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Hear My Cry

Synopsis

Artist Jennifer Louise Martin’s new large-scale paintings continue to explore the expression of emotion and the female psyche, along with the projection of the artist’s personal experience in becoming a mother and postpartum depression.

This is the artists first film and while she has more recently explored the narrative in her paintings, this is the first time she is manifesting her story and its psychological dimensions on film.

Review

5/5
An extraordinary artistic film that explores mental health and motherhood.
Directed by Beth Buxton and Aaron Bevan-Bailey, from a script by Buxton, Bevan-Bailey & Jennifer Louise Martin, ‘Hear My Cry’ is an experimental film based upon the artistic paintings and personal struggles of the artist Jennifer Louise Martin. The short explores themes of mental health and motherhood with a unique artistic approach. Despite showcasing an unconventional narrative, the film is a truly mesmerizing watch throughout.

The 5-minute film opens with Jennifer Louise Martin (portraying herself) taking medication for post-natal depression. Upon consumption, the character transforms into her glamourous alter ego (now portrayed by Marlen Fjelstadt). Throughout the entire film, the short makes use of a miniature doll house to symbolize the protagonists attempt of self-control, whilst intercutting to a frantic life-scale interior where her ominous emotions continue to overwhelm her. Artwork by Jennifer Louise Martin is teased within the production set-designs. A disturbing, albeit moving watch that powerfully highlights the struggles of motherhood amidst mental illness.

Hear My Cry Short Film e1655651504236
Cinematography, coupled with astounding production design, is nothing short of extraordinary. Viewers will certainly be captivated by the level of artistic craftsmanship gone into this production. Costume design and post-production are equally commendable. ‘Hear My Cry’ is a well-constructed film that takes artistic concepts to greater heights – a praiseworthy effort by the entire cast/crew. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Aaron Bevan-Bailey, Beth Buxton
Writer(s): Aaron Bevan-Bailey, Beth Buxton, Jennifer Louise Martin
Cast: Jennifer Louise Martin, Marlen Fjelstadt
Producer(s): Beth Buxton, Jennifer Louise Martin
Director of Photography: Mike Simpson
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2022
Runtime: 5 min

Recommended

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Aaron Bevan-Bailey, Beth Buxton
Writer(s): Aaron Bevan-Bailey, Beth Buxton, Jennifer Louise Martin
Cast: Jennifer Louise Martin, Marlen Fjelstadt
Producer(s): Beth Buxton, Jennifer Louise Martin
Director of Photography: Mike Simpson
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2022
Runtime: 5 min

Recommended

Hear My Cry

Synopsis

Artist Jennifer Louise Martin’s new large-scale paintings continue to explore the expression of emotion and the female psyche, along with the projection of the artist’s personal experience in becoming a mother and postpartum depression.

This is the artists first film and while she has more recently explored the narrative in her paintings, this is the first time she is manifesting her story and its psychological dimensions on film.

Review

An extraordinary artistic film that explores mental health and motherhood.

5/5
Directed by Beth Buxton and Aaron Bevan-Bailey, from a script by Buxton, Bevan-Bailey & Jennifer Louise Martin, ‘Hear My Cry’ is an experimental film based upon the artistic paintings and personal struggles of the artist Jennifer Louise Martin. The short explores themes of mental health and motherhood with a unique artistic approach. Despite showcasing an unconventional narrative, the film is a truly mesmerizing watch throughout.

The 5-minute film opens with Jennifer Louise Martin (portraying herself) taking medication for post-natal depression. Upon consumption, the character transforms into her glamourous alter ego (now portrayed by Marlen Fjelstadt). Throughout the entire film, the short makes use of a miniature doll house to symbolize the protagonists attempt of self-control, whilst intercutting to a frantic life-scale interior where her ominous emotions continue to overwhelm her. Artwork by Jennifer Louise Martin is teased within the production set-designs. A disturbing, albeit moving watch that powerfully highlights the struggles of motherhood amidst mental illness.

Hear My Cry Short Film e1655651504236
Cinematography, coupled with astounding production design, is nothing short of extraordinary. Viewers will certainly be captivated by the level of artistic craftsmanship gone into this production. Costume design and post-production are equally commendable. ‘Hear My Cry’ is a well-constructed film that takes artistic concepts to greater heights – a praiseworthy effort by the entire cast/crew. Highly recommended.

Recommended