Mothering My Mother

Powerful, poignant and compelling. A great follow-up. Well done!

Caring for our elders will become a bigger problem as the population grows older and health care prolongs our lives. I enjoyed how the filmmaker incorporated pictures that illustrated the history of this mother and daughter. I felt it gave greater impact to the message.

I don't think you really need those "red tape" shots. With such an otherwise straightforward presentation, the visual metaphor comes off as a little obvious to me. But this is a moving story otherwise, so GL.

I could definitely feel your pain here, even with the soft-spoken way that you frame your rant. I think you make some really potent points, but I also think you could shore this down by at least a minute and still make the same statement even stronger.

A couple of stylistic things: I would try and color correct the photographs you're interspersing here. I also would do something like take a still image of the photo and then do moves within your edit software. That way your moves are cleaner. You could do the same with the outrageous medical bill. Take a still image of it and do moves in post-production.

Anyway, I am glad you did this. You raise valid points. And I applaud you for the sacrifice you're making. I know your mom must appreciate it.

Yes! Glad to see another rant. Thanks for speaking truth.
BEST,
AMANESS

Your pod explores a topic that terrifies me. There are so many problems--both socially and economically--with our society. How does a self-proclaimed "civilized" society" sit back so comfortably while our peers--and especially our elders--slip through the cracks. I don't get it.

Thanks for throwing a little light on the issue. GL.

jen

OK.. Im going to greenlight this because your topic is important for us selfish american 18-35 year old 'kids'. I would have made it different but regardless this is a serious matter. I know people in the shoes of the profiled person in this pod and yes it is a very difficult and stressful way to live. Although this topic is not hip and funny and has nothing to do with some crappy indie band or silly artist (not banksy though), this is important for the demographic that current is aiming to capture. It might be a buzzkill for the stoned current tv viewer who just got done watching a bunch of wrestling mascots, but somedays I feel that our hyper commodity and stimulus seeking culture needs to be checked!!! I hope you get more greenlights, even if you have to resubmit. I also hope you keep pursuing getting this message out and hopefully save the next elder from some crap ass retirement home.

Thanks for all the great feedback. I've uploaded a newer, shorter version. It is also a higher quality upload, so the pictures should look a little better. Hopefully, I'll have better editing software soon and will be able to implement some smoother in-edit moves on the photos. Keep the comments and greenlights coming! I appreciate it.

Impactful, beautifully done, plus....very important topic!

wow. a topic that could easily fill a feature-length piece. very well done!

This topic is horrifying to those with healthy parents or parent -but it is a necessary evil to dicuss!! I hope you go far with this project....everyone on this site should see it. That's my two cents.

This is a very important issue and this is beautiful work. GL

the editing really fits the story. very well done. a topical story that will be relevant for a long time to come.

Your voice is being heard and so eloquently - I found myself heartbroken and so incredibly sympathetic to your desperation. Keep making more!!!

Brava!! How poignant. Good luck with your quest to get help for yourself and your mom. I hope that the exposure offered by this site and your friends helps.
Gail

Hi Jengo...I color correct using final cut, but I'm sure there are other software programs that do essentially the same thing. I'm admittedly not a pro when it comes to post-production, but when I mentioned color correction I was referring mainly to the shots that seemed obscured because of light shining on them...hope that clarifies. I hope your momentum continues. This should definitely be on air.

amazing! This should go to the TOP!!!!

.....all the comments are great but the content that EXPLODES from this doc short is deserving of our undivided attention. I agree that a lot of these current pods are crap for the simple minded and then you come across some real gems - great job Jengo!

The awareness about this topic is definitely something that needs to reach out to a larger audience. GL from me!

Inez is my closest friend and has been for over 20 years. Her suffering has been painful to watch but her tolerance and her endurance is inspiring. This documentary is about her and the struggle but mostly about the burden falls on her daughter who has been working by her side and fighting the good fight. Most mothers could only dream of having children so dedicated to their welfare and I personally applaud her efforts and her fight and to Jennifer for putting it all on film. - Dolores

Great job on the footage and music. The use of the flashlights offers us that sinking loneliness feeling she's going through. I also was moved by the image of her hands being tied by red tape. This was a well thought out project and a problem that you will find that many Americans are living with. GREENLIGHT

short, sentimental...strong topic. This is a no-brainer - AIR THIS - YOU'VE GOT MY GREEN LIGHT!!

I liked everything except the torch light part..

"The awareness about this topic is definitely something that needs to reach out to a larger audience".. Well said.. Get's my green light as well..

Wonderful and touching. This must go to TV! I am currently working on a doc about the elderly in this country and how little the government does to protect them. Obviously a GL from me!

Check out my piece and let me know what you think: link

This is simply done, but the result is really powerful. I really hope you get to share it with a wider audience.

really makes you think.

SO Glad you made this pod!

I really hope this makes it to TV. People need to see this pod.

check out my more upbeat pod when you get the chance: Def Talent Jam

Great job. Excellent music, great use old photos and cut beautifully.
Hope this gets to TV, it should.


Please click on my head and check out my latest rant… “Shot for a toy”

So honest, it seemed as if it only took one take to share your thoughts. Grabbed me emotionally and never let go, GL and I wish you well with your struggle. Good luck with the piece.

This is yet another important topic that is affecting all Americans but is not reported on often enough. GL. I hope this gets placed on Current.

It was a good story hat everyone should know.
If you have a sec. let me know what you think of my ad. Same dew New view. Thanks

thast mest up

Very interesting. Thank you for making this pod.

Wow... excellent work. I wish you the best in finding a solution. Makes me want to have another kid so my daughter isn't alone in a situation like this.

Wow. Very Sobering...

Very interesting. My uncle was a disabld veteran of the vietnam war and I can sympathize with you for having a loved one who was disabled at a young age.

This is pretty heartbreaking, thank you for your honesty, guess it's an opportunity for gratitude. GL, come support my latest pod if you get a chance Shadow Boxer link Getreel

I sympathize with your situation. I know it is difficult to take care of your parents. I’m not sure what state you live in. Here in WI there are different companies that have homes set up in neighborhoods that house people with disabilities. Some are severely handicapped, but others can take care off them selves and just need some looking after. They will house people 18 and older. As far as I know SS covers most of the cost involved

Gripping. Lets get this pod to air soon!

i know your sit is hard . But i like the fact that you able to create something that shows the light on people in your sit. Hang on and great editing .

This brings up memories of the desperation my own family felt when trying to find real nurturing care for my granny, who was going through dementia at the time. There were very few places to turn, especially with a language barrier on top of it. Every word of this resonates with me. Thank you for bringing the issue to the forefront.
On a technical note, good use of photography. Also, the choice of closeup does bring a certain intimacy to the feeling of desperation itself.
If you have time, I have a promo, "Leap off the Edge", for you to watch.

Jennifer,

Nice piece, especially since it's primarily a talking head piece. The tone is patient and accepting, while the feelings described are desperate and resigned. The music is spot on and the lighting is superb. The way it's lit and the way Stephanie whispers, it almost feels like Stephanie is secretly confiding with us while her mom has just taken a nap in the next room!

My only criticism is to spend a little less time on the literal "red tape" or to stylize it more.

Brilliant piece.

I really think this is an important pod. Also, I really like the approach in which you took. I felt very sympathetic to both people and I think this is what makes this piece work so well. Congratulations on getting it on the air!
I hope you can come and support my current film if you get a chance. Thanks!
Jaime
link