Posted by Join host Olivia Lyle (@olivialyle1) for an exclusive conversation with Ashton Swinford, co-writer and lead actress of Wizdom (USA), a film directed by Layne Marie Williams that had its California premiere and was awarded Best Sci-Fi Short. Recorded by Kyle Reed (@thekylereed) at the 7th Annual Independent Shorts Awards at Regal LA Live, Los Angeles.
A California Premiere with Impact
The California premiere of Wizdom marked a milestone for the film, which has been steadily building momentum on the festival circuit. Winning Best Sci-Fi Short at the Independent Shorts Awards spotlighted both its creative ambition and its ability to resonate with audiences beyond its Chicago roots.
On the red carpet, Ashton described the LA screening as “a dream come true” after more than five years of work developing the project alongside director Layne Marie Williams.
Inside the World of Wizdom
Set in a near-future colony where daylight has nearly disappeared, Wizdom imagines a world dominated by a powerful biotech corporation. Citizens survive through ocular implants and pharmaceutical “W-strips,” a daily ritual that binds them to the system.
Swinford stars as Eos, a thief navigating survival alongside her sibling Vayle, until their lives are upended by the arrival of a mysterious outsider. Offered a drug rumored to grant visions of the future, they are forced to weigh their loyalty to the colony against the possibility of freedom — and the dangerous cost of rebellion.
A Writer, Producer, and Star
In the interview, Ashton highlighted her unique position as writer, producer, and star of Wizdom. “I’m mostly a comedy writer,” she shared, “so I approached this from a satire lens. Layne has a big imagination, her projects are really out there, and it was kind of the perfect concept to bring it all together.”
She credited director Layne Marie Williams not only as a collaborator but as one of the driving forces behind steering the film into sci-fi: “She sat by my side from day one, coming up with this concept and bringing it to life.”
A Look and a Vibe
Asked about her red carpet style, Ashton explained the choice of an “Adidas little black tank” as part of a “Matrixy look” to represent the sci-fi aesthetic of Wizdom: casual, futuristic, and — importantly — with pockets.
Looking to the Future
Swinford confirmed that the Wizdom team is actively exploring possibilities beyond the short: “We hope to make more of it — whether it’s going to become a TV series or a feature film, we’re really excited for the future of Wizdom.”
Alongside Independent Shorts Awards, the project is continuing on the festival circuit, with upcoming screenings.
Why Wizdom Stands Out
With its neon-drenched aesthetic, the film vividly captures the colony’s shadows and artificial glow. Behind the scenes, Wizdom represents a five-year journey of collaboration between Ashton Swinford and director Layne Marie Williams, uniting writing, producing, and directing into one vision. Most importantly, it is more than a short film — it carries the potential to grow into a full series or feature.
Enjoy the interview below, along with the trailer for Wizdom, for a brief glimpse into the film.
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