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
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Michelle Joy JardineDirector/Writer/Producer
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Caleb SmileyDirector of PhotographyThe Life & Lies of Teddy Buchanan, Analog Rainbow, Integration
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Isabelle PopeEditorIsolation, Drive Media House
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Sierra CoachmanAssistant DirectorThe Big Leap
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Lindsay BugertAssistant Producer
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Michelle Joy JardineKey Cast"Elle"Chicago Fire, Man Obsessed
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Rachel J JonesKey Cast"Izzy"Bones & All, Isolation
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Liza LagerstromKey Cast"Kora"The Big Conn
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Neuma JoyKey Cast"Sasha"Sasquatch Summer
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Lydia NollKey Cast"Server"The Dirty People
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:Drama, Comedy
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Runtime:16 minutes 26 seconds
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Completion Date:February 11, 2023
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Production Budget:1,500 USD
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Country of Origin:United States, United States
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Country of Filming:United States, United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:19
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Midwest Film FestivalChicago, IL
August 28, 2023
Gene Siskel Film Center
Official Selection for Women & Gender Non-Conforming Filmmaker Night -
Cindependent Film FestivalCincinnati, OH
September 29, 2023
Ohio Premiere - Memorial Hall
Best Student Film / Nominated for Best Comedy Short / Opening Night Official Selection -
Chicago Shorts Film FestivalChicago, Illinois
July 7, 2023
Chicago Premiere - The Logan Theatre
Best Female Director / Official Selection -
Film Girl Film FestivalChicago, IL
March 24, 2024
The Music Box Theatre
Music Box Audience Award for Best Short Film of 2024 / Official Selection -
FirstGlance Film Festival of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, 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 ForumChicago, IL
February 17, 2024
The Davis Theatre
Opening Night Official Selection -
Shortcut 100Chicago, 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 FestivalCincinnati, OH
July 31, 2023
Online
Best Short Film July 2023 / Official Selection -
Hollywood First Time Filmmaker's ShowcaseHollywood, CA
October 2, 2023
Hollywood Premiere - Online
Official Selection - New Voices Shorts -
Los Angeles Lift-Off Film FestivalLos Angeles, CA
August 29, 2023
LA Premiere - Online
Official Selection - Trendsetter Shorts -
San Francisco Arthouse Short FestivalSan Francisco, CA
April 12, 2023
Online
Semi-Finalist
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.
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