Pollen

Haunted by her past life, Alice Burman begins to lose touch with reality; until a series dreams and familiarities lead her to believe she might be on to something. In the search to dig up the truth about her past, Alice finds she is being watched by people who will stop at nothing to hide her secrets. The events that unfold inevitably reunite her with her long lost love, Stellan.

  • Mia Martinez
    Director
    Elo & Flo, Bella Blue, Manifesto of Surrealism
  • Mia Martinez
    Writer
    Elo & Flo, Bella Blue, Manifesto of Surrealism
  • Mackenzie DeCrescenzo
    Producer
    One More Thing, Liar's Dice
  • Nadia White
    Key Cast
    "Alice Burman "
    Riverdale, Charmed, He's Not Worth Dying For
  • Kevin Ferracuti
    Key Cast
    "Stellan Tomson"
    From Somewhere Else, Monochrome, Project Isotope
  • Shanna Giannozio
    Key Cast
    "Elizabeth Burman"
    Christmas in Tahoe, Limetown, The Inbetween
  • Christian Brockley
    Key Cast
    "Council Agent #001"
    Life and Death of a God, Liar's Dice
  • Micah Kelpin
    Key Cast
    "Alma"
    Guiltless, Not a Virgin!, Molly
  • Gabriel Vill
    Key Cast
    "Council Agent #002"
    Hellscape
  • Jonnathan George
    Director of Photography
    Elo & Flo, Manifesto of Surrealism, Pet, Plant
  • Camila Castellanos
    Production Designer
    Beyond the Grey
  • Sebastian Valencia Chavez
    Editor
    Missed Call, Cadenza
  • Andreina Sanoja
    First Assistant Director
    Manifesto of Surrealism, Pet, The Double Life of Jane Doe
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 38 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 19, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    5,600 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Arri Alexa Mini LF 4.5K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Vancouver Film School
Director Biography - Mia Martinez

Mia Martinez is an up-and-coming Spanish-Canadian director, writer and producer. Her passion for filmmaking and telling stories began at a young age, inevitably leading her to attend Vancouver Film School. She recently graduated with honours in the film production program, specializing in directing and cinematography.

In 2022, she wrote and directed her first short film 'Bella Blue'. Since then went on to direct short films such as 'Elo & Flo', which has been nominated for ‘Best Student Short’ at Love & Hope International Film Festival - Barcelona, soon followed by 'Pollen' which has recently won an award for ‘Best Cinematography’ at Stockholm City Film Festival.

In addition to her work as a director, Mia is also currently in the process of launching her own independent film production company 'Familiar Blue'. Focusing on tailoring to the needs of other emerging filmmakers like herself. Bringing their stories to life and creating an inclusive platform for people to share their voice as a community.

Mia admires the world around her, and loves to see it through a lens. She is inspired by classic films and classic music, while on a journey of finding a style of her own. One that falls between the lines of melancholy, romantic, and dark humour. Exploring themes of human connection and memories, in hopes to challenge audiences and provoke thought and discussion. Mia is moved by life, love and the people she surrounds herself with and her work is an extension of that.

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Director Statement

Pollen in its own way is a psychological fantasy, with elements of a period drama as we explore Alice’s dreams and flashbacks. The story’s themes entertain the idea of life after death; as well, include thematic elements of wonder, mental health, curiosity and an unusual take on love. Pollen’s narrative is primarily from Alice’s present day experience as she is torn between her two worlds and a man she knew she once loved, but has never met. As she puts pieces together from her past; she falls into an entanglement of paranoia unsure if it’s all in her head when she finds she’s being followed. As the story develops, the audience too is unsure. We learn earlier on, in a conversation with her mother that she struggles with mental health issues.

The films look is moody while stylistic, melancholy and romantic. The story is written to help people feel like they are not alone, to be curious about life. Pollen is set in two time periods; one being present day, and the other in Alice’s past life which takes place in the late 1940’s. The colour palette, production design and visuals change through the film as Alice’s emotional state develops. Her present self has lots of muted tones, darker colours and lower contrast that suggests her sadness and feeling lost in life. This turns into a more sharp, surrealistic and vivid look as she starts to take back control of her life again. Her past is brighter, and filled with warmth that creates a soft, dreamy and euphoric feeling.

Lastly, Pollen deals with beautiful but delicate moments and subject matter. While having a gritty darkness to the film, it helps show both the contrast and balance of light and darkness in life.