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.

WATCH: https://vimeo.com/blujoyproductions/wewanta

  • 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, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, 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, IL
    August 28, 2023
    Gene Siskel Film Center
    Official Selection for Women & Gender Non-Conforming Filmmaker Night
  • Cindependent Film Festival
    Cincinnati, OH
    September 29, 2023
    Ohio Premiere - Memorial Hall
    Best Student Film / Nominated for Best Comedy Short / Opening Night Official Selection
  • Chicago Shorts Film Festival
    Chicago, Illinois
    July 7, 2023
    Chicago Premiere - The Logan Theatre
    Best Female Director / Official Selection
  • Film Girl Film Festival
    Chicago, IL
    March 24, 2024
    The Music Box Theatre
    Music Box Audience Award for Best Short Film of 2024 / Official Selection
  • FirstGlance Film Festival of Philadelphia
    Philadelphia, PA
    October 6, 2023
    East Coast Premiere - Philadelphia Film Society Bourse Theatre
    Nominated for Best Comedy & The Mela Hudson Award of Filmmaker Excellence / Official Selection
  • New Generation Filmmaker's Forum
    Chicago, IL
    February 17, 2024
    The Davis Theatre
    Opening Night Official Selection
  • Shortcut 100
    Chicago, IL
    November 16, 2023
    The Davis Theatre
    Nominated for Best Chicago Filmmaker, Best Female Filmmaker, and Best Short Film / Official Selection
  • F3: Queen City Film Festival
    Cincinnati, OH
    July 31, 2023
    Online
    Best Short Film July 2023 / Official Selection
  • Hollywood First Time Filmmaker's Showcase
    Hollywood, CA
    October 2, 2023
    Hollywood Premiere - Online
    Official Selection - New Voices Shorts
  • Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival
    Los Angeles, CA
    August 29, 2023
    LA Premiere - Online
    Official Selection - Trendsetter Shorts
  • San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival
    San Francisco, CA
    April 12, 2023
    Online
    Semi-Finalist
Director Biography

Michelle Joy Jardine is an emerging filmmaker and owner of Blu Joy Productions. 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 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. She has continued working in digital and television media for Democratic political campaigns, candidates and government officials.

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 women in Ohio and across the country 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