Will Thompson’s career spans more than a decade, appearing on notable shows such as Lena Waithe’s The Chi and Chicago Fire. Now, he and his self-funded Urban Visionary Films production company are gearing up for the release of A Life Unwritten.
The film, which has a May 14 release date, shines a light on mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month. Not many filmmakers use their craft to spread awareness of mental well-being. Thompson is contributing to a broader conversation about the topic. He’s encouraging empathy, awareness, and support for those who face these challenges.
A Life Unwritten stars Thompson (who also serves as the writer) as John Avery, Molly Hernàndez as Sofia, Kris Wolff as a Police Officer, Hunter Jones as an asylum patient, Kevin Hope as Wayne the Barber, and more. Sabrina Lassegue directed the production, with cinematography by Alyssa Iglesias. Nina Childs, David Leonard, Robert Williford, and Felecia Young serve as associate producers.
What is Will Thompson’s A Life Unwritten about?
A Life Unwritten‘s plot reads, “In the haunting shadows of his past, a man grappling with mental health battles his inner demons, seeking redemption and healing as he embarks on a transformative journey through the memories that define him.”
The movie premiere of A Life Unwritten is May 14 at 7 PM at AMC River East Theater (322 E. Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611), followed by a live Q&A panel.
Thompson’s history of creating “outside the box”
Will Thompson prioritizes being the filmmaker who goes against what’s trending. In an interview with Rolling Out in 2022, he talked about his determination to highlight mental health. He self-financed his projects Good Intentions and Talk to Me despite being told they weren’t attractive.
“I knew no one else was gonna tell a real story about mental health. I was advised that mental health wasn’t ‘sexy’ and no one would want to see that kind of movie, however, I think differently so I took the chance and I’m happy I did.”
Honored in Los Angeles and other accomplishments
In 2014, Thompson became an award recipient for the script Illuminati at the Los Angeles Movie Award Festival.
The filmmaker and actor made his directorial debut in 2018 with the short film Related Destiny. It became a hit on Amazon and won the Best Shorts Competition Award of Merit Special Mentions in 2019.
Photo credit: Will Thompson/ Urban Visionary Films
