When a 13-year-old girl gets her first period during a Christian purity ball rehearsal, her public humiliation transforms into an act of rebellion that ignites a feminine uprising against religious oppression.
FILTHY is a powerful coming-of-age drama about 13-year-old Cass, whose first period during a Christian purity ball rehearsal becomes a catalyst for transformation. After enduring humiliation from her peers and judgment from religious authority figures, Cass converts her shame into rebellion, painting her body with menstrual blood and creating a wild, authentic dance that challenges the rigid purity culture. Her defiant expression inspires the other girls and even dance instructor Virgie, who has her own secrets, culminating in a collective feminine uprising that rejects religious control over their bodies.
Lisa Cole is an award-winning writer/director whose work is shaped by living with 201 host families across 12 countries. Her global perspective is evident in her 2024 Oscar-Shortlisted short film, "Bienvenidos a Los Angeles," inspired by a true immigration story. Selected for the 2025 Alliance of Women Director's Rising Director Fellowship, Lisa specializes in adapting true stories that champion female liberation. Current projects include "Diamond Girls," a feature film with Selena Gomez and producer Laura Bickford, and "Filthy," a Sundance Development Lab Finalist.Her portfolio includes documentaries for Viacom, A&E, & BET, and films for The Gates Foundation and Sundance Institute, focusing on women's health and safety in Kenya and DR Congo.
A fellow with Final Draft/Stowe Story Labs, Women in Film, Athena Lab, and Cine Qua Non, Lisa's work has been supported by Cinetic Media and Endeavor Content. She's collaborated with industry heavyweights such as Jean-Marc Vallee, Laura Dern, Demi Moore, Lily Rabe, Shailene Woodley, Laura Bickford and Catherine Hardwicke. A Loyola Marymount University graduate and Regional finalist in the Student Academy Awards, Lisa serves on the board of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two children and five pets. Yes, five.
The Athena Writer's Lab 2022
Cine Qua Non Lab 2022 - Fellow
Stowe Story / Sidewalk Narrative Lab 2022 - Fellow
Sundance Development Track 2022 - Second Rounder
Director of Photography - Jackson Warner Lewis
Editor - Julia Franklin
Executive Producer - Laura Bickford
Caren Spruch - National media & entertainment liason, Planned Parenthood - Consulting producer
