“Sometimes you realize that the thing an actor is asking for isn't exactly the thing they want. Maybe they're asking for more dialogue, or maybe they want a deep intellectual exploration of their role. But probably what they really need is encouragement.”

American filmmaker

Karyn Kusama is an American filmmaker. She made her feature directorial debut with the sports drama Girlfight in 2000 and quickly drew attention for it. The film won her Best Director and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and it also brought her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. Kusama is best known for directing Girlfight, a film that established her as a significant new voice in American independent cinema. Her early recognition came from work that combined sports drama with a focused character study, and the available record centers on that breakthrough film and the honours it received.