WRITER/DIRECTOR

Doug is an independent filmmaker and film scholar who serves as an adjunct professor of film studies and humanities at several universities in the Intermountain West. He is the editor of, and the author of two essays for, The San Francisco of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo: Place, Pilgrimage, and Commemoration (Scarecrow, 2011), as well as other books and academic journal articles. He co-wrote and directed Listen, Darkling (2015), a short fiction film produced as a complex tribute to Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Listen, Darkling went on to screen at film festivals in 2015 and 2016. His most recent short film, Highway (2023), is a suspense thriller. Highway is currently on the festival circuit, where it has won several awards. Doug earned a Ph.D. in Film Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.

PRODUCER/ACTRESS

Jade Gottfredson is an actor, singer, dancer, and teacher. Some favorite pastimes include living in Thailand, working as a performer at Disney World, earning her Jr. Ranger Badge at all 5 National Parks in Utah, and running the Drama Club at the Elementary School where she taught 6th grade. She is a vocalist with an impressive range from F3-E6. She is also a pianist and can play the viola. Jade enjoys several activities including baking, creating DIY Halloween costumes, and hiking. She can perform a British/RP accent. She speaks, reads, and writes Thai and is learning some Chinese. Jade loves musical theater, film and commercial acting, commercial modeling, and dreams of being in more music-centered films. In addition to all her other talents, Jade recently produced her first feature film, Royal Façade, which premiered to great acclaim at the 2024 Zions Indie Film Fest.

LEAD ACTRESS

Lindsey has always been a creative. Even with her passion for art, Lindsey never imagined herself as a working actress or model. When she started doing extra work, it was out of curiosity. But Lindsey became absorbed in it and in the people. There was so much to learn from being on set, and the energy was invigorating. Slowly it turned from a hobby to a career. Lindsey signed with an agent and started to audition for bigger roles. She soon landed a part in Yellowstone, which resulted in her current hairstyle and a new, diverse brand. She would love to one day work on a period piece. Lindsey is now recognized in the Utah industry as a respected actress, model, modeling coach, mentor, and creative director. Daughter of the Plains is her second project with writer/director Douglas A. Cunningham, the first being their highly successful short film, HIGHWAY.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Dalton has always felt that his mind works differently than others, and he does his best to make the most of it in everything he does. Whether it's working as a line cook, capturing a beautiful animal in a photo, or telling a story through powerful cinematography, he always strives to do his best and learn as quickly as he can. With 3 1/2 years of experience in the video industry and 11 years as a photographer, he has come to realize that the more he learns, the more he realizes there is still much to learn. He is always striving to excel. Because of this, his work is experimental and fresh, and the risks he takes behind the camera create stand-out cinematogrpahy that can be deeply felt by the viewer. Story drives everything he does. The cinematography must be right for the story and help with pushing the story further.

ACTRESS

Ashley was born and raised in Fruit Heights, Utah. After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Cinema Production with an emphasis in Screenwriting at Utah Valley University. She may seem sweet, but aside from several short films and commercials, Ashley is known for her mischievous role in the feature film I Be a Witch. When she’s not writing a script or on set, Ashley enjoys hiking, traveling, thrifting, late-night soda runs, binge-watching New Girl, and spending time with her family.

ACTOR

Kyle Krysiak is an American actor who performs in film and television. Kyle is from the cold shores of Erie Pennsylvania. He grew up in a house filled with entertainment like music being played 24/7 and movie nights every weekend with his family. He is the son of Gerald and Julie Krysiak, a locomotive factory worker and a critical-care nurse. Kyle was very active as a child growing up playing football, baseball, basketball, and soccer all the way up to his senior year in highschool. He graduated from the Police Academy in 2019. He has worked as an armed guard and as a school resource officer. He found his passion for acting when he helped on a short film in New York City in 2022. He has now moved out west to pursue and continue his dream of making movies like Daughter of the Plains.