Experiencing Interruptions?

The Medicine Goes Down

A sweet, idealistic recent divorcee and her depressed young son reconnect over her favorite kid’s film, Mary Poppins. But the mom’s desire to shield her son from the harsh realities of life through the movie has unexpected results.

  • Grace Bjarnson
    Director
  • Grace Bjarnson
    Writer
  • Grace Bjarnson
    Producer
  • Kelly Wheeler
    Key Cast
    "Mary"
  • Braydon Wheeler
    Key Cast
    "Jacob"
  • Bethany Jones
    Key Cast
    "Jane"
  • Melinda Yeaman
    Key Cast
    "Destiny"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 2, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    1,400 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Grace Bjarnson

Grace Bjarnson has been involved with the performing arts since age 5 when she was trained to sing professionally with her twin sister, two older brothers, and father. A shy introvert, Grace decided to join theater in junior high school to help her interact with others. But that pragmatic reason soon transformed into an avid interest in theatre. As a senior in high school she discovered her true passion when she directed her first play, Amicable Parting. She earned a Bachelors of Theatre(acting/directing) with a minor in Voice (singing) from Southern Utah University where the world renown Utah Shakespeare Festival takes place.

Since then she has taught children performing arts, directed, and designed sets for several theatrical productions. Later on while watching over her family and taking a break from theatre she began her training in screenwriting. Several years later she directed her first short film called "The Medicine Goes Down." Two years later she directed her second short film, Gatewalker, a 17 minute proof of concept based off of a feature length adaptation.

Currently a voice over artist with over a thousand projects under her belt, she continues to write, direct, and support others in their artistic pursuits.

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Director Statement

This first film of mine explores the tenuous relationship between mother and child. How do we as parents provide tools for our children to cope with the challenges of life without denying them the growth they need? As a mother I don't have all the answers, but this question is addressed in a darkly humorous way in this short film.

The motto of my production company, Hot Muffin Media, is... Exploring humanities triumphs, pitfalls, and immense value. I passionately believe, just as Saint Frances de Sales did that we must, "Have patience with all things, but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are a perfectly valuable, creative worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulation can ever change that."