In heartbreaking news, indie filmmaker Jeff Baena has passed away at the young age of 47, leaving a significant impact on the film industry. Baena was widely recognized for his unique storytelling and offbeat humor in films such as Life After Beth (2014), Joshy (2016), The Little Hours (2017), Horse Girl (2020), and Spin Me Round (2022). Additionally, he made his mark in Hollywood by co-writing the acclaimed film I Heart Huckabees (2004).

The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear at this time, and updates will be provided as they become available. Following his graduation from NYU Film School, Baena relocated to Los Angeles, where he began to cultivate his cinematic career. His early experiences included working as a production assistant for the esteemed director Robert Zemeckis and later as an assistant editor for filmmaker David O. Russell.

Baena's directorial debut came with Life After Beth, which premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and earned a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize. He followed this success with Joshy, which also premiered at Sundance and garnered similar acclaim. Baena's directorial prowess continued to shine with The Little Hours, released in theaters after being nominated for the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. In 2020, he furthered his creativity with Horse Girl, which was well-received as a Netflix release after its Sundance debut. Most recently, his film Spin Me Round premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival and was released by IFC Films.

In addition to his work in film, Baena created, wrote, directed, and served as executive producer for the Showtime series Cinema Toast, showcasing his versatility across different mediums.

Jeff Baena is survived by his wife, actress and producer Aubrey Plaza, whose marriage to him in 2021 held deep significance for both their personal and professional lives. He is also survived by his mother, Barbara Stern, and stepfather Roger Stern; his father, Scott Baena, and stepmother Michele Baena; as well as his brother Brad Baena and stepsiblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.

Baena's family has expressed devastation over his passing and has requested privacy during this incredibly challenging time. The film community mourns the loss of a brilliant mind who pushed boundaries and crafted narratives that will resonate for years to come. As more details emerge about this untimely passing, fans and friends alike reflect on the indelible mark he has left behind in the world of cinema.