We Want A

Four college besties and certified party girls get together for a celebration brunch. But when what they're celebrating unexpectedly changes (...maybe?), their bonds are tested like never before.

"We Want A" is a short film about the beauty and burden of womanhood in an inconstant world—and about the power of mimosas. 'Cause brunch.

  • Michelle Joy Jardine
    Director/Writer/Producer
  • Caleb Smiley
    Director of Photography
    The Life & Lies of Teddy Buchanan, Analog Rainbow, Integration
  • Isabelle Pope
    Editor
    Isolation, Drive Media House
  • Sierra Coachman
    Assistant Director
    The Big Leap
  • Lindsay Bugert
    Assistant Producer
  • Michelle Joy Jardine
    Key Cast
    "Elle"
    Chicago Fire, Man Obsessed
  • Rachel J Jones
    Key Cast
    "Izzy"
    Bones & All, Isolation
  • Liza Lagerstrom
    Key Cast
    "Kora"
    The Big Conn
  • Neuma Joy
    Key Cast
    "Sasha"
    Sasquatch Summer
  • Lydia Noll
    Key Cast
    "Server"
    The Dirty People
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 11, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:19
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Midwest Film Festival
    Chicago, Illinois
    United States
    August 28, 2023
    Official Selection for Women & Gender Non-Conforming Filmmaker Night
  • Cindependent Film Festival
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    September 29, 2023
    Ohio Premiere
    Best Student Film / Nominated for Best Comedy Short / Opening Night Official Selection
  • Chicago Shorts Film Festival
    Chicago, Illinois
    United States
    July 7, 2023
    Chicago Premiere
    Best Female Director / Official Selection
  • FirstGlance Film Festival of Philadelphia
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    October 6, 2023
    East Coast Premiere
    Nominated for Best Comedy & The Mela Hudson Award of Filmmaker Excellence / Official Selection
  • Shortcut 100
    Chicago, Illinois
    United States
    November 16, 2023
    Nominated for Best Chicago Filmmaker, Best Female Filmmaker, and Best Short Film/ Official Selection
  • Hollywood First Time Filmmaker's Showcase
    Hollywood, California
    United States
    October 2, 2023
    Online
    Official Selection - New Voices Shorts
  • Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    August 29, 2023
    Online
    Official Selection - Trendsetter Shorts
  • F3: Queen City Film Festival
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    July 31, 2023
    Online
    Best Short Film July 2023 / Official Selection
  • San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival
    San Francisco, California
    April 12, 2023
    Online
    Semi-Finalist
Director Biography

Michelle Joy Jardine is an emerging filmmaker and owner of Blu Joy Productions in the Chicagoland area. Passionate about social justice, politics, urban planning, and the intersection of social change and education through storytelling, she provides a unique point-of-view (and sense of style) to her work. Michelle recently returned to her hometown of Chicago after completing her BFA at the University of Cincinnati and working as a digital video producer for the Tim Ryan Senate campaign.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I wrote "We Want A," Roe v. Wade was still the law of the land. While whispers of Supreme Court challengers were abound, even red states like Ohio, where "We Want A" was filmed, still provided access to abortion. By the time my team and I finished production, however, Roe v. Wade was overturned, and now women in Ohio and across the country have lost their right to choose.

"We Want A"'s protagonist faces a choice that will shape her future. While making that choice, she consults her friends, her favorite books, and her own heart. She doesn't consult with the State legislature or the Supreme Court. And she shouldn't have to.

While she doesn't always know exactly what she wants, she wants a choice. She deserves a choice. And so do we.

Thanks for reading,

-MJ