Cathleen O’Connell

Cathleen O’Connell is an independent producer, writer, director and the founder of Desert Penguin Pictures. Her films shine a light on lesser known but important facets of American culture – stories found when you exit the interstate and pull onto blue highways and back roads.

Her broadcast credits include nonfiction programming for PBS, The History Channel, Animal Planet, and Discovery Channel. Cathleen’s collaborations with the Center for Independent Documentary include the independently produced PBS documentary SOUSA ON THE REZ and TIME CAPSULE: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE. She is currently developing a full length documentary on the history and cultural resonance of Nancy Drew. Cathleen credits the fictional sleuth for her plucky tenacity and unapologetic curiosity.