Ronald Bronstein

Ronald Bronstein is an American film director, screenwriter, film editor and actor. He directed, wrote and edited the independent film Frownland. He is a frequent collaborator of the Safdie brothers, best known for being a co-writer and co-editor on the films Good Time and Uncut Gems.

Early life

Bronstein grew up Jewish in the North Shore of Long Island. He described his family growing up as "functional and supportive."
He attended NYU film school but dropped out.

Career

Debut and early career

While working on his first feature, Bronstein worked as a projectionist at various art houses around New York City.
He made his debut in 2007 with the film Frownland. He directed, wrote and edited the film. It received critical acclaim and won the Special Jury Award at the 2007 SXSW Film Festival. The film has been described by critics as one of the most bold, original and important independent films of the century. In 2022, it was released as part of The Criterion Collection.
He worked on the film Yeast in 2008 as an assistant and editor. His wife, Mary Bronstein directed and stars in the film. The film also stars Greta Gerwig. Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie appear in the film.

Collaboration with the Safdie Brothers

Bronstein first met the Safdie Brothers at the 2007 SXSW Film Festival. Josh was struck by a speech Bronstein had made at the awards ceremony about anti-careerism and was introduced to him afterwards. They shared a mutual interest for documentary-like fictions and in film making as a behavioral experiment.
In 2009, he began his creative partnership with the Safdie brothers with the film Daddy Longlegs. He co-wrote, edited and also appeared in the film as an actor. He won a Gotham Award for Breakthrough Actor.
In 2014, he co-wrote and co-edited Heaven Knows What.
In 2017, he co-wrote and co-edited the film Good Time starring Robert Pattinson.
In 2019, he co-wrote and co-edited Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler. The development and writing process was over 10 years, involving 160 drafts. He won an Independent Spirit Award for best editing, sharing the award with Benny Safdie.
After the Safdie Brothers ended their directing partnership in 2024, he continued to collaborate with the Safdies on individual projects. He is a co-writer, editor and producer for Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme starring Timothee Chalamet. It released on December 25, 2025 by A24.
Bronstein formed Central Pictures, a production company alongside Josh Safdie and Eli Bush in 2024. He is also a partner in Elara Pictures with the Safdie brothers.

Personal life

He is married to actress and filmmaker Mary Bronstein.

Filmography

;Feature films

Year	Title	Director	Writer	Editor	Collaboration with Safdie Brothers	Notes
2007	Frownland
2008	Yeast
2009	Daddy Longlegs					Also actor
2011	Eyes Find Eyes					Actor
2014	Heaven Knows What					Also actor
2017	Good Time
2019	Uncut Gems
2022	Funny Pages
2025	If I Had Legs I'd Kick You					Also actor
2025	Marty Supreme					Also producer; the voice of Blarney Stone Phone