Friday, May 1 – 8:30pm

Hekla

Narrative • Comedy/Drama • USA • 2026
89 Minutes

Synopsis: Hekla is a comedy-drama about the emotional cost of pursuing a creative life. Set over one hectic day in Chicago, it explores how ambition, identity, and vulnerability collide when you’re chasing something as personal (and uncertain) as an acting career.

Hekla, a determined actress, races through auditions, breakups, and self-doubt, risking her heart and career to claim her voice and step fully into the artist and woman she’s meant to be. During her day, Hekla goes on four auditions, gets new headshots, and plays Lady Macbeth in a dive bar, all while attempting to keep intrusive thoughts of a recently ended relationship at bay.

Beneath the humor and dramatic momentum lies a story about showing up for yourself, even when the world isn’t clapping for you yet. Tonally, think Frances Ha meets Ghostlight: a character-driven story blending messy charm with emotional honesty.

Director: Michael Glover Smith
Writer: Michael Glover Smith
Cast: Elizabeth Stam, Mary Tilden, Brookelyn Hebert, Sadieh Rifai, Sadie Rogers, Grant Carriker, Conor Foley, Wendy Robie
Producers: Aaron Wertheimer, Elizabeth Stam, Michael Glover Smith
Cinematographer: Jose Perez
Editor: Eric Marsh

Festivals & Awards: Lindsey Film Festival
Beloit

Public Contact: Michael Glover Smith
Email Address: mikeygsmith@gmail.com