Private Project

I'LL BE MOTHER

I’LL BE MOTHER is a bittersweet tale about a woman who reflects upon her difficult relationship with her overbearing mother.

Since her marriage break down, Claire’s world has started to crumble. What she doesn’t need is her meddlesome sourpuss mother to remind her about it.

The film follows this complicated relationship as both women try to deal with their loss, issues and finally letting go.

  • Victoria Howell
    Director
  • Edwina Tyrrell
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 24 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 28, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Whirled Cinema Screening
    LONDON
    United Kingdom
    November 28, 2016
Director Biography - Victoria Howell

Victoria has worked in film and theatre for over fifteen years and has extensive experience of bringing projects from conception to production. She has co-written and produced short films and features, webseries, stage plays and musicals, and has directed for film, theatre and online content. Victoria is the co-founder and resident writer/director for Sister Productions.

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Director Statement

I’ll Be Mother is an examination of the ways in which our parents shape and define us whether we like it or not – even sometimes from beyond the grave.

Claire’s relationship with Rose is typical of many mother/daughter relationships. Though Rose has the best of intentions, her instinct to advise and protect her daughter comes across to Claire as constant criticism and stifling control.

Edwina Tyrell’s script is an affecting portrayal of this flawed but familiar relationship. She allows the tension to develop organically, driving Claire to breaking point only when she hears the same criticisms levelled at her own children. Though in Rose’s voice, the words, like Rose herself now, exist only in Claire’s mind, spurring her finally to action and the rejection of her mother’s influence in order to save her own children from the same fate.

Although Claire and Rose’s relationship fails, I’ll Be Mother is an uplifting story of hope and triumph against the odds, and this will be reflected in the move from the dark confinement of the car and kitchen, to the bright, open vista of Claire and her children’s futures.