'The Travel Companion' Explores Creative Insecurities and Friendship

All Of It with Alison Stewart · Apr 10, 2026 · 20m

'The Travel Companion' is a new independent film that tells the story of Simon, a struggling documentary filmmaker, and his friendship with Bruce, an airline worker who invites Simon to be his traveling companion for a year, meaning he can fly for free. But their relationship is complicated when Bruce meets Beatrice, a more successful filmmaker that challenges Simon's creative insecurities. The film, shot locally around New York, premieres at BAM April 10-16. Co-writers and directors Alex Mallis and Travis Wood discuss their inspiration for the story, and what it takes to make an indie film…