A global nomad, who lived with 201 families in 12 countries, Lisa Cole shares stories of inspiring women tackling themes of neglect, empowerment, and redemption. She’s co-writer of Girl Named Sue —winner of a PAGE award and filming in 2021/2022 (Shailene Woodley starring; Laura Bickford, Jean-Marc Vallee and Nathan Ross producing)— and Queen of Newburgh —winner of the Queen Palm Screenplay Contest and second rounder in Sundance Development Track 2021 (Maya Cozier directing). A Student Academy Awards—Oscars^® regional finalist and Stowe Story Labs Final Draft Fellow, Lisa’s award-winning short film Shipwreck is an Official Selection Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase and is currently screening in 30+ festivals. Her career includes directing and producing documentaries for The Gates Foundation, the Sundance Institute, Viacom, BET, and A&E. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University’s School of Cinema and Television, Lisa is proud to serve on the Board of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.

Queen of Newburgh [co-written with Veronica Moody] — Feeling trapped by circumstance in her Afro-Caribbean New York neighborhood, a young Black woman turns to shoplifting to raise enough money to escape forever, but struggles as family, “friends” and gnawing poverty get in the way.