31 Aug Guest Blog | Bright Shadow Productions
KSF Artists of Choice, is open to artists across the disciplines of dance, theatre, musical theatre and film. Over the next few weeks, we will post guest blogs from some of our 2016 grant winners about how the grant has impacted their work. Applications will be open in early 2017.
Name | Bright Shadow Productions - Mary Galloway
Project | Unintentional Mother
Year Awarded KSF Grant | 2016
What does the KSF grant mean to you and your project?
Not only am I able to make my directorial debut under the eyes of incredibly inspiring mentors, I am also able to bring a story to screen that is very close to my heart. KSF were the first who didn’t put limits on the film. During the pitch session, the judges were not only extremely encouraging, they also offered advice that contributed to how I could make the film I envisioned. While contributing financial support, it is also supporting my unique vision and voice as a new filmmaker. The KSF grant truly is making a dream come true.
What inspired your project?
As a former nanny, I feel blessed to have been a small part in raising some fantastic and intelligent little beings. The kids I took care of were definitely the primary source of inspiration for Unintentional Mother. I wanted to write a film about the unique bond between nanny and child. I have also taken inspiration from my Aboriginal community. There has been a history of abuse and alcoholism stemming from horrific experiences in the residential school system. I find it important to shine a light on the Aboriginal community. Although there is a cycle of abuse, that cycle can be stopped. The lead character Anna is a great example of ending the cycle of abuse.
Talk about your journey prior to the receiving the award. What kind of difficulties or roadblocks did you encounter along the way? How did you overcome them?
Unintentional Mother is a short film that I have been trying to get made for quite some time now. My biggest challenge arose from the fact that I wanted to direct the film (having never directed before in my life) as well as act in it. There was definitely a level of “eek” in many responses when people heard that. I wrote the film with a very distinct vision of what I wanted it to look like. It didn’t make sense for me to hand direction over to someone else when I knew in my heart that I would be fully capable of rising to the challenge. Of course, I knew it will be difficult, but who is to say it’s not possible? We need more female directors in the world and I have been itching to be part of the change that I want to see happen.
What would you say have been the most defining moments of your career thus far?
Being cast in the role of Tara in the feature film Fire Song has made a huge impact on my career and continues to be a whirlwind of an experience. The subject matter of the film, the way it was told, and the people involved were all in-line with my moral standing as a person and filmmaker. Being a part of something like that early on in my career helped define what I want my voice as a filmmaker to be and how I want to move forward in the film industry.
Do you have any advice for emerging artists?
Go all-in when following your dreams. Don’t ever let people tell you that you can’t do anything. If it’s something you love, whether it be an art or academic passion, pour yourself into it with all your might and reach for your goals. You WILL get there.
Read more about Mary’s project here.
Mary discusses her project here.