With Love

My story, the trials and tribulations I went through, and the conflicts that I felt throughout the past 10 months (in quarantine), was to be told by me scripting, shooting, directing, narrating, and editing "With Love".

In “With Love,” the focus centers on insecurity when a girl writes a letter to [redacted] in which she discusses her experiences in quarantine and how she feels now after the stay at home order has been lifted. The story highlights the character’s inner conflict between a feeling of not being enough and her desire to start new beginnings without fear.

The theme is still relevant today since more people are isolated from one another and can only communicate through technology. Social media and other forms of technology have enabled us to view others’ lives through curated feeds despite being not genuine.

We equate our own authentic lives with those who’ve warped the images and videos they post, to make their lives appear aesthetically pleasing, complete, and flawless. Comparison is the thief of joy. When we contrast ourselves to others, we are left with thoughts of inadequacy or supremacy.

There were many instances when I felt anxious which led to feelings of insecurity. I didn't consider myself gifted enough to be a filmmaker or do any kind of art. I didn't know who I was. This sentiment, of feeling insecure and disconnected from reality, is reflected in "With Love".

It occurred to me that my real reasons for feeling the way I did had little to do with my actual artistic capacity and more with my mentality of uncertainty and my own unrealistic expectations I had placed upon myself. The message I hope people take away is that they are enough, despite what their own feelings may even tell them.