Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsty O’Donnell.
Hi Kirsty, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in Scotland, I had an undiagnosed learning difficulty so during school, I really struggled. During that time films and TV shows were my escape. They allowed me to go into a different world for a few hours and forget about my problems. Not only did I enjoy watching them, but I also made my own with my friends and family. It was the first time I felt as though I was genuinely good at something.
After I was diagnosed with a processing problem and phonological issues at seventeen years old, I was finally able to understand how my brain worked. I went on to study Marketing and Business Law at a top university in Glasgow, Scotland and I graduated with a second-class upper-division joint honours degree. I was over the moon that I had finally proven that I was smart, I just needed a little help to get there. I never forgot about the escape that film and TV shows gave me when I so badly needed it so I decided to move to New York to study Film at the School of Visual Arts. What started out as a hobby for me quickly became my passion. I graduated SVA with honors in 2021. I have written, directed, and produced two short narrative films that have been included in four festivals so far. I have also produced a short documentary film that has been included in nine festivals. These three films are still in the film festival circuit. I never would have discovered my love of Film if it wasn’t for the struggles that I faced growing up. I am so proud of how far I have come but this is just the beginning of my story.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my dad’s very good friends once told him, ‘If it were easy, everyone would be doing it’. This is a motto I live by. I struggled growing up with my undiagnosed learning difficulty but if it hadn’t happened to me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Like many people, my life has had many ups and downs. I struggled badly when I first moved to the states. I hated it and for the first year, I really didn’t think I would be able to stick it out. If I could have told myself then that I would be where I am today, I really don’t think I would have believed you. No road worth taking is ever smooth but I am extremely fortunate to have an amazing family who are my biggest cheerleaders and friends who will always support me no matter how far away I am.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a writer, director, and producer. My short film ‘We’ll Always Have Williamsburg’ was included in the Official Selection at the Dakota Independent Film Festival and the Sunshine City Film Festival. My second short Film ‘Millie Moon’ was included in the Official Selection at the ‘Montreal Independent Film Festival’ and won Best Drama Short at Europe Film Festival.
Millie Moon is the film I am most proud it. I went back to Scotland during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 and I was fortunate enough to shoot Millie Moon in my hometown. This film is my love letter to Scotland. I didn’t appreciate how amazing a country Scotland is until I had left and this film was my way of acknowledging that. I also produced the short documentary ‘Freedom Day’ which centers around three fiery and passionate activists as they take their battle for racial equality to the streets by orchestrating several marches in D.C. This short has been included in nine festivals including The Big Muddy Film Festival, DocuWest International Film Festival, and Phoenix Film Festival. I am so proud that this film has resonated with so many and I am so proud of my partner and the director of this film Rianne Pyle. She is such a powerhouse and is destined for so many great things.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I can be reached through my website: www.kirstyodonnell.co.uk and I can also be reached through my Instagram @kirstyod123. I am always looking for work and people to collaborate with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kirstyodonnell.co.uk/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstyod123/
Image Credits
Millie Moon Poster by Nimran Kang
