In Christian Swegal’s Sovereign, Jerry Kane (Nick Offerman) believes deeply that the government can’t be trusted, and that he and his son Joseph (Jacob Tremblay) aren’t bound by the laws of the land that they don’t feel apply to them. As they face an impending eviction that Jerry doesn’t see as valid, the sustainability of their lifestyle is put to the ultimate test.
Awards Buzz spoke with writer-director Christian Swegal about the real-life inspiration for this story and what he learned in the course of his research into sovereign citizens. Watch the video above to hear about his decision to cast Offerman in the lead role and following the impressive career of young actor Tremblay.
Sovereign makes its world premiere in the Spotlight Narrative section at the 2025 Tribeca Festival and will be released in theaters on July 11th.