From Brighton Fringe To Film: How Rebecca Metcalf Cortese Is Shaking Up Indie Cinema With INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS
We at The Fan Carpet had the chance to speak with Rebecca Metcalf Cortese, an emerging actor, writer, and director who is steadily carving out her place in the industry. A graduate of East15’s MA Acting program in 2023, she has been building her portfolio with bold, personal projects. Her play "Sl*t Confessions" made an impression at Brighton Fringe 2024, offering a raw take on feminism that she both wrote and produced.
Now, she’s stepping into directing with "Intrusive Thoughts", a surreal short film exploring the chaotic and irrational side of OCD. The story follows a group of struggling business partners trying to save their failing bar while wrestling with intrusive thoughts, blending reality with a dreamlike, offbeat tone.
Outside of filmmaking, Rebecca is also an experienced life model. She’s using this skill in an inventive way—hosting immersive life-modelling events to fund "Intrusive Thoughts". These events go beyond traditional fundraising, creating a surreal and theatrical atmosphere that echoes the film’s themes.
She’s currently collaborating with BFI Future Film Festival winner Saul Lotzof and has worked with directors Declan Smith and Hazal Aztekin. With a growing body of work and a unique approach to storytelling, Rebecca is an artist to watch...
You’ve had the opportunity to work on both sides of the camera. What has been the most surprising lesson you've learned from transitioning between acting, directing, and writing?
Acting and directing are so interconnected to me—the more I act, the more I want to direct, and the more I direct, the more I want to act. I really enjoy flipping between the two roles because both are such interesting and rewarding art forms in their own right. It’s a fun process, and there’s still so much for me to learn. It’s all about enjoying the process.
With such a diverse career in the industry, how do you choose the projects you work on? Are there particular themes or stories you gravitate toward, and how does your personal vision influence the projects you take on?
I tend to gravitate toward projects that focus on women and their stories—their stories, their psyches, and everything in between. I’m passionate about feminism and listening to women’s voices. I also have a real curiosity about surrealism and comedy, as I think it’s an exciting way to explore deeper human experiences. When I choose a project, I look for something that speaks to me in some way and that plays with different ways of telling stories.
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