Interview: Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan on Family Theater in ‘Ghostlight’

For their debut feature, Saint Frances, Alex Thompson directed and Kelly O’Sullivan wrote and starred. Their latest collaboration, Ghostlight has neither in front of the camera but the real-life partners sharing directing duties in a script from O’Sullivan. It’s also a family affair for the main actors involved, with Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen, and Katherine Mallen Kupferer playing husband, wife, and daughter in this intimate story of humanity, grief, and the theater.

Awards Buzz spoke with Thompson and O’Sullivan about working together and translating actual relationships into onscreen dynamics. Watch the video above to hear their memories of premiering at Sundance with a six-week-old baby in tow and what they’d like to do next.

Ghostlight has its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and is now playing in theaters.