Leads
World Premiere

Leads

US Narrative Competition
Feature | United States | 102 MINUTES | English
Women, Comedy, Drama, LGBTQIA+, Narrative

Written and directed by two-time Independent Spirit Award nominee Bryan Poyser, Leads is a sharp, spirited comedy about second acts and sibling chaos. Mags (Heather Kafka) is a drama lecturer with a steady job, a kid to raise, and her dreams of artistic greatness on the back burner — until her charmingly unpredictable younger brother Merritt (Justin Arnold) shows up out of nowhere… and signs up for her acting class.

What starts as an awkward reunion quickly spirals into a hilariously messy journey as old wounds, big ambitions, and way-too-honest monologues bubble to the surface. With Mags trying to maintain control and Merritt stirring the pot, the class turns into a chaotic proving ground for everyone’s creative (and personal) baggage.

Poyser turns the classroom into a comedic pressure cooker, where drama — both scripted and unscripted — explodes in surprising, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud ways. With standout performances from Kafka and Arnold, plus a winning ensemble that includes Macon Blair and Sara Paxton, Leads is a love letter to late bloomers, awkward family reunions, and the beautiful mess of trying to make art — and sense — of your life.—Cara Cusumano


Cast & Credits
Directed by
Bryan Poyser
Director
Bryan Poyser
Producer
Taylor Wright, Heather Kafka, Justin Arnold
Screenwriter
Bryan Poyser
Cinematographer
Ellie Ann Fenton
Composer
Lauren Paige Sanders
Editor
Bryan Poyser
Production Designer
Courtney Voss
Executive Producer
Amado De Hoyos, Ray Seggern, Cornelia Guest
Associate Producer
Tom Copeland, Kim LeBlanc, Karen LeBlanc, Benjamin Combee, Annelies Lottmann, Kristy LeBlanc, Charlie Barrett Fallon, Sean Fallon
Story By
Bryan Poyser, Heather Kafka, Justin Arnold
Cast
Heather Kafka, Justin Arnold, Macon Blair, Sara Paxton, Aaliyah Tardio, Wade Smith, Yesenia Garcia Herrington

Contacts
US Sales Contact
Glen Reynolds
Circus Road Films
Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: 310 386 5196
glen@circusroadfilms.com
Press Contact
Sierra Slaughter
Fusion Entertainment
Brooklyn, NY 11232
sierra@fusion-entertainment.com
Print Source
Bryan Poyser
Austin, TX 78753
Phone: 512 507 5197
bryan.poyser@gmail.com
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The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.