Rising Star Rosie Maddox Brings Sapphic Rom-Com Joy with Wishing on Stars

In the vibrant world of indie filmmaking, few voices shine as brightly or as authentically as Rosie Maddox’s. A director, writer, and award-winning screenwriter based in Austin, Texas, Rosie is breaking new ground with her sapphic rom-com short Wishing on Stars—a bittersweet tale that has earned finalist honors at the prestigious Houston Comedy Film Festival, directed by Roselyn Omaka.

A Fresh Take on Young Love

Wishing on Stars follows Mare, a graduating high school senior grappling with a life-changing acceptance letter from her dream school out of state, alongside newly blossoming romantic feelings for her best friend Jules, who will remain local. Unlike many queer stories that lean into tragedy, Maddox’s film is a refreshing take on sapphic love—full of warmth, tenderness, and the nuanced complexities of coming of age.

“This story is bittersweet, but it’s ultimately about joy and hope,” Rosie explains. “I wanted to tell a sapphic love story that feels authentic and real, without the usual tragic overtones. It’s the kind of love story I wanted to see growing up.”

From Engineering to Filmmaking

What makes Rosie’s journey even more compelling is the unique path she took. A graduate of the University of California, San Diego, Rosie originally earned a degree in electrical engineering. After burnout in the field, she eased into filmmaking through community college classes and corporate film production, and eventually committed to storytelling full-time.

Her technical background, she says, actually complements her filmmaking. “Being an engineer taught me problem-solving and creativity in new ways, which really helps me balance creativity with the practical challenges of production.”

Learning by Doing—and Collaborating with Family

Though Wishing on Stars is one of her best works to date, it’s not Rosie’s first film. She credits a “learning by doing” approach to her steadily improving craft, honed through numerous short films and collaborative projects. A special part of this journey has been working closely with her brother Sean, the film’s editor, to refine pacing and visual style.

“Sean and I have very different tastes and styles, which balances well,” she says. “He’s taught me a lot about when to cut things out—even if you love them—as it’s about keeping the story flowing and impactful.”

Casting Chemistry and Authenticity

Casting was another crucial element Rosie mastered with ease. She brought familiar collaborators like Fabiola and Rehea onboard, while introducing new talents like Olivia. The result? Performances that feel instinctive and deeply connected.

“I look for actors who are authentic even off-camera,” Rosie shares. “You can tell when someone is just acting lines versus truly embodying the character. These actors communicated so much with just their eyes, and that naturally translated to the screen.”

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

For those eager to jump into directing, Rosie’s message is simple but powerful: just start.

“It’s terrifying, but you have to find your community,” she advises. “You don’t need a big budget or anything fancy at first. Work on others’ sets, find like-minded collaborators, and then take the leap and make your own thing.”

Looking Ahead: More Rom-Com Joy

Rosie is already deep into turning Wishing on Stars into a feature film and has another rom-com script, Detours and Destiny, waiting in the wings. Her focus is clear: telling joyous, sapphic stories that spotlight underrepresented love and authentically show young women’s experiences.

A Vision for Visibility

Ultimately, Rosie Maddox hopes her work resonates with those who often feel unseen. “I want the ‘weirdos’ and introverts out there to see themselves in my stories,” she says. “To know they’re not alone, and that love and joy are possible.”

Wishing on Stars is an exciting new voice in independent film that blends heartfelt storytelling with vibrant visuals inspired by K-pop and eastern media aesthetics. As it continues to gain momentum, Rosie Maddox’s heartfelt and joyous sapphic rom-com offers a much-needed spotlight on authentic queer narratives.

Catch Wishing on Stars and other brilliant works at the upcoming Houston Comedy Film Festival, proudly directed by Roselyn Omaka.

Follow Rosie Maddox and Wishing on Stars on Instagram at @WishingOnStarsFilm and @RosePedal818 or visit Dramaddox Pictures for more updates on her inspiring journey.