58° and Fog
From FXBG to the Big Screen: Hometown Filmmaker’s NYU Finale
Emma Fitzsimmons, a 2021 Chancellor High School Graduate, approaches the production of her thesis film, OUR FATHER, which is scheduled for mid-April.
New York City, March 25, 2025
In 2021, Emma Fitzsimmons could have never imagined where she would be today. During her time at Chancellor High School, she gravitated towards creative outlets — writing for the school newspaper, The Lightning Bolt; hosting the morning announcements, The Lightning Fast Broadcast; and spending some time in the school’s choir and making art. Nearing the end of her fourth year at New York University, Emma is set to debut her thesis film, OUR FATHER, at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
OUR FATHER tells the story of Frances, a stripper grappling with the unexpected death of her father. She must wrestle with the decision of whether to attend his funeral, confronting her complex past, and stepping foot in a church to say goodbye for the final time. This project reflects years of dedication, storytelling, and artistic growth, bringing a deeply personal narrative to life.
“With OUR FATHER, I aspire to create a space for unconventional grief, chosen freedom, and the weight of transformation,” says writer/director Emma Fitzsimmons. “This film highlights the validity of sex work in an effort to break stereotypes and humanize the performers, as well as their choice of career. Since the early stages, I have been collaborating with sex workers to weave a fictional story with authentic experiences and narratives.”
While the creative vision is clear, bringing a film to life requires the support of a community. Independent filmmaking thrives on collaboration, and this project is no exception. As production ramps up, Emma is reaching out to her Fredericksburg roots to invite friends, family, and supporters of the arts to be a part of the journey. Contributions of any size will help cover essential production costs, from securing locations to ensuring the cast and crew have the resources they need to tell this story authentically. OUR FATHER is also proudly fiscally sponsored by From The Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent films that make a meaningful contribution to society. This sponsorship allows for tax-deductible donations, typically reserved for nonprofit productions, while still maintaining full creative vision.
Beyond financial support, spreading the word about the film, sharing experiences, and engaging with the creative process are all invaluable ways to contribute. This project isn’t just a film—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the strength of the communities that shape us.
To learn more about OUR FATHER and how to support the project, visit https://seedandspark.com/fund/our-father# or follow us on Instagram @our_fatherfilm.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further details, please contact:
Emma Fitzsimmons
540-710-4098
Brooklyn, New York
FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE
