Private Project

Righting Ginny

Through the writing of a memoir, an elder woman comes to terms with and heals from childhood sexual abuse.

  • Jennifer Looney
    Director
  • Jennifer Looney
    Writer
  • Lesley Hamilton
    Producer
  • Jennifer Looney
    Key Cast
    "Ginny"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short, Other
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 55 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 28, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada, United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    iPhone Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jennifer Looney

Appalachian born and raised, my roots are from the cool, verdant hills of Virginia, hugged by the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains. Although those roots ran deep, and did not give way easily, I left to chase the dream of Hollywood. I assimilated into the massive city and the allure of a hot and vibrant walk of fame. Unable to overcome low self confidence, I moved behind the camera to make a career as an acting coach.
After 15 years, it was through my own curiosity and the creative process, that drew me away from film and into anthropology where I earned a Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley at age 50. After a 10 year stint teaching high school, my life was drastically changed by illness and disaster and as result I am no longer able to work. Winters are now spent in the California desert and summers traveling in my van.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This 20 minute short film is a deeply personal and stark look at the lifelong effects of childhood abuse and how life choices are affected by a traumatic history. It is told through memories of failures and successes by one who experienced survival as a dystopian ride through time. Lesley, the producer on the film, and I, felt it was an important story to tell especially from the point of view of an elder woman.
Although the subject matter of this film is raw and confronts private issues we felt it is necessary to bring to light the lifelong effects of childhood trauma and that healing is possible even under challenging circumstances. While language in the film is treated with respect, trigger warnings are advised for discussion of child sexual abuse and suicide. We have included the warning at the start of the film and available resources at the end.

Our desire is to take sexual abuse out of the closet and reveal the gift of resilience that runs through the river called survival. We hope you embrace our sincere expressions of hope and art through our little bit of cinema. We are proud parents to Righting Ginny. We hope you agree that this true story will be an inspiration to those who watch.