As the SXSW Film Festival eagerly anticipates the debut of the darkly comedic drama, My Dead Friend Zoe, writer-director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes secures representation with the esteemed Grandview. This partnership emerges just as Hausmann-Stokes’ feature film debut, drawn from his own profound experiences in the army and the challenging transition to civilian life, prepares to captivate audiences in Austin, TX.
📽️ From Real-Life Hero to Storyteller: My Dead Friend Zoe, premiering on Saturday, March 9, at SXSW, navigates the complex narrative of Merit (played by Sonequa Martin-Green), a U.S. Army veteran from Afghanistan whose life is intertwined with the memory of her deceased army comrade, Zoe (Natalie Morales). The film boasts an impressive ensemble, including Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, and Utkarsh Ambudkar, marking Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce’s first venture as an executive producer in the entertainment realm.
🏅 A Veteran’s Vision: Hausmann-Stokes, a USC School of Cinematic Arts alumnus, transitioned from a distinguished military career, where he was honored with the Bronze Star, to co-founding the Veterans in Media & Entertainment nonprofit. His directorial focus shines a light on the nuanced human and social aspects of military and veteran experiences, offering a unique perspective in the film industry.
With Grandview’s track record of nurturing groundbreaking talent like Joseph Kosinski, Adam Wingard, and Dan Trachtenberg, Hausmann-Stokes’ collaboration with the management firm signals a promising journey ahead. As My Dead Friend Zoe readies for its SXSW showcase, the film and Hausmann-Stokes’ burgeoning partnership with Grandview are set to leave an indelible mark on festival-goers and the broader cinematic landscape. 🎞️👏
