Roman Coppola’s 'The Seven Faces of Jane' Anthology Weaves Together Distinct Directorial Perspectives

A modern take on the exquisite corpse principle originated by surrealists in the 1920s, feature film “The Seven Faces of Jane” is a unique tale delivered in cohesively linked segments directed by eight filmmakers and produced by Roman Coppola. Shot in continuity, it follows the journey of the eponymous lead (Gillian Jacobs) as she tumbles through a gauntlet of adventures far removed from her typical, mundane life.

Coppola hand-picked the feature’s directors, selecting each for their diverse background and distinct perspective. In addition to starring, Jacobs helmed the first and last segments of Jane’s story, while the intervening chapters were each led by Gia Coppola and Julian J. Acosta of production company The Directors Bureau; Boma Iluma of Gifted Youth; and Alex Takacas of Pulse, as well as Xan Cassavetes, Ken Jeong, and Ryan Heffington.

“My guidance to the filmmakers on this project was to make something that you are passionate about. Tell a story from the heart, something that is uncompromising and a reflection of who you are as a creative,” Roman Coppola explained. “I’m quite proud of the result and hope it provides a great experience for the audience. It’s unique and flows in curious ways.”

Drawing from experiences ranging from commercial and feature film direction to screenplay writing, acting, and choreography, each director was given a few basic narrative parameters, such as a specific location or general plot element, without visibility into the other creators’ work. Filmmakers then determined each segment’s details, including genre, tone, pace, and additional characters based on their own vision, creative spirit, and style within the premise of exploring the human experience.

Ultimately, the project was designed to be a fun, innovative way of storytelling while showcasing voices from diverse filmmakers at different stages of their careers and lives. “The Seven Faces of Jane” is now playing in select theaters and is available on-demand. It debuted at the 2022 Bentonville Film Festival, an annual event that champions diversity in filmmaking.