A timely reflection on the challenges faced by young women setting out for themselves in a world where sexual harassment is the norm.

Interview with Director Mary Liz Thomson

Watch The Boarding House here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made the film with a writer friend to explore creating a good story that could work as a short. I was drawn to the impact of a common form of sexual harassment and characters who would grow in a unique type of coming of age story.

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

To enjoy a journey into the 1970's past and get to know quirky characters who are trying to overcome big family losses and find unique paths in life.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

To me, the theme of the film was flight and finding your way, especially for women trying to find their own voice.

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

The script evolved to leave the story more open ended for a possible future web series.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

That the setting and look of the film really takes you into the 1970's time period and the characters are unique.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Some people wanted a more defined ending. Also, the lead character doesn't speak much of what happened to her in the film, but this is a common response. Many women didn't talk about it.

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

Visibility for the work of female directors and more female character stories.

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

Journalists and producers interested in a longer web series would be great.

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

I hope that the film sparks discussion and thought into what it is like for women to confront sexual harassment in everyday life. I also hope it makes people curious about the characters and what they do to overcome tough times.

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

How should women respond or resolve the issue of sexual harassment and aggression? How does it affect their choices, friendships, safety, strength, and growth in life.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently writing scripts and at the development stage of a feature documentary.

Interview: August 2018

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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

The Boarding House

A timely reflection on the challenges faced by young women setting out for themselves in a world where sexual harassment is the norm.

Length: 16 min

Director: Mary Liz Thomson

Producer: Jess Grant, Lorraine Montez, Ben Andrews

Writer: Jess Grant, based on a memoir by Suzanne Juergensen

About the writer, director and producer:

MARY LIZ THOMSON is an award winning filmmaker who also cares about the environment and social issues for women. She worked in the Film Industry in LA many years, and now does her creative work in Seattle.

Key cast: Meranda Long, Sonya Khazaal, MJ Sieber, D'Angelo Midili, Lorraine Montez, Tom Brophy

Facebook: The Boarding House

Funders: Producers

Made in association with: Dulcet and Abundant Productions

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month After festivals it will be online on Vimeo, etc.