Quick Facts
Biography
Margaret Betts (born New York City) is a contemporary filmmaker. Though she recently signed with CAA, she is also represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners. She earned her BA in English from Princeton University.
Her father is Roland W. Betts, who had a close personal relationship with former president George W. Bush. The themes of her films are largely inspired by the social consciousness she developed through interactions with former first lady Laura Bushand the work she has done with various United Nations organizations such as UNICEF.
Films
"The Carrier"
Betts gained renown for the debut of her 2010 documentary, "The Carrier," at the Tribeca Film Festival. This film was largely inspired by her experience fighting to eradicate AIDS in South Africa. The documentary was also selected for festivals such as Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (2012), Documentary Edge Film Festival (2012), One World International Film Festival (2012), Sedona Film Festival (2012), Women's Film Festival (2012), Minneapolis St. Paul Film Festival (2012), Lone Star Film Festival (2011), Zurich Film Festival (2011), The 15th Annual Docu Weeks, and Watch Docs Human Rights Film Festival (2011).
"Engram"
Betts wrote and directed the film, "Engram" (2014), a 25-minute short film featuring Isabel Lucas. This film focuses on the story of two elderly strangers attempting to re-discover a mutual memory as they waited to board a subway train. Betts claimed that the original inspiration for "Engram" was derived from the experience her mom had as a survivor of a hit-and-run accident in her youth.
"Novitiate"
Betts also served as the writer and director of the recent film "Novitiate" (2017). After participation in the Sundance Film Festival in 2017, this film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. It explores the story of a young woman who struggles to understand her religion as she strives to become a nun.