Jillian O'Neil directed and starred in “A Separate LIfe.”

At the AOF International Film Festival held July 30 in Pasadena, Calif., filmmaker Jillian O’Neil of Mars won 2011 Best New Director for the short film “A Separate Life.”

O’Neil is known as Jill Pergl to family and friends in Butler County. Her production company, Wright Road Productions, is designed to make features, shorts, commercials and documentaries.

The 23-minute film is the emotional story of the reunion between separated family members who have gathered after the passing of their father. The story unfolds the feelings of hurt and forgiveness as well as a sense of finding peace from a past love.

O’Neil is not only the director of the film but also has the leading role performing beside veteran actor Patrick Gorman (“Gods and Generals,” “Gettysburg”) as well as actor and songwriter Nigel Casey.

Area residents can see “A Separate Life” at O’Neil’s booth at the Mars Applefest on Oct. 1 or on her website at wrightroad productions.com.