IN CONVERSATION WITH GABBY KONO-ABDY

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress and producer Gabby Kono-Abdy will be seen starring alongside Isabelle Fuhrman and Mena Massoud in ‘Wish You Were Here’, the highly anticipated directorial debut of Julia Stiles, releasing on 17th January. In addition to her on-screen success, Gabby launched Little Fishy Films in 2024, a production company born from her desire to bring overlooked stories to life. With a focus on championing unique voices and narratives, Little Fishy Films is already making waves in the indie film world. 

With ‘Wish You Were Here’ recently released on January 17, 2025, what can fans expect from this heartfelt journey?

‘Wish You Were Here’ is an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible. It’s about love, heartbreak, and those “what could have been” moments that stick with you. But it’s also about the power of female friendship. Helen and Charlotte’s sisterhood is a beautiful reminder of how the people who truly know us can ground us, support us, and help us through life’s hardest moments. Fans can expect a story that feels deeply human and relatable, full of hope, connection, and a reminder to live fully, even when life takes unexpected turns.

Julia Stiles makes her directorial debut with this film. What was it like collaborating with her in this new capacity?

Collaborating with Julia in her directorial debut was nothing short of amazing. I still constantly have to pinch myself that we made this incredible film together. If I could travel back in time and tell my 15-year-old self what the past few years looked like, collaborating with Julia in this way, I'd probably laugh and call future Gabby a liar. I actually brought the book to Julia back in 2020, and from the very beginning, Julia had such a deep understanding of the story and its emotional layers. Her experience in front of the camera brought a unique perspective to her directing. She just gets actors and creates this safe, collaborative, fun environment where everyone feels supported. It’s been incredible watching her transition into this role and seeing how much heart and thought she’s poured into every detail. I’m so proud of what we all created together.

The film explores themes of love, loss, and living life to the fullest. Did working on this project change how you view these themes personally?

Working on this film definitely made me reflect on those themes in a personal way. It’s funny, while we were telling a story about love and living life to the fullest, I was also opening myself up to love in a way I never had before. Like Charlotte, as well as my character Helen, I experienced that instant, almost cosmic connection when I met my husband. It was one of those moments where everything just clicks, and you realize how much love can change the way you see the world. This project reminded me to embrace those connections fully, to be present, and to take chances on the things that make life beautiful, even if they scare you a little.

You’ve quickly gained recognition for your versatility. How do you choose projects that challenge and inspire you?

For me, it always comes down to the story. Alfred Hitchcock once said to make a good film you need 3 things: good script, good script, good script. I’m drawn to projects that make me feel something, whether it’s a novel or screenplay that makes me laugh, cry, or even challenges my perspective. I love exploring characters that feel layered and real, even if others might not immediately see the groundedness in them. For example, my character Helen in ‘Wish You Were Here’ might seem larger than life at first, but that’s where the challenge and excitement come in for me, digging deep to find the truth and humanity in them. But it’s not just about the character, it’s also about the team behind the project. Collaboration is so important to me, so I gravitate toward directors, writers, actors, and producers who are passionate and have a unique vision. At the end of the day, I want to work on projects that spark something in me and hopefully spark something in the audience too.

What inspired you to transition from acting to also producing films?

The transition from solely acting to acting and producing was really a natural progression for me. As an actor, I’ve always been drawn to the feeling of telling a story, but over time, I started realizing I wanted to be more involved in how that story gets told, what goes on behind the scenes, and how everything comes together to create something people can connect to. I found myself wanting to be more involved in shaping those stories from the ground up. Producing gives me the chance to bring projects to life in a way that’s more hands-on. I love having a hand in the entire process, particularly in finding the right material, but also working with incredible teams, and seeing a film through from the very beginning all the way to the end. It’s about being part of something bigger than just my role as an actor. It’s a way to help create the kind of art I believe in, and to ensure the stories I’m passionate about are told in the most authentic way possible. I like having the chance to be more than just a part of the story, and to actually influence how it’s being brought to life.

What motivated you to start Little Fishy Films, and what is the story behind the name?

The name Little Fishy actually comes from my dad, who’s had a knack for giving me quirky nicknames since I was a young girl. I think he got this one in particular from the Spencer Tracy film ‘Captains Courageous’, but honestly, it’s a bit of a random story. Regardless, it stuck. When I was naming the production company, I wanted it to be something meaningful, and Little Fishy just felt right. It’s a nod to my place in this big ocean of the film industry, a little fish trying to make a splash. It's a reminder that no matter how small you feel in a huge world, you can still make waves.

What really motivated me to start the company though, was a desire to create something where I could really take charge of the stories I’m a part of. I’ve always believed in the power of indie filmmaking and the opportunities independent films give to tell fresh, unique stories. Little Fishy is my way of putting that belief into action. In a way, it’s about creating a community where we can make things happen on our own terms.

Your mission focuses on bringing overlooked stories to life. Can you share any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?

I can’t say too much quite yet, but we’ve got several exciting projects in development that I’m absolutely thrilled about. Working with authors is a huge passion of mine, especially because there are so many incredible voices out there who haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. It’s like they’re the hidden gems of the literary world, just waiting for their time to shine. I love reading, and love unearthing those stories and giving them the platform they’ve been missing. I can’t wait to share more.

How do you identify “unique voices and narratives” when selecting projects for Little Fishy Films?

I love narratives that have something unexpected, whether they offer a fresh perspective, dive into uncharted territory, or give a voice to someone who hasn’t been heard before, or at least not in this way. It’s about finding that spark that makes you feel like "Wow, this story has to be told." I feel that most of all, I pay a lot of attention to how the story makes me feel. If it sticks with me after I’ve read it, I know it has that special something. And of course, as an actor, I naturally am drawn to stories where the characters feel real, where they could be people I know or could relate to, or want to know or relate to, even if they’re from a completely different world. It's about finding that balance between being unique and being relatable.

The indie film space is constantly evolving. How do you see the role of independent production companies like Little Fishy Films changing in the next few years?

The beauty of being in the indie film space is the freedom it gives us to tell stories that stay true to the filmmaker’s vision, without the constraints of big studio expectations. That freedom is what sets independent companies apart. We can explore fresh ideas, take risks, and work with storytellers who might not otherwise get the chance to fully express their vision or use their voice the way they feel inspired to. Over the next few years, I think that creative freedoms will become even more valuable as audiences continue to seek out stories that feel authentic and personal. As an indie company, we have the ability to nurture that creativity, and I see Little Fishy continuing to champion projects that reflect a diverse range of experiences and voices. It’s about staying true to what makes each story special, and letting the filmmaker lead the way. It’s the opportunity to nurture raw, authentic storytelling that really excites me.

As someone who wears multiple hats in the industry, how do you manage your creative and professional balance?

Managing creative and professional roles can be a balancing act, but it’s all about having the right team in place. On ‘Wish You Were Here’, for example, I was lucky to have Molly Conners from Phiphen Pictures as my producing partner on the film. On the days I was on set acting, she took over the production side, allowing me to focus entirely on my character. On the other days, I was fully back in producer mode. When you have a team you trust, who you can rely on to handle things while you dive into the creative side of your work, it makes all the difference in maintaining that balance.

CREDITS:

photography EMMA SILKE