Nan: A Short Film by Lily Newton
Nan is a labor of love and resilience that marks my narrative directorial debut, born from a deep collaboration with the film’s producer, Stevi Zabawa. Together, we wrote this screenplay inspired by the life of Stevi's grandmother, Mary Therese Kupczak—a woman who, in 1960, entered the workforce for the first time to support her three children after being abandoned by her husband. The story captures the unrelenting strength of motherhood and the raw power of feminine rage.
As a filmmaker, I approached Nan with a vision to honor untold stories of perseverance while pushing creative boundaries. Directing this film allowed me to blend intimate storytelling with visual artistry, bringing the complexities of 1960s life to the screen. From crafting the script during late-night Zoom calls to finding the perfect shot with our director of photography, I’ve poured my heart into ensuring Nan is a cinematic experience that resonates deeply.
Currently in post-production, Nan is a testament to my dedication as a storyteller and filmmaker. Through thoughtful collaboration, historical detail, and a focus on authenticity, this short is more than a film—it’s an ode to the women whose strength often goes unrecognized.
I look forward to sharing Nan with audiences in 2025 and am excited to explore future filmmaking opportunities to tell stories that matter.
“February,” a music video about trauma and healing.
Content warning: sexual assault.
CREDITS
Directed/written by: Lily Ellora Newton
Original song/lyrics by: Hannah Yonan
Editor: Robert Bradley
Audio Recording: Larry E. Gates II
Captioning by: Gabriel Herzog
CAST
Lily Ellora Newton
Connor Kamradt
with
Philip Andrew-Monnett
Gabriel Ortiz