Private Project

Marionette

When shy teenager Ruth, a member of a youth theatre group, helps a younger girl navigate her unexpected first period, she is pushed to find her voice and offer the guidance she never thought she could give. Marionette is a heartwarming short film that explores how menstruation can unite all genders, ignite personal growth, and celebrates the strength of being female.

  • Edie Moles
    Director
    Underbelly
  • Edie Moles
    Writer
    Underbelly
  • Rachel Clear Burton
    Producer
    Underbelly, Bleujyowa, Mercy
  • Rick Joaquim SASC
    Director of Photography
    Can You See Us?, Five Tiger, Stay Calm
  • Beth Bradfield
    Key Cast
    "Ruth"
    Malory Towers
  • Helena Bello
    Key Cast
    "Changeling"
  • Hunter De Valle Marfo
    Key Cast
    "Huntsman"
  • Zachary Swartland
    Key Cast
    "Knight"
  • Sami Al Dahhan
    Key Cast
    "Fox"
  • Luie Al Dahhan
    Key Cast
    "Hare"
  • Katie Abbott
    Key Cast
    "Julie"
  • Sam Halpenny
    Key Cast
    "Peter"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 6, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    21,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Edie Moles

Edie Moles (Independent Talent Group) is a young Writer/Director from London. Her first short was a “harrowing” social-realist drama; ‘Underbelly’ which was awarded Best Film and Best New Talent at the BFI Future Film Festival 2023. Her work follows stories of young people in the UK touched by issues of reproductive health.

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Director Statement

I wanted to create a film for young people that demystifies menstruation and reduces its stigma. But Marionette isn’t just about biology— it’s about diversity, inclusivity, and self-confidence. While many coming-of-age films focus on teenage cruelty, Marionette highlights the immense capacity young people have to be kind.