Emily Elizabeth Thomas is a vivacious filmmaker from Austin, Texas. Rooted in a singular blend of girlhood and grit, her films explore womanhood, rebellion, and resilience, and challenge traditional ideas of femininity with a punk flair. Through her storytelling, she seeks to inspire women and girls to believe in their magic.
Emily’s viral web series Keily developed a cult audience for its offbeat, big-hearted take on teen girlhood, leading to her feature debut, Keily: Homecoming Dweeb. The film revives the high-gloss spirit of the mid-2000s rom-com, infused with emotional depth, visual sophistication, and a distinctly modern, feminine gaze. The film premiered at the historic Saban Theatre in Los Angeles, complete with a red carpet hosted by 2000s rom-com icon Jesse Metcalfe.
In the commercial space, Emily directs visually arresting, story-driven campaigns known for their bold design and viral impact. With a sharp focus on production design, tone, and performance, she builds heightened worlds that balance whimsy with emotional clarity. She has helmed campaigns for brands including Disney, Bacardi, Garnier Fructis, and Maybelline, featuring world-class talent such as Sarah Michelle Gellar and Martha Stewart.
A devotee of archival vintage fashion, indie movie theaters, and bookstores, Emily can often be found shopping, writing, reading, and chasing 70mm prints in Los Angeles, California.
Turning 'Keily: Homecoming Dweeb' into a Feature w/Emily Elizabeth Thomas, Just Shoot it Podcast
How This Director Turned a Vertical Web Series Into a Bold Feature Debut, No Film School
Writer/Director Emily Elizabeth Thomas Sets Debut Feature “Keily: Homecoming Dweeb” For Romance-Focused Streaming Service CandyJar, SHOOTOnline
‘The Best Halloween Ads From Brands Including Ikea, Burger King and Bacardi’, The Drum
‘The Directors’ Interview Series, Little Black Book
Emily Elizabeth Thomas Dives into the Midnight Zone’s Depths, Little Black Book
SHOOT New Director’s Showcase, SHOOT Online
Who’s the Other Woman and Where Can We Find Her?, Reel 360
A Nun, Spy and Elf Queen Share #MeToo Stories in the Brooklyn Film Festival’s Statement Film, AdAge
A Nun, a Spy and an Elf Tell a Genre-Spanning Tale of Sexual Misconduct for Brooklyn Film Fest, Little Black Book
Director Emily Elizabeth Thomas & TBWA\Chiat\Day New York: #METOO talks with a Softer, More Powerful Voice, The Stable
‘Lola: Girl Got a Gun’ Feature, Curated By Girls
Emily Elizabeth Thomas Tackles Southern Gun Violence With a Twist in ‘Lola: Girl Got A Gun’, Directors Notes
‘Lola: Girl Got a Gun’ Review, Film Threat
ADVERTISING
Free The Work Creator Showcase Feature | We Are Sexy, 2022
SHOOT Online | New Directors Showcase, 2021
ADC Awards, TV/Film/Video Craft in Writing (Shortlist) | The Gathering, 2020
One Show, Best Branded Entertainment (Shortlist) | The Gathering, 2020
Ad Age Pick of the Day | The Gathering, 2019
Shots Best of the Month | The Gathering, 2019
MOVIES
Vail Screenplay Content, Finalist | MADGiRL, 2023
New York International Screenplay Awards, Finalist | MADGiRL, 2023
Santa Barbara International Feature Screenplay Awards, Finalist | MADGiRL, 2022
Showcase: Most Powerful Films on Gun Violence | We Are Moving Stories | Lola: Girl Got a Gun, 2020
Best Indie Short | Independent Short Awards, Untitled Marfa Project, 2020
Best Cinematography | Victoria TX Independent Film Festival | Untitled Marfa Project, 2019
Best Film Noir Short , Finalist | Indie Short Fest | The Other Woman, 2019
Crossroads Award for Emerging Directors | The Victoria TX Independent Film Festival, 2018
Best International Short | Oslo Independent Film Festival | Lola: Girl Got a Gun, 2018
Best Professional Short | George Lindsay UNA Film Festival | Lola: Girl Got a Gun, 2018
