Lucy Suess

Lucy Suess is an award-winning New Zealand-American filmmaker based in New York City.

With New Zealand Film Commission funding and support, Lucy has produced two shorts and is developing her feature. Lucy’s short films, 'Shadow Cut' and 'Pack Rat', have screened at over 35 festivals, including Toronto International Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, and Tallinn Black Nights, earning awards in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and acting. Her films have been taught at universities and high schools across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.

Lucy's debut feature film, Needles Inn, is currently in development with the New Zealand Film Commission. Needles Inn was mentored by Dame Gaylene Preston as part of the New Zealand Film Commission’s inaugural Hunga Taunaki ā Rorohiko Mentorship Programme and was selected for Melbourne International Film Festival’s 2025 Accelerator Lab.

In 2026 Lucy will return to Aotearoa to complete production on her 16mm experimental-narrative short film, Netherdale.