MACKENZIE GRAHAM

Although Mackenzie claims her film experience is lacking, it didn't stop her from pitching an idea for a short film about a very personal experience. "After the making of Grapes, Gauze, and Unexpected Guests I was very hesitant to share my idea. I wasn't sure I wanted the other producers to know me on such a personal level".

The project is her first writer-director debut, Day 36. "In October 2022 I had, what felt like, a very real pregnancy scare. I stressed myself out about it so much my period was late 2 weeks, which fueled my anxiety even further. What I wanted to share with Day 36 was my anxiety." Mackenzie pitched the idea to use lots of colour and outlandish yet relatable situations and ideas to try to visualize her experience with anxiety. "I wanted it to feel all-encompassing. When I'm panicking my brain likes to think of the worst-case scenario even if they don't make sense they feel so real in the moment".

Over 2 days of shooting, 1 re-shoot, a proposal and 6 months of editing Day 36 was finished and is now ready to move into the film festival circuit. "Over a year later since I had my original scare I think making this film helped me by giving me the chance to express my feelings. It gives me hope that it can make others feel seen. I know I'm not the only one who's had a scare".

 

March 27, 2024