The Austin Film Festival will host the premiere of "Omi" on October 30, featuring the final film appearance of actress Bunny Levine. The project, a Jewish exorcism comedy, serves as a dual milestone by marking the directorial feature debut of Emily Lerer.
What is the story of Omi?
Written by and starring Adam Lebowitz-Lockard, the film blends supernatural elements with specific cultural themes. The cast also includes Dree Hemingway. The production is expected to draw significant interest due to several key factors:
- The late Bunny Levine's final performance.
- The directorial debut of Emily Lerer.
- A unique genre blend of comedy and exorcism.
A tribute to Bunny Levine
Levine's participation adds an emotional weight to the film's festival run. The veteran actress passed away on August 20 at her residence in Tarzana, California, at the age of 97. Her presence in this final role offers a concluding chapter to a long career as the film enters the festival circuit.
Context for the festival season
The debut of "Omi" arrives amidst a busy period for the independent film community. While "Omi" focuses on a niche genre blend, the broader industry is also preparing for major biographical releases. For instance, production has officially begun on "Fair Play: The Jordan Chiles Story," a documentary about the Olympic medalist. Directed by Trishtan Williams, that film is slated for a 2027 release on Hulu and Disney+ to coincide with the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Additionally, the 40th AFI Fest recently concluded in Los Angeles, honoring several short filmmakers. Winners included Alexandra Matheou for best live action short and Stephen P. Neary for best animated short. These overlapping events highlight a season of both celebrating established legacies and introducing new voices to the screen.
FAQ
When does Omi premiere?
The film is scheduled to premiere at the Austin Film Festival on October 30.
Who directed the film?
"Omi" is the first feature-length film directed by Emily Lerer.
