EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: Stills from ‘The Knock Shadow’ by Lauren Sowa + interview with the film’s star and EP Lea DeLaria

19 May 2026 | By Molly Lipson

The Knock Shadow is psychological thriller short film written by Ren Dara Santiago and directed by Lauren Sowa. It follows Yari (Elizabeth Ramos), a mysterious patient who inspires her therapist, played by Kenisha Pinckney, to challenge the very foundations of mental health treatment.

The film also features Lea DeLaria (Orange Is The New Black) and Kevin Kilner (Raising Helen, Earth: Final Conflict). DeLaria, who you’ll likely recognise as fan-favourite Big Boo on Orange Is The New Black, plays Sketch, a fellow patient. She is also an Executive Producer on the project.

See first look stills from the film, which is currently at the start of its festival journey.

We also spoke with Lea DeLaria about why she loves short films, her role in this project and others, and her similarities to Rachel Maddow (this will make sense when you watch the interview…). She was the first openly gay comic on American television, and has starred in shows like Broad City and Shameless.

You can watch the full interview below.