Zack Gottsagen and Anna Enger Ritch Wrap Filming Ohio Rom‑Com 'A Reason to Stay'

Zack Gottsagen and Anna Enger Ritch have finished filming the romantic comedy “A Reason to Stay” in Ohio. Gottsagen plays Zach, a young man with Down syndrome who helps run his family’s animal shelter. Ritch plays his sister Sophie, who returns home after their mother’s death. Sophie must choose between a planned future and a second chance with an old love. The story follows their bond and the people they bring together. The film is directed by Rippin Sindher, who also co‑wrote the script with Melanie Forchetti. Sindher makes her feature debut after the short “Flight 182”. In April she was named a Sundance Institute Cultural Impact Residency fellow. Production reunites Gottsagen with TVACOM Films’ Davied Thiews, their partners on “The Peanut Butter Falcon”. Kelli A. White (With‑An‑i Productions) produces alongside Promised The Moon Productions, Amy Russ, Melanie Forchetti, William Thies and Katie Cassidy. Executive producers include Ridley Scott, Archie Panaji, Sonein Noack and Emik David. Spencer Neville also appears in the cast. Gottsagen’s previous work includes “The Peanut Butter Falcon”, “Night Always Comes” (2025) and a debut with Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson. Ritch is known for “S.W.A.T.” and “The Haunting of Hill House”; her last film was “On a Wing and a Prayer” (2023). Gottsagen is represented by Advanced Management, Ritch by the Joseph Le Talent Agency and Neville by Innovative Artists.

Context

The movie adds to a growing trend of inclusive storytelling that features actors with disabilities in lead roles. Ohio’s locations are being used increasingly for independent film shoots.