Actress Kyra Sedgwick. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SCAD)
'Story of a Girl' (2017). Synopsis: “When a compromising video of sixteen year old Deanna Lambert hits social media, her teenage life is changed forever. Overcoming bullies, hurtful school-yard taunts and the enduring rage and disappointment of her father, Deanna longs to escape a life defined by her past. Directed by Kyra Sedgwick (feature directorial debut) and starring Ryann Shane, Jon Tenney and Kevin Bacon, based on Sara Zarr's award winning novel, Story of a Girl is a coming of age drama about a young woman pushing beyond the shadow of her past to become the author of her own life.”
Produced by Random Bench Production, 'Story of a Girl' is written by Laurie Collyer and Emily Bickford Lansbury based on the book by Sara Zarr. Directed by actress/director Kyra Sedgwick and starring Kevin Bacon, Sosie Bacon, and Ryann Shane, the film held its world premiere at the 2017 Edinburgh International Film Festival. The film screened at the 20th anniversary of SCAD Savannah Film Festival where Kyra was awarded the Spotlight Award.
When I asked about her directorial experience during her attendance at SCAD Savannah Film Festival, here is what Kyra had to say:
Do you think social media is more healing or damaging for our culture today?
KYRA: I think it's damaging because I think people get what I call cyber balls and they don't have to look somebody in the eye and see their reaction. Instead, they often say really mean things which are devastating when they're in black and white, whether it's a review, comment, people ganging up or bullying kids. I think it's completely unregulated and there's too much information coming at us and too much information going out.
I'm still figuring out who I am, so the idea of putting some version of myself out into the world and people thinking I'm that version... Well, I might be that version today, but not that version tomorrow and it haunts you and follows you around. I feel for kids today. It's also so distressing. I think the increase in teenage suicide is because of FOMO (fear of missing out). I think that everyone's life looks perfect on Instagram and Twitter so they think “I should be happy all the time.” But the truth is, most people are not. Most people are struggling with a lot of stuff, but it looks good in the picture. But you're not feeling good so you think, “there's something wrong with me.” So, I'm scared of it. I think you've noticed.
Did you love directing?
KYRA: I loved it. I loved it more than anything and I can't wait to do more of it. I am just singing it from the mountain tops and I'm batting on every door and I'm not taking no for an answer. That's really where my focus will be now.
Do you think you'll work with your husband Kevin Bacon again?
KYRA: Yeah. If he's very lucky, I will hire again. I would love to work with him again. He's incredible.
Interview by Vanessa McMahon
About Kyra by SCAD: Kyra Sedgwick has conquered success on stage, screen and television. She has received multiple Golden Globe nominations (2007 win for The Closer), Emmy nominations (2010 win for The Closer), seven SAG nominations as well as two Independent Spirit Award nominations, a Theater award, Los Angeles Drama Desk Critics Circle Award and a Dramalogue Award. She can currently be seen in the new ABC series Ten Days in the Valley, in which she also serves as the executive producer. Sedgwick also made her directorial debut this year with the independent feature Story of a Girl, based on the novel of the same name by Sara Zarr. Her other film credits include The Edge of Seventeen, Submission, The Humbling, Time Out of Mind, After Darkness, Kill Your Darlings, The Road Within, Reach Me, The Possession, Man on a Ledge, Gamer, The Game Plan, Loverboy, The Woodman, Secondhand Lions, Personal Velocity, Phenomenon, What’s Cooking, Born on the Fourth of July, Singles, Lemony Sky and Heart and Souls.
Kyra Sedgwick in Savannah, Georgia. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SCAD)