Film Independent Members, you and a guest are invited to join us for a theatrical screening of My Dead Friend Zoe, followed by an in-person conversation with co-writer/director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, and actors Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales.

Inspired by a true story and winner of the 2024 SXSW Audience Award, My Dead Friend Zoe is a dark comedy drama that follows the journey of Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green), a U.S. Army Afghanistan veteran who is at odds with her family thanks to the presence of Zoe (Natalie Morales), her dead best friend from the Army. Despite the persistence of her VA group counselor (Morgan Freeman), the tough love of her mother (Gloria Reuben) and the levity of an unexpected love interest (Utkarsh Ambudkar), Merit’s cozy-dysfunctional friendship with Zoe keeps the duo insulated from the world. That is, until Merit’s estranged grandfather (Ed Harris), holed up at the family’s ancestral lake house, begins to lose his way and needs the one thing he refuses: help. This autobiographical film from writer/director and U.S. Army combat veteran Kyle Hausmann-Stokes is an unexpected, uplifting exploration of a complicated friendship, a divided family, and the complex ways in which we process grief.

The film was an official selection of the 2024 SXSW Film Festival (Audience Award Winner), the Mill Valley Film Festival (Audience Award Winner) and the Woodstock Film Festival (Grand Jury Prize, Audience Award, Best Cinematography).

From Briarcliff Entertainment, Legion M Entertainment and Radiant Media Studios, My Dead Friend Zoe will be released in theaters nationwide on February 28.

 
2024, 101 minutes, color | Written by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, AJ Bermudez, Directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes,| Main Cast Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Gloria Reuben | Produced by Paul Scanlan, Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, Terri Lubaroff, Ray Maiello, Mike Field, Richard Silverman, Robert Paschall Jr. | Executive Produced by Travis Kelce, Ed Harris, Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Tom Ortenberg, Jeff Annison, David Baxter, Brandi Plants, Nancy Masterson, Joe Masterson, Igor Tsukerman
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members are guaranteed access to, and receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this event starting at xx:00 pm on xxday, February xx. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registrants may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Masks are optional. This is subject to change as we continue to monitor public health guidance.

Harmony Gold Preview House parking is complimentary. Underground parking is accessible via Sunset Boulevard. An overflow parking lot is located behind the building and can be accessed from Stanley Avenue. If lots are full, street parking is available.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Registrants are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.