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Cinema Femme in Focus: Screenwriting in Today’s Indie Landscape

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Stream began May 13, 2026 5:00 PM UTC
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Join us for an intimate, one-hour conversation with Kelly O’Sullivan as she explores screenwriting in today’s independent film landscape, tracing her journey from Saint Frances to Ghostlight and her latest film, Mouse. Known for her deeply human, character-driven storytelling, O’Sullivan will discuss how personal experiences shape her work—from her time as a nanny to writing about reproductive choice—and how those stories resonate even more urgently in today’s cultural climate.


The conversation will also dive into her creative partnership with Alex Thompson, her roots in Chicago’s vibrant theater and filmmaking communities, and the evolving realities of making independent films—from funding challenges to the importance of artistic institutions. O’Sullivan will reflect on how Saint Frances helped normalize conversations around abortion, miscarriage, and postpartum depression, and how storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for connection and healing.


Born in North Little Rock, Arkansas, O’Sullivan made her debut with Saint Frances, which premiered at SXSW in 2019 and won the Audience Award. She was later named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film,” and her second feature, Ghostlight, premiered at Sundance in 2024. Her newest film, Mouse, continues her streak of nuanced, emotionally rich storytelling.


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Don’t miss this thoughtful and timely discussion with one of indie cinema’s most distinctive voices.

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