Sophie Sumner is a British actress, producer, and television personality. After winning America’s Next Top Model, she moved stateside and quickly made her mark in the fashion world, work including Vogue, Macy’s, Harper’s Bazaar, and more. Sophie has since carved out a career in television, hosting on Amazon Live, reporting from Wimbledon, and speaking at the World’s Largest Mental Health Conference.
In recovery, Sophie challenged the belief that she wasn’t ‘good enough’ for film—starting with a single acting class that opened the door to everything that followed. Five years sober, she’s now starred in three feature films, four short films, and founded her own production company, Birthday Girl Productions. Most recently, she wrote and produced her short film Day One—a deeply personal project that marks a lifelong dream she never imagined possible. Day One is set to premiere at the Berkshire International Film Festival, a milestone moment five years in the making.
Please List the Title of Your Film at BIFF 2025
Day One
What was your first experience with film and how did it influence your first project?
For me, film has always been where everyone comes together. It’s where my family used to snuggle up on the couch, escaping into different worlds. It sparked my imagination, kept me transfixed, and made me feel less alone. Growing up, Disney films meant everything—they were magic, comfort, and connection all in one. Even though the world of film felt so far away, it was always where I felt most at home.
Who are your favorite Filmmakers?
Baz Luhrmann! I had the chance to meet him once, and I’m rarely speechless—but I absolutely was. His work is pure spectacle: the glitz, the glamour, the exhilarating pace—it’s storytelling turned into visual poetry. I’m also a huge admirer of Jon M. Chu. I’m currently reading his memoir Viewfinder, and it’s only deepened my appreciation for the joy he brings to cinema. His films are light-filled, feel-good, and full of heart. They give me that rare, sparkling sense of wonder I used to feel as a child—something that can slip away as we grow older. The way they both tell stories are big, bold, and unapologetically magical—and I absolutely love that.
What are you working on that no one knows about?
Gosh, great question – maybe by writing it here, I’ll finally give myself the permission to go after it—I would love to write romcoms. I want to create films that make people feel less alone in love, and more importantly, less alone in life. Stories that remind us it’s okay not to have it all figured out, that not following the traditional path doesn’t mean you’re lost—it means you’re writing your own. My hope is that a year from now, I’ll be looking back at this moment with a romantic comedy feature under my belt and a story on screen that makes someone, somewhere, feel seen and – for that moment – feel like they are exactly were they are meant to be.
Who would play you in a movie? What’s your go to movie snack? What’s the film title that best describes your life?
I feel like I would love Jessica Lange to play me—oh, the thought of it! I definitely don’t think I’m cool enough, but she’s such a movie star. Let’s also put Emily Blunt in the mix—I’m always drawn to her on screen. She’s charismatic and funny without even trying!
Go to movie snack – ramen (!) ALWAYS RAMEN for any question about food, bit of a left field and hard to eat while watching a film, but its a hug in a bowl!!!!!
Hmmm, I think something like “Somewhere over the Mirrorball” or “The Girl who sparkled anyway” – we love some sparkle!!
