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From Intimate to Infinite

With Writer, Creator Jenny Lumet

VIFF Talks

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Jenny Lumet is one of television and film’s most compelling storytellers, bringing distinctive voices to both intimate character studies and expansive genre narratives. From her Academy Award–nominated screenplay for Rachel Getting Married to her groundbreaking work as co-creator of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Jenny’s impressive portfolio showcases her ability to craft deeply human stories across diverse formats. Not content to work within a single medium, she moves fluidly between feature films, premium television, and franchise storytelling, including her work as showrunner on The Man Who Fell to Earth and co-creator of the psychological thriller Clarice.

As the daughter of legendary director Sidney Lumet and granddaughter of trailblazing entertainer Lena Horne, she carries forward a legacy of artistic excellence while forging her own distinctive path. Join us as Jenny shares how she built her career in Hollywood’s evolving landscape while championing diverse voices and elevating each project with her keen understanding of what makes stories resonate. We will delve into her process of crafting authentic characters, navigating complex relationships, and using genre to explore social commentary.

Guest
Date

Oct 9

Time

6:00 pm

Venue

The Rio

19+
90 min

Book Tickets

Thursday October 09

5:30 pm
Guests/Q&As
The Rio Theatre
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Guest

Jenny Lumet headshot

Jenny Lumet

Jenny Lumet wrote the screenplay for Rachel Getting Married, for which she received the 2008 New York Film Critics Circle Award, Toronto Film Critics Association Award, Washington D.C. Film Critics Association Award, and a NAACP Image Award. She is the writer of The Center Cannot Hold, The Language of Flowers, and the upcoming DreamWorks project The Jumbies. She served as a script doctor on Remember Me, Bobbie Sue, Honeymoon with Harry, and The Mummy, and has written original screenplays including Kingdom of Louie and Sambo.

She is co-creator and executive producer of CBS’s Clarice, Showtime’s The Man Who Fell to Earth, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. She has an overall deal with CBS Studios and is a creator on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

With Alex Kurtzman, she launched 25 Stories to amplify voices for people of color. Upcoming projects include Blackbird: Lena Horne and America and Rob Peace.

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