Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Lindsay Kent’s collaboration with her identical twin brings a uniquely personal and visually striking dynamic to The Split.
- The film blends sci-fi comedy with horror and psychedelic themes, creating a campy, genre-bending experience reminiscent of cult classics.
- Independent filmmaking’s scrappy creativity and collaborative spirit were central to the making of this film and its success.
Lindsay Kent, co-writer, director, producer, and star of The Split, teams up with her identical twin sister Lauren Kent in a deeply personal and inventive genre film selected for FilmQuest 2025.
Featuring Joe Byron Symes and Cathy Tidwell, with cinematography by Gabriel Stanley and special effects by Burt Rutherford, the film explores psychedelic transformation through a blend of sci-fi, comedy, and horror.
The sisters’ website is Sisterskent.com, and the film’s trailer is available on Vimeo.
What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?
I co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in this movie with my identical twin. She's an insanely talented screenwriter and producer, and one day I said, "let's make a movie that only WE can make." I had had the seed of an idea for this for a while, since my first Peruvian Ayahuasca retreat (where I really did separate from Lindsay and all her fears, desires and anxieties all at once). My sister, Lauren, really brought the script to the next level, and it garnered some awards even before it was filmed. To say we had a blast making it would be an understatement. I can't wait to direct with her again (probably no more acting though).
"Having my identical twin play my 'ego,' which we still get folks asking if it's CGI! haha"
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time—creatively or logistically? Was there a moment on set or in post that completely changed how you saw the story?
How amazing our crew was! I've worked with many crews over the years, but this one just jelled. We had a local Utah crew, special effects from LA, and the camera department are from New York. Everyone worked so well together, we had a blast.
Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you—something only you could have made?
Having my identical twin play my "ego," which we still get folks asking if it's CGI! haha
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
Editing my own face was absolute torture. I needed Lauren to talk me off a ledge a few times.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
That maybe we are much more than our busy minds, and making peace with it can lead to some powerful transformations.
"Getting scrappy and thinking outside of the box with a small crew is where I get all my creative energy."
How has this film shaped or shifted the kind of stories you want to tell next?
I'm passionate about sharing stories centered around the psychedelic experience. I'm working on a thriller novel series about this topic, and my docuseries about an Ayahuasca retreat center in Costa Rica airs on GaiaTV November 2. Tune in!
What’s a tool, technique, or resource that really helped you during production?
Lens baby! We had so much fun filming the "trip" sequence where my character is scampering around the woods. The tilt shift effect from a lens baby was perfect. Thanks Gabe!
Independent filmmakers often rewrite the rules out of necessity. What do you think is the greatest strength of independent filmmaking, and how did you lean into that on this project? Is there a lesson or breakthrough you’d share with others navigating this path?
Getting scrappy and thinking outside of the box with a small crew is where I get all my creative energy. Happy accidents and little miracles happen, and everyone feels like they contributed. It's a wonderful place to be and work.
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for FilmQuest, one of the world’s top reviewed genre film festivals?
It's a dream come true! I make movies because of the genre films of my childhood. All the hits (and b movies) of the 80s that have never left my heart. Drop Dead Fred, Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters, Legend...if I can bring that much creativity and energy to the table and make a genre film that even comes close—that’s what I call success.
"If I can bring that much creativity and energy to the table and make a genre film that even comes close—that's what I call success."
FilmQuest celebrates the majesty and might of genre filmmaking across fantasy, horror, sci-fi, action, thriller, western, kung-fu, and beyond. How does your film fit within—or push the boundaries of—genre storytelling?
The Split is a sci-fi comedy with a splash of horror and beyond. It's campy, weird, and the score is epic—Scrooged meets Beetlejuice! There's a little something for all genre fans.
Where do you see this film going next?
We'll be using this as a calling card to develop and fund our feature film The Exhibition.
“At the core of all my work is a desire to bridge the gap between the default world and the ineffable."
