Private Project

30 (Still Single)

A short documentary exploring the loneliness that comes with being single as a millennial. Set over the course of the thirtieth year of filmmaker Cathy Woods' life. This intimate and raw film delves into what it is like to be thirty and single in a time when situationships are the norm, and the societal pressure to be in a relationship is evident.

  • Cathy Woods
    Director
  • Cathy Woods
    Producer
  • Lucy Burmeister
    Cinematography
  • Cathy Woods
    Cinematography
  • Grace Ashworth-Lawson
    Composer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 20, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 NZD
  • Country of Origin:
    New Zealand
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2024
    Melbourne
    Australia
    July 20, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Women X Film Festival 2024
    Parkgate
    United Kingdom
    Honorable Mention
Director Biography - Cathy Woods

Cathy Woods is a budding filmmaker from Wellington, New Zealand. Having always possessed a love of films, she started making her own at the age of 11. In her late twenties she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film from Victoria University of Wellington. Since then she has worked on a number of student short films and competed in the 48Hours Film Contest. In her spare time she volunteers for film festivals and attends the local film society.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

It was summer, the sun was out and I was sitting on a park bench with my good friend Lucy, discussing life, and boys. I was still single, and about to turn 30.

I told Lucy I wanted to make a short documentary about how I was feeling, I wanted it to be raw, and personal. I was scared, but I knew this film needed to be made.

There is nothing quite like the experience of being single at 30, the dating apps, the awkward first dates, but most of all the feeling of being alone in a world that expects you not to be.

I knew other women my age would likely be able to relate to how I was feeling, so I began a year long shoot of my life and my loneliest moments. I was actively trying to find someone, I downloaded the apps, I went on dates.

Through it all, I documented my journey of being 30, and still single.