Synopsis: A self-destructive ex-Mormon finds out her abusive father is on his deathbed and road trips to Utah to reckon with her past.

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My work focuses on intimate, humanistic stories through a unique lo-fi and micro-budget lens. I enjoy stories about relationships and missed connections, where the characters deal with the dichotomy of not wanting to be alone but are afraid of intimacy.

I often use improvisation on set so that the actors can bring their own voice & behavior to their characters. I tend to work with small crews which adds a compelling layer of intimacy and authenticity in the performances, that you wouldn’t be able to achieve on a large set. I am proud to say that no white guy was ever behind the camera. The process was highly collaborative, and many of the big creative decisions were made as a group.

Provo is a very personal story, and Liz’s character feels like a parallel version of myself- if I had never gone to therapy. Growing up Mormon, I found that a good portion of my personality and choices were in direct opposition to the doctrine of the church. I want Provo to resonate with audiences who have had a similar experience of leaving a repressive organized religion, and have also dealt with unhealthy coping mechanisms stemming from being ostracized by their family’s traditional values. I want audiences to feel less alone when they see Liz struggle from her religious and sexual trauma, and have some hope when they see her find autonomy from her past.

Provo is dedicated to my filmmaker hero, Lynn Shelton.

I’m a Chicago based filmmaker, actor, and photographer. After studying acting at NYU, I began producing, writing, directing, and editing my own work. I’ve made dozens of short films, including “Soomin”, which won the Audience Award at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival.

I love my Provo crew, my sisters, country music, and the Western Sublime.

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