Jenna Has to Live
A Type 1 diabetic’s health hangs in the balance when she decides to ration her remaining insulin after selling some to make rent.
Interview with Writer/Director/Editor Katie Hopkins
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
So Jenna Has to Live is actually my thesis film I made to complete my MFA from Loyola Marymount University in Film and Television Production. I knew I wanted to tackle a story about Type 1 Diabetes because I myself have had Type 1 since I was nineteen years old.
While a familiar word, diabetes is so misunderstood by the masses that I felt strongly about needing to bring a dose of reality to the table. Diabetes, whether it be Type 1, 2 or another is more often than not the butt of a joke in film and television. Some of my favorite TV shows like Gilmore Girls and Parks and Rec are guilty of this lazy writing. To combat that I place Jenna at the center of the narrative. Jenna is a young, resourceful individual who has to grapple with being tied to insulin for the rest of her life, but also figure out how to keep herself sheltered and clothed just like every other human being. By bringing that tug-of-war between necessities to the heart of the story, I'm hoping to bring to light the truly impossible decisions that someone with Type 1 Diabetes has to make in a country with a broken healthcare system.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think it's important to see this film because it puts the struggles of a Type 1 diabetic at the forefront of the narrative, something that hasn't always been done in film, or at least done well. Jenna specifically deals with insulin rationing, which is always a relevant topic, but is especially noteworthy right now with Eli Lilly's recent announcement that they are dropping the prices of select lines of their insulin by almost 70%. In no way is their action a perfect fix for avoiding insulin rationing, but it's a step in the right direction that could change the lives of people like Jenna who have to choose between two necessities like a place to live and the medication that keeps them alive. Seeing Jenna Has to Live is a chance to step into someone else's shoes and learn a bit more about a disability that affects thousands of people around them in innumerable ways.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
One of the best pieces of writing advice I ever got was that the more specific you make a story, the more universal it becomes. Even though this is a very personal story to me since it stems from my own anxieties and "what ifs," everyone can recognize themselves in Jenna's drive to survive and her fear of leaning on other people for help in fear of judgment. While she deals with insulin rationing and opening up to a co-worker, those things could be replaced with any other medical struggle and individual and still ring true for almost anyone who watches it.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script began with much more exposition about how Type 1 Diabetes worked. While writing it, the biggest line I had to walk was how much do I explain about the science behind the disease and exactly what Jenna is doing when she checks her blood sugar on her continuous glucose monitor app and takes insulin, and when do I just let the story and emotions speak for themselves. Eventually, I erred more on the side of letting the audience piece together what was happening and remain curious so that I wasn't left with a film that was half technical jargon. I'm not egotistical enough to say that I succeeded in my effort for every moment of the film. There are parts where what's going on could be much clearer, but hey, this is my first big short film. For my overall goal of trying to make a film about Type 1 Diabetes that moves past diagnosis stories and tragic deaths, I am extremely proud of what I've accomplished.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far everyone has really connected to the performances! The whole cast was a dream to work with, and Allison and Malik in particular have great onscreen chemistry, they're both so good at what they do.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Once in a while, I've gotten some feedback about how it was unbelievable that some characters (I'm being vague to avoid spoilers) couldn't afford health insurance because it "looks" like they should be able to. I was floored the first time I got that comment because to me it's so obvious that healthcare struggles don't discriminate - if you have them, you have them. But after I got over that shock I realized that that's exactly the reaction that I want from my film: I want people to understand that looks can be deceiving when it comes to the inner workings of people's lives. I've come across people who either love the film or hate the film and all I can say is at least I'm getting reactions.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I think it goes along with what I mentioned before: I want people to become more exposed to Type 1 Diabetes and spread awareness about insulin rationing. Of course, I'd love to gain new collaborators out of any exposure and I'm always looking to direct the next thing, but just getting this story out there to as many people who can see it is my goal.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'm always looking to get this film into more festivals! This is actually the first ever film I've submitted to festivals and I had the immense honor of premiering it at Slamdance back in January. I've been keeping the momentum since then so any attention from film festival directors who want to program a relevant film or journalists that want to write about such a timely topic are always welcome to contact me.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would love the audience to walk away having learned something new. I want my film to be a question for them instead of the end of a sentence. If at least one person walks out of watching it thinking "Wow, I never knew that," or "I want to learn more about that," I'll be happy.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Ooh, I don't want to give too much away, but there's a moment after Jenna sells her insulin where she lingers to watch who bought it, and I'd love to hear what people think she's feeling in that moment and how it reflects her relationship with Julian.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently, I'm revising a feature screenplay that I've written that follows a single father, a conscientious objector during WWII that tries to reform the mental healthcare system in his hometown. A bit different than Type 1 Diabetes, but still in my wheelhouse as a writer/director that focuses on invisible illnesses and disabilities.
Interview: April 2023
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Jenna Has to Live
A Type 1 diabetic’s health hangs in the balance when she decides to ration her remaining insulin after selling some to make rent.
Length: 11:43
Director: Katie Hopkins
Producer: Sasja Smith
Writer: Katie Hopkins
About the writer, director and producer:
KATIE HOPKINS (she/they) is a non-binary writer and director living in Los Angeles. The scope of Hopkins’ storytelling is largely influenced by her own experiences of living as a queer individual with Type 1 Diabetes. She tells radically honest stories that explore disability, invisible illness, and generational trauma with the intent to normalize different ways of living and the idea that “it’s okay not to be okay.”
Key cast: Allison Walsh (Jenna), Malik Guinn (Julian)
Instagram: @thekatiehopkins
Website: hopsfilms.com
Other: IMDb
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles/LA - April 22