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Pierrot & The Mother

Pierrot & The Mother is based on a short story written by Lilit Davtyan. Pierrot & The Mother explores the chaotic dynamic between an estranged mother and son. The film poetically explores the consequences of domestic abuse, neglect, and the fight to maintain innocence. This film asks us to question, what do we reflect onto our children and how can they cope with the unwanted darkness that threatens to steal their identity.

  • Lilit Davtyan
    Director
  • Lilit Davtyan
    Writer
  • Leila Helena Grillo
    Key Cast
    "The Mother"
  • Mark Davtyan
    Key Cast
    "Pierrot"
  • Gor Gevorkyan
    Audio & VFX Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Short, Poetic, Surreal
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 38 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 15, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    100 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Lilit Davtyan

Lilit Davtyan is a writer, photographer and filmmaker who's work has been published in numerous academic magazines. She is drawn to the dream like and fantastical qualities in life, hence her fascination with sad clowns named Pierrot and connection with "Alice in Wonderland". Through her work Lilit hopes to highlight the qualities that make us human through visual elements that come out of a dust covered book from one's childhood.

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Director Statement

Lilit hopes that by watching the short film the viewers can experience a cathartic understanding of the complexities of childhood and parental dynamics. I do not think we realize how much of our traumas and traits can "rub off" and "stain" our kids and how that can become an eternal internal battle. I chose to direct this story because I think it is an important matter to consider but because it is a sensitive subject, I found the story would be best suited with surreal elements. I hope that my connection with writing and reading poetry is evident through the visual and audio metaphors that all serve to convey the character's feelings and intentions. I was inspired by Kubrick's shots from "The Shining" and "A Clockwork Orange" as well as David Lynch's surreal visuals found in his films like "Eraserhead". Some of the challenges I experienced were trying to stay true to my artistic vision without falling flat. This required getting personal with every detail down to creating my own fonts for the credit sequence. It was an amazing experience because I worked with my younger brother and best friend to create a story that had started as a short story, extended to a photographic series, and is now a living breathing piece of cinema.