The feature-length expansion of the acclaimed Tribeca short has wrapped filming, with Lesley Ann Warren and Kristen Connolly also among the cast.
The coming-of-age drama Dirty Towel has officially wrapped production, bringing together an ensemble led by Emma Parks, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Conor Sherry and Oscar nominee Lesley Ann Warren.
The feature is co-written and produced by cousins Callie Carpinteri and Emma Parks, expanding their short film of the same name, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. The project also marks Carpinteri’s feature directorial debut.
Rounding out the cast are Kristen Connolly and Sandrine Holt, adding to the ensemble of the independent film, which explores the complexities of family relationships, personal identity and the shame that can be passed between generations.
Set in the weeks leading up to high school graduation, Dirty Towel follows Charlie, played by Parks, as she navigates questions surrounding sex, independence and the expectations placed upon her. Meanwhile, her mother, Elizabeth, is forced to confront her own unresolved trauma as her judgmental mother returns to the picture, bringing longstanding family tensions to the surface.
The feature builds on the central themes of the original short, expanding its examination of how attitudes towards sexuality and self-worth can influence relationships across generations.
The short premiered at Tribeca in June 2024 before screening at more than 25 festivals worldwide and earning multiple awards. Its reception helped pave the way for the filmmakers to develop the story into a feature-length production.
For Carpinteri and Parks, the project reflects a desire to explore the experiences of women through an honest and empathetic lens. By broadening the story to encompass three generations of one family, the feature aims to examine how shame can be inherited, confronted and ultimately challenged.
The production also stands out for its representation behind the camera, with women making up more than 77% of the crew, including an all-female team in key creative and producing positions.
Filming took place in the Chicago area. A distributor and release date have yet to be announced.
With its focus on family dynamics, coming of age and the lasting influence of generational expectations, Dirty Towel is shaping up to be a character-driven drama that builds on the foundation established by its award-winning short-film predecessor.
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