Kyra Sedgwick is an award-winning actress, producer, and director. She is best known for her Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning role as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson on the TNT crime drama “The Closer,” and most recently starred on the ABC comedy “Call Your Mother.” In 2018, Sedgwick received a DGA nomination for her directorial debut, “Story of a Girl.” She has directed episodes of “Grace & Frankie,” “City on a Hill,” “Ray Donovan,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (on which she also had a recurring role), and many other series.
“Space Oddity” is screening at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival, which is taking place June 8-19.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
KS: When Alex gives up on earth and decides to live it all behind for a one-way mission to Mars, an unexpected romance forces him to choose between an uncertain journey to the stars or an even more uncertain journey of the heart.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
KS: This story is essentially about a family struggling with loss — a loss that makes them want to all check out in different ways. Alex’s way is more dramatic, but they are all trying as hard as they can to not feel the grief.
The film lives very much in the funny/sad, a genre that I am particularly fond of! I find life like that, and I need one to get through the other.
W&H: What do you want people to think about after they watch the film?
KS: I want them to feel inspired and hopeful. It’s so scary to love because people die or leave, but love is always worth it. I want people to feel more inspired to check back in and fight for what they love, like Alex does.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
KS: Raising the money!
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
KS: Independent financiers. Begging – we made a lookbook and essentially knocked on doors! Leave no stone unturned!
W&H: What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
KS: I’ve been acting since I was 16 and always said I’d never direct. I think I was terrified, but ultimately I am a storyteller, and I wanted to be a bigger part of the storytelling.
I think compassion is our most beautiful trait as humans and I want to exercise that in people as much as I can.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
KS: Best advice: Quit taking things personally!
Worst: Do as I say not as I do.
W&H: What advice do you have for other women directors?
KS: Don’t play by the sick guys’ rules.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
KS: So hard to name one, but I just adored Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell.” It’s very much in the funny/sad genre and it’s about families and lies! What could be more perfect?
