Private Project

I'll Take the Bear

After being attacked by a bear while on her morning jog, teen girl Ellery Holmes takes a wildlife protection agency to court to have the animal put down. Outcast from her animal-loving peers, facing PTSD, and constantly being blamed for the attack, she must find her voice on the stand if she truly wants to move forward.

  • Rachel Chantal Franklin
    Director
  • Rachel Chantal Franklin
    Writer
  • Mereb Khasay
    Producer
  • Chase Nuñez
    Producer
  • Ben Taft
    Director of Photography
  • Gabriel Zendejas
    Editor
  • Abigail Segal
    Production Designer
  • Zachary Scheidt
    Assistant Director
  • Kaitlin McInnis
    Key Cast
    "Ellery Holmes"
  • Jacqui Valdivia
    Key Cast
    "Mindy Holmes"
  • Floyd Strayer
    Key Cast
    "Dave Holmes"
  • Lisa Ginel
    Key Cast
    "Mrs. B"
  • Tim Rhones
    Key Cast
    "Mr. Puathlum"
  • Chantel Sizemore
    Key Cast
    "Yolanda Shoenfeld"
  • Jim Jones
    Key Cast
    "Judge"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 31, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 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:
    Yes - San Diego State University
Director Biography - Rachel Chantal Franklin

Rachel Franklin is an emerging filmmaker and storyteller majoring in Film Production and Journalism Media Studies. She produces and hosts a sexual assault discussion podcast Already Dead that amplifies survivor voices and raises awareness about sexual violence. Aspiring to be a documentary anchor, Rachel aims to share compelling narratives from individuals around the world, highlighting their unique experiences and fostering understanding through her storytelling.

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Director Statement

My team and I are proud to introduce you to our story, I’ll Take the Bear, a powerful narrative that seeks to explore the complexities of rape culture and the systemic issues surrounding the treatment of sexual assault victims/survivors within our justice system.

Inspired by the recent viral TikTok debate, “Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?,” I’ll Take the Bear follows a teenage girl named Ellery, who is attacked by a bear while jogging on her neighborhood trail. The attack, the treatment from her mother, and the court case that follows serve as a metaphor for her internal struggles and the external threats she faces in a society that often dismisses and misrepresents victims of sexual violence.

Through Ellery’s journey, we delve into her traumatic experience and the obstacles she encounters when seeking justice, shedding light on the often retraumatizing processes victims endure. The film aims to provoke thought and discussion around the cultural narratives that perpetuate silence and shame, and to illustrate the stark realities of those seeking justice in a system that frequently fails them.