Caity’ Filmmaker Lindsay Calleran on Loss That Fueled Debut Film

Caity’ Filmmaker Lindsay Calleran on Loss That Fueled Debut Film

June 4, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

Award-winning New York filmmaker Lindsay Calleran is set to premiere their debut feature film, “Caity,” at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. The production is currently seeking U.S. Distribution.

Calleran brings a multifaceted creative background to the project, holding an MFA from Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. Prior to their work in film, they taught and performed improv comedy at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre and toured with the UCBTourCo.

The filmmaker has already established a strong presence in the short film circuit. Their work “What I See When I Look” won the top prize at the Sun Valley Film Festival, while “I’m Really Scared I’m Dying TBH” earned the 2025 Trailblazer Award from Short of the Week.

Did You Know? “Caity” was filmed on location at Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion, a local Halloween attraction that has been in operation for 50 years.

A Legacy of Collaboration

“Caity” began as a creative partnership between Calleran and their father, with whom they had worked in dinner theater for 15 years. This lifelong collaboration was interrupted when Calleran’s father passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack during the film’s development.

From Instagram — related to Chiara Aurelia and Morgan Spector

The tragedy fundamentally shifted the tone of the project. While the film remains an exploration of the effects of alcoholism and addiction on the family system, Calleran notes that the script became “softer” following the loss.

The film features a posthumous cameo for the filmmaker’s father, who was originally intended to play a character named “Tall Dave.” Following his passing, the role was taken over by Kevin McCurdy.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the transition of “Caity” from a collaborative project to a posthumous tribute highlights the profound way personal grief can reshape narrative intent. By integrating real-life loss into the production, the filmmaker transforms a fictional exploration of addiction into a tangible act of remembrance.

Production and Industry Support

The feature is headlined by Chiara Aurelia and Morgan Spector. The production was supported by several prestigious organizations, including Sundance Catalyst, the Gotham Film Market, and the OUTFEST Screenwriting Lab.

Paul Lindsay, two-time director for Table Read My Screenplay – Cannes Interview

Additional support for the project came from the SAGIndie New Voices! Reading Series and the Los Cabos Gabriel Figueroa Meet Market. The film was edited by Joe Stankus.

Given the film’s premiere at the Tribeca Festival, it may likely gain further visibility as it pursues a U.S. Distribution deal to reach a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the film “Caity” premiere?
“Caity” is scheduled to premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Festival.

What are the primary themes explored in “Caity”?
The film serves as an exploration of the effects of alcoholism and addiction on the family system.

Who are the lead actors in the film?
The film stars Chiara Aurelia and Morgan Spector.

Do you believe that personal loss can enhance the emotional depth of a cinematic work?

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