Columbus-based Kristina Kopf joins the cast of “Nellie” as the title character’s mother, Clara Belle, a warm-hearted Southern who takes her daughter in after a horrifying incident.

“I’m excited to bring the spirit of the character to life, and to work with some talented actors ~ I love spending time with creative people, bringing stories to life,” said Kopf. “I’m also very excited to work with Steph Greegor, the director and filmmaker, who emphasizes and encourages women in film.”

Kopf’s film experience includes roles in the feature films “Axe Giant,” “Madtown,” “Cleveland Abduction,” “Oracabessa,” “75,” and “Looking for the Jackalope.” Kopf recently starred in the feature film “The Street Where We Live,” currently in festivals.

Kopf’s character, Clara Belle, is the most pure in the script, bringing much-needed light and warmth to a serious drama.

“My character doesn’t hold the darkness of the film,” said Kopf, who will spend time learning the character’s life in preparation for the role. “I like to wear the character around, get into how she moves and speaks, what she thinks of everyday situations, how she feels about the people in her life and in her story. Once all of that is in place (and I’ve memorized the dialogue), all that’s left is to be fully present.”

Clara Belle’s lightness along with some of the script’s dark humor brings a relief for the audience.

“I think humor is generally funniest when it’s delivered sincerely,” said Kopf. “And so the humor comes out of being completely immersed in the moment, even if the moment is dark.”

Nellie begins filming in March of 2018.