years ago – people who balked at the lever, wheel, pulley, wedge, screw and inclined plane, and longed for the good old days when you dragged things along the ground. And no doubt they sounded a little bit like Harry ("Seinfeld's" Jerry Stiller), the guy who finds himself suffocating under modern technology (he's lost his wife, and had to move in with his gadget-happy daughter and son-in-law), in the 34-minute comedy "Simpler Times," from actor-turned-playwright and filmmaker Steve Monarque.
Jerry Stiller stars in Pompton Lakes native's film
Suburban Trends, April 27, 2014
"Simpler Times," a movie starring Jerry Stiller that was written and directed by Pompton Lakes native Steve Monarque, will be screened for the public this summer in the very town it was filmed in. Monarque made his way back to his hometown to film the made-for-TV movie in 2012.
Filming for 'Please Say a Command' wraps up in Pompton LakesSuburban Trends, May 14, 2012 Downtown Pompton Lakes assumed the role of a movie set last week, as a native of the borough returned to his roots to shoot his independent film.
FESTIVALS, SCREENINGS & AWARDS
Sheffield Theatre, Naples, FL, May 2017
Ocktober Film Festival
Symphony Space, New York, NY, October 2016
Golden Door International Film Festival
Winner, Best Director
Nominee: Best Short Film, Best Concept,
Best Actor Jerry Stiller, Best Actress Anne Meara
Jersey City, NJ, September 2016
New York State International Film Festival
Nominee, Best Short Comedy
Majestic Theatre, Albany, NY, July 2016
Nevada International Film Festival
Winner, Platinum Reel Award
November 2015
Orlando Film Festival
Cobb Plaza Cinema Cafe, Orlando, Florida, October 2015
HollyShorts Film Festival
TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, Hollywood, CA, August 2015
Columbia Gorge International Film Festival
Winner, Best Director
Washougal Performing Arts Center, WA, August 2015
Long Island International Film Expo
Bellmore Movies, Bellmore, NY, July 2015
Award Winner
The Players Theatre, New York, NY, June 2015
Lighthouse International Film Festival
Winner, Audience Choice Award, Best Short Film
Long Beach Island Historical Museum, Beach Haven, NJ June 2015
New York International Short Film Festival
Landmark Sunshine Cinemas, New York, NY, May 2015
Robinson International Short Film Competition
Finalist | Pittsburgh, PA, May 2015
Gold Remi Award Winner, TV Special- Comedy
Houston, TX, April 2015
Palm Beach International Film Festival
Muvico Parisian 20 at CityPlace, Palm Beach, FL, March 2015
Nominee, Best Short Comedy
SuperStar Theater, Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ, March 2015
San Diego Jewish Film Festival
ArcLight Cinemas, La Jolla, CA, Feb 2015
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Winner, Spirit of the Independent Award Nominee, Best Short Comedy
Cinema Paradiso, Ft. Lauderdale/ Hollywood, FL, Nov 2014
International Family Film Festival
Winner, Best Short Comedy
Raleigh Studios, Hollywood, CA, Nov 2014
Golden Apple Award Recipient Jerry Stiller
Tribeca Cinemas, NYC, Nov 2014
Los Angeles International Short Film Festival (LA ShortsFest)
Nominee, Best Short Comedy
Laemmle NoHo 7, North Hollywood, CA, July 2014
New Jersey International Film Festival
Honorable Mention, New Brunswick, NJ, June 2014