Oscar-Winning Director and Succession Star Team Up for Exciting New Film!

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Each year, the Sundance Film Festival’s short film program is brimming with undiscovered treasures. Last year alone showcased a debut from former First Daughter Malia Obama in the director’s chair. A glance at the 2025 lineup has unveiled an intriguing project that pairs a renowned Hollywood duo for their first joint big-screen effort: acclaimed filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan and Emmy-nominated actress J. Smith-Cameron, best known for her role in Succession.

Alex Heller’s short film titled “Debaters” will be shown this week in Park City, Utah, starting from January 23rd when Sundance kicks off and runs until February 2nd. The screening will take place on the opening day itself, i.e., January 23rd, as part of Short Film Program 1 at Library Center Theatre. The story unfolds in a debate hall where wealthy high school students engage in a discussion about a minimum wage bill to win over two working-class adult judges, portrayed by Lonergan and Smith-Cameron. These judges watch the competition from the back of the class before offering their judgement during a powerful finale, as one debater delivers an impactful statement.

Heller is showcasing the project as an example or demonstration of a potential full-length film that delves into the “ruff-and-tumble yet heartfelt” atmosphere of congressional debates. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lonergan and Smith-Cameron are connected to the feature adaptation, titled Debate Team. At present, casting is being conducted, with filmmakers aiming for a late 2025 production commencement. From Full Spectrum Features, Debate Team is being produced by Eugene Sun Park and Heller, with Jason Matsumoto serving as executive producer.

The film “The Year Between,” released in 2022, brings Heller and Smith-Cameron together again, as Heller had previously starred opposite Steve Buscemi under Lonergan’s direction in this filmmaker’s debut. However, their connection goes back further. In her official director’s statement, Heller acknowledges Lonergan as a mentor. He is renowned for his work as a writer and director, with projects such as “You Can Count on Me,” “Margaret,” and “Manchester by the Sea” to his credit. Lonergan was awarded an Oscar for best original screenplay for his work on “Manchester by the Sea.

In the statement accompanying the press materials, Heller explains, “From my twenties onwards, I was employed as a judge at high school debate competitions in suburban Chicago, where my father served as a coach. My fascination with congressional debate began during this period, partly due to the burnout I felt at that stage of my life and the inspiration I drew from the remarkable intelligence and drive displayed by the young debaters. The tournaments were captivating, and I frequently found myself thinking that they evoked a similar passion in spectators as sports events or films about sports might. For years now, I’ve harbored a desire to produce a film chronicling a congressional debate team and their intense judges on their journey to the national championship.

In addition, Park voiced his thoughts, expressing delight at the opportunity for Chicago-based Full Spectrum to collaborate with Smith-Cameron and Lonergan on this upcoming feature film. According to Park, Alex Heller’s second feature is anticipated to serve another serving of her signature blend of tragedy and comedy. He added that, as before, Heller’s quirky yet identifiable characters will guide viewers through their journeys of self-discovery, providing ample opportunities for both squirming and laughter as we navigate the awkward stages of maturity together.

Emily Rose at Mosaic takes care of Heller, while Maude Reilly and Halle Mariner at IAG handle her representation; on the other hand, Lindsay Porter at Gersh, along with Mark Armstrong and Steve Caserta at Principal Talent, manage Smith-Cameron.

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Heller is overseen by Emily Rose at Mosaic, with Maude Reilly and Halle Mariner at IAG handling her talent representation; meanwhile, Lindsay Porter at Gersh, alongside Mark Armstrong and Steve Caserta at Principal Talent, look after Smith-Cameron.

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2025-01-24 00:27