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Arlene

In this heartfelt film, a new mother battles intrusive thoughts that arise during her postpartum journey. As she faces the challenges of motherhood, these intrusive thoughts persistently invade her mind, complicating her path. With the arrival of MA (Maternal Assistance), a replacement A.I. unit for her broken one, she realizes it's time to answer her friend's call for help. This pivotal moment prompts her to confront her struggles and seek support, leading her on a path of self-discovery and healing. Through this touching story, the film highlights the impact of intrusive thoughts on the new mother's life and emphasizes the importance of reaching out and finding solace in human connections.

  • Jessica Anderson
    Director
  • Jessica Anderson
    Writer
  • Callie Bloem
    Producer
  • Ana Trevino
    Key Cast
    "Arlene"
  • Sam Howard
    Key Cast
    "MA"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Sci-fi
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 4, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jessica Anderson

Jessica Anderson is a writer/director/producer based in Los Angeles. Her journey into the entertainment industry began after earning a degree in design, which led her to explore the world of stand-up comedy. She honed her craft while living in New York and Miami, and also dabbled in logistics, booking, and the culinary world before finding her calling in film production. Anderson's approach to filmmaking centers around crafting stories that are imaginative and fantastical, yet deeply rooted in personal experiences. Her directorial debut, "Arlene," showcases her ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on an emotional level.

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Director Statement

As the writer and director of Arlene, I embarked on a deeply personal journey to explore the complexities of maternal mental health from my own experiences as a new mother. It became clear to me that the fears, anxieties, and feelings of inadequacy commonly faced by new mothers are often overlooked and underrepresented in mainstream media. This realization ignited my passion to shed light on these crucial issues.

Throughout the creative process, I was struck by the profound sense of isolation that often accompanies these struggles. Despite the prevalence of such challenges among women, the stigma and shame surrounding them can make seeking help an uphill battle. I intimately understood this struggle, having experienced it myself, and witnessing it in the lives of other mothers.

With Arlene, my aim was to ignite a dialogue and provide a platform where women can feel acknowledged, validated, and supported. I sought to portray the realities of postpartum mental health with unflinching honesty and authenticity, steering clear of exaggerated depictions of psychosis often found in movies.

By envisioning a future where artificial intelligence plays a prominent role in healthcare, I aimed to explore the potential impact of these relationships. Through the lens of science-fiction, I delved into the potential benefits and consequences technology may bring to our lives, particularly in our most personal and intimate experiences.

Ultimately, my aspiration with Arlene is to craft a film that stimulates contemplation and evokes profound emotional connections. I wanted to depict the challenges and triumphs of motherhood in a manner that is both candid and inspiring, creating a narrative that fosters hope while remaining rooted in reality.