Awkwafina’s ‘Kate Might Die,’ ‘Outside of Cleveland’ With Alex Wolff Among Projects Selected for U.S. in Progress

The Tauron American Film Festival in Wrocław, Poland, will host the U.S. in Progress forum for its 16th edition from November 17 to 19, spotlighting eight independent films nearing completion. This co-production platform is designed to facilitate collaboration between American and European producers, offering these distinctive projects an opportunity to connect with new partners and audiences.

Among the selected films, “Kate Might Die,” directed by Mercedes Bryce Morgan, stands out with a cast including Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Ken Jeong, and Zosia Mamet. The narrative follows Kate McAnneny, whose life is upended when she is diagnosed with stage two breast cancer just as her career as a production designer takes off and her husband approaches the end of rehab. The film blends dark humor with the raw realities of illness, ambition, and personal relationships, diverging from traditional cancer dramas by embracing a tragi-comedic tone inspired by true events.

“Outside of Cleveland,” directed by Colin West, explores themes of nostalgia and reconciliation. The story centers on Max, portrayed by Alex Wolff, who returns home to Ohio when his parents decide to sell their house. A supernatural twist transports him back to his teenage years, prompting reflections on the paths not taken and acceptance of present circumstances. The film’s production took place in Ohio, mirroring the director’s personal experiences.

Kristen Buckles Cantrell’s feature “Swim Fishy” delves into family dynamics and the complexities of motherhood. The plot follows a woman who, upon discovering an unexpected pregnancy, embarks on a road trip with her estranged sister. Starring Lola Kirke, the film examines how generational trauma influences identity and relationships, emphasizing the possibility of healing and redefinition.

Benjamin Chung-Ying Eckersley’s “Your Dad” presents a cross-cultural family drama set in New York. The story follows Li, who visits his son Kun, a Chinese architect reluctant to engage with him. Intriguingly, Kun’s boyfriend Michael becomes interested in Li’s heritage, creating an exploration of identity, inheritance, and the nuances of cultural connection across generations. The film marks actor Li Cong Xi’s first role outside China.

In “Situation #64,” Oliver Edwin investigates the interplay between art and personal life through the lens of performance artist Melissa, who confronts the fallout of a breakup with her partner Alex. With production ties to New York’s queer cinema scene, the film blends surreal and erotic elements, focusing on themes of intimacy, spectacle, and creative dedication.

“Scary New Year,” directed by Rachel Kempf and Nick Toti, revives the slasher genre with a contemporary edge. The story involves childhood friends Wendy and Peter, whose reunion at an annual horror-themed party spirals into a deadly scenario. Shot on 16mm film with a young cast, the movie aims to offer a fresh take on the genre by incorporating complex characters and emotional depth alongside traditional horror tropes.

“The Lonely Woman,” from the electronic music duo Boy Harsher, marks the group’s transition into filmmaking after years of music production. Featuring Chloe Sevigny, Sturgill Simpson, and FKA Twigs, this erotic thriller is set in a small, forgotten town and centers on a woman haunted by her past and drawn into a mysterious investigation. The film draws inspiration from the visceral themes of love, loss, and desire commonly explored in the band’s music.

Rounding out the selection is Jared Goodman’s “Buyback,” a suburban heist thriller that doubles as a coming-of-age story. The film follows three teenagers who exploit a state-run gun buyback program to convert unsecured firearms into cash, escalating into a high-stakes pursuit with moral consequences. The cast includes Gyula Owen Asztalos, Saniyya Sidney, and Ignacio Diaz-Silverio. This production examines pressing social issues related to gun accessibility while maintaining a gripping narrative anchored by youth perspectives.

Organizers of U.S. in Progress emphasize the forum’s role in fostering transatlantic partnerships and facilitating the international visibility of independent American cinema. This year’s event also incorporates cultural experiences such as location scouting tours in Lower Silesia, inspired by regional film heritage. The initiative aims to nurture ongoing collaboration between Polish and American filmmakers, enhancing the global reach of the selected projects.

Collectively, these eight films represent a spectrum of genres and themes, from deeply personal dramas and family stories to genre-bending thrillers and experimental art films. Their inclusion in the U.S. in Progress program reflects a growing appetite for diverse storytelling that challenges conventional narratives and explores complex human experiences across cultural boundaries.