LOUISA (Lou) CONNOLLY-BURNHAM is a multifaceted talent from Birmingham, UK, who has made a significant impact as an actress, director, screenwriter, and producer. Her performance in Charlie Manton's film Beneath Water earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Queens World Film Festival. Beyond her work in film, Louisa is also a member of the alt-folk band Virens.

In 2019, Louisa founded her production company, Thimble Films, cementing her reputation as a rising talent in the independent film industry. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her active participation in industry organizations like Directors UK, Women in Film & TV (WFTV), and Cinesisters.

Louisa’s latest project, Sister Wives, is a short film she wrote, directed, produced, and starred in alongside BAFTA-winner Mia McKenna-Bruce (How to Have Sex). The film, which completed principal photography in early 2024, has been acquired by Channel 4 / Film4 for UK streaming, with a release scheduled for the end of the year. Sister Wives has already garnered attention on the festival circuit, premiering at Oscar-qualifying festivals like HollyShorts, where it was nominated for Best LGBTQIA+ Film and DeadCenter and Out On Film.

The film's success continued at BAFTA-qualifying festivals, including The Iris Prize, where it was nominated for Best British Film, and appearances at the Cambridge Film Festival and Bolton Film Festival. It also made an impact at BIFA-qualifying festivals such as Brighton Rocks, where Louisa won Best Director, and the Sunrise Film Festival, which honored the film with awards for Best British Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design.

Louisa's earlier work, The Call Center (2020), which we feature in this issue, also made waves on the festival circuit. It was nominated for Best International Film at the Oscar-qualifying Foyle Film Festival. It gained recognition at BAFTA-qualifying festivals, including the Aesthetica Film Festival and Underwire Film Festival, where it received a nomination for Best Producer. Additionally, the film won audience awards at the ÉCU Film Festival and Sunday Shorts Film Festival.

More about Louisa’s work may be found on her website.