Courtney Lamb

writer/actor/director. zoo historian. art geek.

A woman wearing a skull mask and a bright blue cape stands in a closet full of costumes.

HERO. A short film about grief and superheroes.

Director
Writer

After picturing herself as a Deathbed Hero for 35 years, a woman stunned by her mother’s sudden death calls on the help of a trusty sidekick.

Featuring Amanda Sickler and Cynthia Boorujy. Part of The Smile! Project series of shorts (read about the series).

I got to know both Amanda* and Cynthia years ago through the Actor-Director Labs of the great directing teacher Judith Weston. This project was directly inspired by the process taught by Judith, and by the joy I got from participating in her classes and workshops. What a pleasure to loop back and end up working with these two actresses! Amanda is fearless and funny, unafraid of digging in to the worst and saddest parts of the character. Cynthia projects calm and intense thought, a steely center wrapped in a compassionate soul — and that beautiful voice! This story was difficult for me to handle, so I am grateful that it landed in their hands.

  • Bonus brother connection! Amanda’s brother Chip played my cousin in a short I wrote called Dead Ronnie!