| Love, Danielle | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Marianna Palka |
| Written by | Steve Sears Devin Sidell |
| Produced by | Joanna Kerns Steve Morris Amy Byer Shainman Robin Conly Steve Sears Devin Sidell |
| Starring | Devin Sidell Jaime King Lesley Ann Warren Michael Roark Barry Bostwick Ian Owens Marianna Palka Larry Clarke Raymond Cruz Kim Coles Kelly Jenrette |
| Cinematography | Hana Kitasei |
| Edited by | Alexandra Scratch |
| Music by | Michael Teoli |
Production companies | |
Release dates | |
Running time | 78 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Love, Danielle is an Americandramedy film co-written by Devin Sidell and produced by Amy Byer Shainman.[3] The film centers on a woman who carries aBRCA gene mutation and must decide whether to undergo preventive surgeries—such as amastectomy andoophorectomy—to reduce her risk of developingcancer. The cast includes Devin Sidell,Jaime King,Lesley Ann Warren, Michael Roark,Barry Bostwick, Ian Owens,Marianna Palka,Larry Clarke,Raymond Cruz,Kim Coles, andKelly Jenrette.
The film draws on Sidell’s personal experiences with the BRCA-1 gene mutation. In 2016, she underwent a preventive oophorectomy and hysterectomy while her sister was receiving treatment for breast cancer. Her family has a notable history of cancer, with her mother surviving bothovarian andbreast cancer, and her aunt dying from ovarian cancer.[4] In 2017, Sidell chose to have apreventive double mastectomy. Footage of her post-surgical scars andtissue expanders—filmed prior to her reconstructive surgery—was incorporated intoLove, Danielle, offering a visual representation of the physical and emotional realities associated with BRCA-related decisions.
When Danielle tests positive for a BRCA-1 gene mutation, she learns that this puts her at a very high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Her older sister, Amy, is already undergoingchemotherapy for breast cancer. Danielle now contemplates preemptively removing her "ticking time bomb" breasts and reproductive organs before cancer gets her, too. Her decision-making process involves flashbacks of her childhood with absent parents, bizarre anesthesia-induced dreams, and toxic confrontations with her recovering alcoholic mother and self-absorbed 70's TV Western star father. Ultimately, Danielle must figure out how to prioritize her health and well-being by putting herself first.
Love, Danielle[5] was directed by Marianna Palka and written by Steve Sears and Devin Sidell. Producers include Joanna Kerns, Steve Morris, Amy Byer Shainman, Robin Conly, Steve Sears, and Devin Sidell.[6] Cinematography was by Hana Kitasei, editing by Alexandra Scratch, and music by Michael Teoli. Lady Parts Productions and BRCA Responder produced the film.
| Award | Year | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden State Film Festival[7] | 2025 | Best Actress in a Feature | Devin Sidell | Nominated |
| Best Supporting Actress in a Feature | Jaime King | Nominated | ||
| Best Supporting Actor in a Feature | Barry Bostwick | Nominated | ||
| Best Ensemble in a Feature | Love, Danielle | Nominated | ||
| Toronto International Women’s Film Festival[8] | 2025 | Best Narrative Feature | Love, Danielle | Won |
| Phoenix Film Festival[9] | 2025 | Best Screenplay | Love, Danielle | Won |
| WorldFest Houston[10] | 2025 | Best Actress | Devin Sidell | Nominated |
| Best Supporting Actress | Lesley Ann Warren | Won | ||
| Best Supporting Actor | Barry Bostwick | Nominated | ||
| Gold Comedy Feature | Love, Danielle | Won | ||
| Nevada Women’s Film Festival[11] | 2025 | Best Feature Film | Love, Danielle | Won |
| Woods Hole Film Festival[12] | 2025 | Best Feature Film | Love, Danielle | Nominated |
| Mystic Film Festival | 2025 | Best Narrative Feature | Love, Danielle | Won |
| Awareness Film Festival | 2025 | Grand Jury Award for Narrative Feature | Love, Danielle | Won |