Filmmakers Bring “Real Moms Having Dinner” to New Haven

A significant film production took place in New Haven last week, featuring the video “Real Moms Having Dinner.” The shoot occurred at a mansion located in Fair Haven Heights and at a local restaurant, September in Bangkok. The project is associated with WhatsApp, a messaging platform owned by Meta Platforms.

On February 10, 2026, production crews equipped with trucks and film equipment transformed the area surrounding the historic Mary B. Moody House. The mansion, recognized for its Gothic Victorian architecture, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The filming permit, obtained from the Department of Arts, Culture, & Tourism (DACT), revealed that the mansion would serve as a setting for a “Mom & kids playdate,” while the restaurant would feature “real moms having dinner at restaurant.”

The crew consisted of approximately 60 members, with 12 cast members involved in the shoot. The permit allowed for the use of 25 cars, six trucks, and two motorhomes, highlighting the scale of the production. Local resident and associate director for the Urban Resources Initiative, Chris Ozyck, shared images of the filming permit with local media, underscoring the level of preparation that goes into such projects.

Freelance photographer Kate Eisemann, whose name appeared on the permit, declined to comment on the specifics of the video due to a non-disclosure agreement. Attempts to reach Dress Code, a Brooklyn-based producer involved in the project, yielded no response.

The filming at September in Bangkok, located at 754 State St., required the restaurant to close for the entire day on February 10. The restaurant’s manager, Nan Thomas, expressed excitement about the opportunity to host the crew, stating, “It was kind of exciting. I’m glad they picked our restaurant.”

While the restaurant’s menu was not featured on camera, Thomas noted that some crew members enjoyed dinner at the establishment the night before the shoot. The choice of location was influenced by a crew member’s fond memories of dining there while living in New Haven.

The filming in New Haven is part of a growing trend, with the city increasingly becoming a favored backdrop for various film projects. In March 2023, a feel-good Christmas movie captured scenes on Chapel Street in Wooster Square. Later, the same area was utilized for the horror-thriller “Twisted,” originally titled “The Monster.” The film “After the Hunt,” set to be released in 2025, also incorporated scenes from downtown New Haven through digital editing.

The local community has expressed enthusiasm for the presence of film crews, as it not only highlights the city’s attractive locations but also boosts local businesses. The collaboration between filmmakers and city officials, including the DACT, has been praised for its professionalism and support during such projects.

As New Haven continues to attract filmmakers, the excitement surrounding productions like “Real Moms Having Dinner” signifies the city’s growing reputation as a vibrant location for creative endeavors.