Get to Know Cole Webley: Director of Omaha at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival

First-time feature filmmaker Cole Webley brought a story of perseverance and family stability to the 2025 Sundance Film Festival with the premiere of his film Omaha. The movie, which competed in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, explores a family’s cross-country journey following a tragedy triggered by the Great Recession.

Based on a screenplay by festival alumnus Robert Machoian, who previously directed The Killing of Two Lovers for the 2020 festival, the film focuses on the power of understanding and the danger of quick judgment. Webley described the narrative as an exploration of the sad truths occurring around us every day, specifically aiming to give a face to both the parents and children affected by the financial crisis of 2008.

Empathy is universal, apolitical and needed more than ever. This film suggests that we don’t always know why people do things, and our first job should be to ask questions, to lean into forgiveness, and to motivate toward positive change.

Cole Webley, Director of Omaha

The Challenges of Independent Production

The production of Omaha was a self-funded effort that faced significant logistical and industry hurdles. The project was filmed during the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike, requiring the production to secure an interim agreement to proceed. Webley noted that the self-funded nature of the project represented the most pure intent of the indie film route.

Filming took place primarily in Utah, with additional days spent in Wyoming and Nebraska. Because the production featured young actors, the schedule was strictly limited by labor laws. Webley stated that while the shoot spanned more calendar days, the actual time on set was adjusted to roughly an 18-day schedule.

Working with children and animals presented a specific set of challenges for the debut director. The film stars Molly Belle Wright and Wyatt Solis, who were 9 and 6 years old, respectively, at the time of shooting. Webley described Wright as a revelation and praised Solis for an ability to be incredibly present during key moments of the film.

The role of the father was played by John Magaro, known for his role in Past Lives. Webley noted that Magaro brought a necessary sense of complexity and innate warmth to the project and worked closely with the child actors to build the relationships seen on screen.

Personal Connection and Artistic Vision

Webley, a father of four, felt a personal draw to Machoian’s script through the shared experience of fatherhood and the themes of grief and hope. He described the script as something that hits you across the face, leaving him with the conviction that the story had to be made into a film.

I’m interested in the complexities of humans, but mostly, I love us. I think we are innately good. I think we struggle most of the time. I think people want to be loved, and I want to be part of stories that strip away those differences and connect us.

Cole Webley, Director of Omaha

This philosophy of connection is mirrored in Webley’s broader approach to cinema. He cited creative heroes such as Paul Thomas Anderson, Wim Wenders, Cormac McCarthy, Carl Theodor Dreyer, and the Dardenne Brothers. He specifically mentioned the influence of Wenders’ film Perfect Days, which he watched during the post-production of Omaha in New York to remain inspired by tone and performance.

A Homecoming in Utah

The premiere at Sundance held particular significance for Webley, who has lived in Utah for just over 20 years. Having attended undergraduate film school in the state and directed his first short films only miles from Park City, he described the festival as a beautiful thing that always seemed just out of reach.

Beyond his work in Utah, Webley has maintained a professional presence in international production hubs, including Barcelona, Mexico City, and Chile. He is fluent in Spanish, having lived in the Dominican Republic for several years, and has directed two short films in the language.

Reflecting on his journey to the screen, Webley attributed his work ethic and confidence to his parents and his five brothers. He emphasized the importance of vulnerability in storytelling, advising other filmmakers to bare it and not be afraid to fail in the process of finding their voice.