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Draft:If You're Happy

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If You're Happy
Poster of the film
Directed byPhoebe Arnstein
Written byPhoebe Arnstein
Produced bySophia Gibber
StarringErin Doherty
Jo Hartley
Emanuella Cole
Muireann Bird
CinematographyMichał Dymek
Edited byRussell Icke
Music byTawiah
Production
company
Agile Films
Distributed bySalaud Morisset GmbH
Release date
2023
Running time
18
CountryUK
LanguageEnglish

If You're Happy is a British short film directed by Phoebe Arnstein, released in 2023. The film presents an exploration of the early motherhood challenges, focusing on Lotte (played by Erin Doherty), a woman who struggles with the pressures of motherhood and uses a childish game at a local baby group to vent her fury, sparking an unexpected chain reaction.[1]

Plot

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Lotte (Erin Doherty) navigates the daunting challenges and demands of early motherhood. Growing increasingly isolated and overwhelmed with her crying baby and household responsibilities, she attends a local baby group in search of connection. Guided by the excessively accommodating Lynette (Jo Hartley), the group engages in lighthearted games aimed to strengthen the bond between mother and child. Struggling to assimilate, Lotte uses the group to vent her fury, triggering a chain reaction and unraveling a web of shared emotions that break the conventions of the group.[2]

Cast

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Crew[3]

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  • Director - Phoebe Arnstein
  • Writer - Phoebe Arnstein
  • Producers - Sophia Gibber, Scarlett Barclay, Myles Payne
  • Executive Producers - James Sorton, Davud Karbassioun
  • Director of Photography - Michał Dymek
  • Production Designer - Francesca Massariol
  • Costume Designer - Amy Thompson
  • Hair/Make-Up Designer - Holly Miller
  • Editor - Russell Icke
  • Sound Design & Mix - Ines Adriana
  • Casting Director - Martin Ware
  • Original Score - Tawiah

Production

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If You're Happy was directed and written by Phoebe Arnstein, with production by Agile Films and Pulse Films, both based in UK.

In an interview with Directors Notes[4], Phoebe Arnstein shared insights into the creation of her short film If You're Happy. She wrote the film during the early days of her first experience with motherhood, aiming to capture the raw and visceral emotions of that period. Arnstein was inspired by an article in The New York Times about mothers who would meet weekly to scream together as a form of communal release during the pandemic. This concept of a collective outpouring of emotions influenced the film's narrative. Additionally, her personal experiences attending baby groups, which sometimes felt surreal and lacked deep social connections, informed the film's portrayal of motherhood challenges.

Distribution

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The film’s distribution is managed by Salaud Morisset, a film production and distribution company working with festivals and broadcasters all around the world.[5]

Release

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The world premiere of IF YOU'RE HAPPY took place at the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival[6]on August 12, 2023, in the United States. The sort movie is qualified for consideration for the Oscars 2024.[7]

Festival Awards[8]
Festival Name Award
Bueu’s International Film Festival 2024 Audience Choice Award
Short Out Festival 2024 Best International Short
Bolton International Film Festival 2023 Winner of Best UK Short Award
Alice Nella Città 2023 Winner of the Premiere Award for Best Short Film
Festivals
Festival Name Selection
Indy Shorts International Film Festival 2024 In Competition
Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival 2024 In Competition
British Shorts Film Festival 2024 Premiere Award for Best Short Film
British Independent Film Awards 2023 Best British Short Longlist
Rhode Island International Film Festival 2023 In Competition

References

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  1. ^ If You're Happy (Short 2023) - Awards - IMDb. Retrieved 2024-12-12 – via www.imdb.com.
  2. ^ "Cordillera Int'l Film Festival 2024". ciffnv2024.eventive.org. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  3. ^ Arnstein, Phoebe (2023-05-31). IF YOU'RE HAPPY (Trailer). Retrieved 2024-12-12 – via Vimeo.
  4. ^ Smith, Sarah (2023-12-11). "If You're Happy by Phoebe Arnstein // Drama // Directors Notes". Directors Notes. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  5. ^ "Homepage". Salaud Morisset - Short Films Production & Distribution. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  6. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  7. ^ "Phoebe Arnstein – Magna". www.magnastudios.com. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  8. ^ "If You're Happy | Short Film (Trailer)". Phoebe Arnstein. Retrieved 2024-12-12.