Salute Your Shorts 2019 – Mothers
Two friends explore themes of Empty Nest Syndrome and transition over one night's misadventure in a hotel hot tub.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Leslie Murphy
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I've been an actor for many years now, and in the last couple of years, I've also started writing. While I've never directed anything for a film before, I knew I was interested in learning more about it, and what better way to learn than to get out and do it!
Mothers was inspired both my own mother's experience with Empty Nest Syndrome when my youngest sister went away to college, and also by my hope to showcase more stories by and about women and their unique perspectives and experiences at all stages and ages of their lives. To me, Mothers is a coming of age story, in a way-- just for slightly older age.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think the theme of transition and the worry about what might be next for our lives are ideas that all of us can relate to. I'm not a parent myself, but even I can relate to Barbara's frustration about the not-knowing of things, and the reluctance to let go of the past to jump blindly into what's next. I hope anyone watching this film might find a little relief that they're not alone in these thoughts, while also finding some hope that what's next might just be pretty wonderful too.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Personally, I have always had a hard time with the concept of transition and letting go. It's a running joke in my family in fact that I can remember every tiny, insignificant detail about everything that's ever happened to me in an effort not to lose any of it somehow! I'm interested in what makes some people so good at "moving on" through life's various trials and stages, while others seem to hold on tooth and nail to the way things used to be, and the comfort of what they've always known.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I think the film you watch is certainly different in a few ways than the film I originally wrote. A lot of that is a result of me being a first-time filmmaker, and making some mistakes I had to recalibrate for, I'm sure, but then some of the things that changed along the way came out of the wonderful collaboration I had with my actors and crew members who each brought something so unique of their own individual experience as women to the table. I loved keeping that door of creativity open throughout our process, and I'm glad I did honestly. I think there was originally a lot more humor in the first script, but I think this finished version has a lot more heart.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Haha, I've got a really surprising, across-the-board response actually! A lot of people don't quite understand a few moments, and again, those could probably have been made clearer if I had a more experienced directorial hand. But I was surprised that a few older men responded quite emotionally to the film when I'd assumed only women would feel personally attached to Barbara and Jeannie's situation.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Yes, in the sense that I had to check my own prejudice about men and fatherhood somehow being less of a heartbreaking and confusing experience as children grow up and leave the house.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm hoping the story might inspire more female, would-be-filmmakers to just get out there and tell their stories. Even if they're not perfect, and even if you think no one but you will like them, I feel so strongly about the transformative power of storytelling and the way it can help us to better understand and empathize with each other, but also with ourselves, if we're lucky.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'd love the film to find a home somewhere eventually, and I'd love to be able to share it with more film festivals who can help to foster and encourage the art of filmmaking for everyone, regardless of background or experience level.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I think I'd just be happy to know that it might have stuck with some people after seeing it. I'd love it to bring a smile or two, and I'd love for people to leave it feeling a little less lonely and a little more empowered to be brave.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What does transition mean to you?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you. =)
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm currently writing a couple of different television pilots, and I directed a second short film this past Spring that is just about ready to start sharing.
Interview: August 2019
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
Mothers
Two friends explore themes of Empty Nest Syndrome and transition over one night's misadventure in a hotel hot tub.
Length: 12:28
Director: Leslie Murphy
Producer: Leslie Murphy
Writer: Leslie Murphy
About the writer, director and producer:
LESLIE MURPHY is an LA-based actor, writer, and director. She has a degree in Theatre Dance and Performance Studies from UC Berkeley and has worked as an actor in television and film since 2005. Her credits include roles in Masters of Sex, Criminal Minds, Franklin and Bash, and House, MD, in addition to work in several films and theatre productions as well. Mothers is her first time working behind the camera.
Key cast: Nan MacNamara (Barbara), Treva Tegtmeier (Jeannie)
Looking for: film festival directors, distributors, journalists
Facebook: Mothers, Leslie Murphy
Twitter: @FallPilgrim
Instagram: @rubytwos
Other: IMDb
Funders: Self-funded, in addition to friends and family donations through From The Heart Productions
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Salute Your Shorts Film Festival/ Los Angeles, Ca- August 17th.