Private Project

Botanical Bards

In a fantasy pop spin off with original music by ELECTRA BARD, The Mechanicals from A Midsummer Night's Dream find themselves in a topsy turvy adventure as they rehearse for a play.

  • Jilian Tolzmann
    Director
    Tides of March, Dating Advice with Baba Yaga
  • Asa O'Conner Jaeckel
    Writer
  • Jilian Tolzmann
    Writer
    Dating Advice with Baba Yaga
  • Jilian Tolzmann
    Producer
  • Yorlene Bernido
    Key Cast
  • Chhavi Disawar
    Key Cast
  • Soleil Kovàcs
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Fantasy, Shakespeare, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 18, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 CAD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Studio 58
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • RunNGun 48 Hour Film Competition
    Vancouver, British Columbia
    Canada
    June 23, 2025
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Jilian Tolzmann

Jilian Tolzmann is a multidisciplinary artist currently acting, directing, writing and producing on both screen and stage.

She has worked on theatre projects such as apprentice directing Touchstone Theatre's production of YAGA at Gateway Theatre as well as performing with various companies including The Cultch and Carousel Theatre. In addition to acting, Jilian has been a musician for 15 years. She also has a plethora of credits in additional departments, anywhere from costumes to art.

Jilian loves jumping into new creative challenges and experiences. A directorial highlight was her RunNGun 48 Hour Film short films --a true example of her adventurous creative nature.

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Director Statement

Mystery, magic and discovery -- What if we took the playfulness of modern pop stars and wove it into Shakespeare's magical forest? This was the inquiry that appeared in my brain as I got the idea for the visual look I wanted the film to have. Before the competition began, I had a team of artists create songs inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream -- some of which are scattered throughout this film. We went into this 48 hour competition with a plan for the set and some demo tracks of original songs, most things were discovered on the fly and it was so exciting to build this world with such a wonderful team. Thank you to my sponsors and team for trusting this unique idea.