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.
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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
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Country of Filming: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, Illinois
United States
August 28, 2023
Official Selection for Women & Gender Non-Conforming Filmmaker Night -
Cindependent Film FestivalCincinnati, Ohio
September 29, 2023
Ohio Premiere
Best Student Film / Nominated for Best Comedy Short / Opening Night Official Selection -
Chicago Shorts Film FestivalChicago, Illinois
United States
July 7, 2023
Chicago Premiere
Best Female Director / Official Selection -
FirstGlance Film Festival of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
October 6, 2023
East Coast Premiere
Nominated for Best Comedy & The Mela Hudson Award of Filmmaker Excellence / Official Selection -
Shortcut 100Chicago, 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 ShowcaseHollywood, California
United States
October 2, 2023
Online
Official Selection - New Voices Shorts -
Los Angeles Lift-Off Film FestivalLos Angeles, California
United States
August 29, 2023
Online
Official Selection - Trendsetter Shorts -
F3: Queen City Film FestivalCincinnati, Ohio
July 31, 2023
Online
Best Short Film July 2023 / Official Selection -
San Francisco Arthouse Short FestivalSan Francisco, California
April 12, 2023
Online
Semi-Finalist
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.
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