A comedian struggles to adjust to taking care of her estranged young daughter.

Writer/Director Gloria Mercer

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made Bombing because I was fascinated by the idea of a woman who wasn’t perfect but was still endearing and interesting. I also wanted to explore motherhood, and invert the trope of the deadbeat dad with a heart of gold.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This film presents a not often explored look at flawed women and flawed mothers, and rather than attempting to answer or resolve these themes it asks questions about them instead. It’s a touching piece of humanity that will resonate with people who may feel like they’ve made mistakes or aren’t perfect. It also has some silly jokes.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I have a lot of experience with feeling like I’m not good enough, as does practically everyone. This film embraces that feeling and tries to acknowledge it. I didn’t want to make a film about how to be better, but instead just about accepting and coming to terms with feeling inadequate.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

The nucleus of this script was its protagonist. The script has changed drastically in many ways, from the occupation of the main character to the relationship of the mother and daughter. I explored putting together different combinations of life circumstances to surround this woman who’s essentially having an early mid-life crisis, and what felt like it fit best thematically.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

So far the feedback has been really positive. I was lucky enough to have really amazing actors, and people have responded really well to very authentic performances. I pick the film apart every time I watch it, and it was definitely a learning experience that will lend to my next project. Some have said they weren’t a fan of the main character because she’s not likeable enough.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I have been lucky to receive really helpful feedback. I think I agree with most of the feedback, too, and it’s just the nature of making low budget films that things don’t always turn out the way you expect. They become something else that’s good in its own right, though.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

With short films, you don’t always get the opportunity to hear about the process of making them because they are less widely viewed. Taking time and outlets to explore the process of making short films and the details of creating a low budget film is worthwhile. It’s a very interesting and different procedure.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I don’t expect my film to get distributed in a traditional sense, but it would be great to have it play at more film festivals. I don’t have high expectations for what it’ll go on to do, I’m just happy if people get to see it for the time being, and if it gets unconventional distribution in the form of streaming, etc, that’s great. In the process of making it, I’ve learned a lot and met lots of great people, so in that sense it will lead to more projects. Getting the opportunity to direct and create something new would be amazing.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I care a lot about young filmmakers and people thinking that they don’t have to be perfect - popular films don’t always reflect a multifaceted image of being a woman. It’s really important to me that this film might contribute in a small way to diversify-ing what that image is. I have the hope that films made by women will have some reception because it’s important to show people, especially young people, that women are making films too, despite being underrepresented in the industry.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What do we prioritize in a character, and what are our expectations for what women are allowed to do and how they’re allowed to act? How do existing tropes and stereotypes within film limit the ways characters are written and represented?

Would you like to add anything else?

This film was an incredible learning experience, and I couldn’t have done it without my amazing cast and crew. My cinematographer, assistant director, and many more people who helped me throughout the whole process played a huge role. Filmmaking is intensely collaborative, and I got very lucky.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am in the process of writing a short film script which I hope to shoot this Summer. It’s been a big process just submitting Bombing to festivals and finishing up my degree (Bombing was my grad film), so once I’m done school I hope to put the free time to good use and jump into another project.

Interview: March 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Bombing

A comedian struggles to adjust to taking care of her estranged young daughter.

Length: 13 minutes

Director: Gloria Mercer

Producer: Gloria Mercer/ Simon Fraser University

Writer: Gloria Mercer

About the writer, director and producer:

Gloria Mercer was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is an award-winning filmmaker, and a graduate of the Simon Fraser University film production program. Always a fan of film, she was initially drawn to comedic directors such as Mel Brooks, and the Coen Brothers. She writes and directs films that challenge the power dynamics and structures of traditional comedy.

Key cast: Lauren McGibbon, Penelope Good, Annabel Maclean, Sarah Faye Thomas, Derek Trowell, Michael Bean

Social media handles:

Facebook: facebook.com/bombingshortfilm

Twitter: @bombingfilm

Other: gloriarmercer.com

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Producers, film festival directors

Funders: Self-funded/ Simon Fraser University

Made in association with: Simon Fraser University

Where can I see it in the next month? Vancouver International Women in Film Festival, Berlin Feminist Film Week, Fort Myers Film Festival, The Media Film Festival, Bay Area Women in Film and Television Shorts Showcase, Ozark Foothills Film Festival. There are more TBA that will be announced on social media!