At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, actress Dakota Johnson revealed her upcoming directorial debut—a poignant film centered on a young woman with autism. The script was written by Vanessa Burghardt, an actress and musician who herself is on the autism spectrum. Johnson described the project as deeply personal, reflecting her passion for authentic storytelling and a desire to uplift underrepresented voices in cinema.
A Deeply Personal Project
Johnson made the announcement during a high-profile festival event focused on women in film. Her revelation drew immediate attention, as this marks her first time helming a feature-length narrative. She explained that her connection to the script was immediate and emotional, stating that she felt protective of the story and of Burghardt’s unique creative voice.
“She’s written a script, and it’s really special,” Johnson said. “It’s about a young woman with autism, and I feel very connected to her vision. I don’t think I could allow anyone else to direct it—I need to help bring this story to life in the right way.”
This move signals a bold step in Johnson’s evolving career, one that now extends beyond acting into writing and directing. While she previously co-directed a Coldplay music video in 2020, this new project represents her first full-length directorial endeavor.
Continuing a Meaningful Collaboration
Vanessa Burghardt, who co-starred with Johnson in the indie hit Cha Cha Real Smooth, brings a level of authenticity and personal experience to the screenplay that is rarely seen in mainstream cinema. Her previous performance was praised for its heartfelt portrayal of a neurodiverse character, and her creative partnership with Johnson reflects a shared commitment to nuanced, empathetic storytelling.
This upcoming film is expected to challenge conventional portrayals of autism in film by centering the voice of an autistic creator in both the writing and representation process. Burghardt has drawn from her own life experiences to create a narrative that is as emotionally resonant as it is socially significant.
A Vision Brought to Life by TeaTime Pictures
The project will be produced under Johnson’s own production banner, TeaTime Pictures, which she co-founded with producer Ro Donnelly. The company has already established a reputation for championing stories with emotional depth and distinct artistic voices.
Johnson explained that directing this film is more than a career milestone—it’s a mission to foster greater inclusivity and understanding through cinema. “Representation isn’t just about who is on screen,” she said. “It’s about who tells the story, who holds the camera, and who decides what truth is shared. This film is our chance to show that differently.”
Spotlighted at Cannes
While promoting her new romantic comedy Splitsville at Cannes, Johnson found the moment opportune to unveil her directorial plans. The announcement added a deeper, more personal dimension to her Cannes appearance, as she balanced promoting her own acting work with outlining her vision as a director.
Her visibility at the festival, paired with her thoughtful advocacy for neurodiverse storytelling, underscores her growing influence in the entertainment industry. As she embarks on this new chapter, Johnson appears set to redefine her career trajectory, with a focus on stories that matter and characters that resonate.
