Memories of a Mother

OUR STORY

Memories of a Mother is a film that deals with the intergenerational trauma experienced by a grandmother, mother, and granddaughter, following their journey towards breaking the cycle of manipulation and abuse. 

Lily is perfectly satisfied with leaving the past as the past. After escaping years of emotional abuse and manipulation suffered at the hands of her mother Rose, she has successfully built a career as a novelist while simultaneously raising her daughter as a single mother. But Rose's health is deteriorating quickly, drawing Lily back to her childhood home. As conflicts with Lily's now-adult daughter begin to reemerge, she is forced to make a choice – become the mother she always wanted to be or continue to perpetuate the cycle of intergenerational abuse.

OUR WHY

In Aotearoa, we often take one of two approaches to intergenerational trauma – ignore it entirely or discuss it only with those emotionally removed from the situation like friends or strangers. Trauma manifests itself in many different ways. Ongoing effects make a huge impact on our collective wellbeing with family violence (including emotional/ psychological/physical abuse and neglect) estimated to affect 1-in-4 females and 1-in-8 males in Aotearoa .

With Memories of a Mother we hope to contribute to breaking down barriers between family members, demonstrating that the seemingly impossible task of beginning a conversation is possible for everyone to achieve. Every story of hope and restoration begins with a small step.

Writer/Director Jack Arbuckle has drawn from personal experience, witnessing the difficult relationship between his mother and grandmother. Only through the selfless actions of his mother have Jack and his siblings been able to grow up in an environment free from psychological abuse and the trauma that comes along with it.

OUR TEAM

Our crew are currently completing their Masters of Fine Arts: Creative Practice (Film) at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. This film is the cumulative project of their year-long degree. 

We have worked hard to place women in technical roles that are often dominated by males in the film industry.

• Producer - Lauren Stephenson
• Writer/Director - Jack Arbuckle
• Director of Photography - Sophia Chan
• Production Designer - Isabelle Russel
• Production Designer - Josh Carlier
• Sound Designer - Ana Caicedo Macia
• Editor/Gaffer Assist - Rachel Barker
• 1st AC - Georgia Ah Kuoi
• 1st AD - Sebastian Kerebs
• Gaffer - Tom Atichenson

Our amazing cast :

• Rose Jameson / The Grandmother - Hilary Norris
• Lily Jameson / The Mother - Vanessa Rhodes
• Jasmine Jameson / The Daughter - Courtney Brown

Jack Arbuckle is receiving mentorship from cinematorgrapher Jess Charlton, writer Lynda Chanwai-Earle, and screenwriter Ben Wilson.

OUR ASK

Memories of a Mother will be entering production in November. We have managed to secure 50% of our budget, but need your help with the rest!

$2500 will help cover the cost of:

• Paying Cast
• Location
• Art Department

Donations made by NZ income earners qualify for a 33% tax credit from the IRD with a receipt provided by The Arts Foundation.

All donors will be kept updated throughout production and get an on-screen credit.

Please support us in reaching our goal and share this project with your communities.