Set against the backdrop of the 2008 economic crisis, OMAHA follows a struggling father who embarks on a road trip across the American West with his children, Ella and Charlie, in search of hope and a better life. What begins as a seemingly spontaneous family journey gradually reveals deeper layers of both grief and resilience, as Ella starts to sense that her father’s intentions may be masking a more profound truth.

In his feature directorial debut, Cole Webley captures the universal journey of a father who deeply loves his children but is uncertain about the best way to navigate the challenges they face. Through the family’s road trip across the American West, the film explores the complexities of love, responsibility, and the search for meaning in the face of hardship.

“John Magaro is heartbreaking in slender but affecting drama about grief and fatherhood.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

Cole Webley was raised in rural Washington. His family’s love for cinema helped him not only discover his passion for filmmaking, but desire to explore the world. He catapulted straight from film school into an award-winning commercial director, creating work for leading brands. His career has garnered him every major industry accolade, including the Cannes Lion, Clio, AICP, One Show, and D&AD, while also earning him Shoot Magazine’s New Director Award. After seven short films and a hundred-plus commercials later, OMAHA is his feature directorial debut.

Filmography (selection): 2016 10:17; CON AMOR, 2023 DARK BLUE (all short films), 2025 OMAHA

Awards (selection): Grand Jury Prize (Dallas International Film Festival, USA 2025), CineKindl Award (Filmfest Munich, Germany 2025)

Nominated for the Amnesty International Wiesbaden Film Award for Best Film about Human Rights. A three-member expert jury will decide the winner of this competition.