In Conversation with... Jessica Hinkson
"If it doesn’t serve the heroine’s journey, it has no business being there"
Sara is a gripping short film, and a directorial debut, from Jessica Hinkson which follows a woman's journey as she faces her deepest fears, finding solace in the embrace of strangers. The film is based on Jessica’s own traumatic experiences and stars Samora Smallwood as Sara, Naomi Snieckus as Elena, and Prince Amponsah as Davey.
Ahead of the film’s world premiere at HollyShorts Film Festival (12th August, 7:30pm at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood) Miss En Scene caught up with director Jessica to ask her all about her debut!
Clare - Miss En Scene: Congratulations on your brilliant directorial debut! In your own words, what is the premise of Sara and what are you hoping that people take away from it?
Jessica Hinkson: The importance and urgency of telling this story ignites from wanting to curate a sense of empathy around the perception of emotional/mental wellness and the process of shame, grief, and trauma.
C: It seems that the film has had a bit of history with the HollyShorts Festival since you won the Women In Film Screenplay Award for the Sara script at the HollyShorts Film Festival in 2021. What has the journey been like for you and the film for the last two years?
J: Due to the pandemic, filming got postponed multiple times. Daniel Sol and Theo DuMont (festival directors of HSFF) were beyond understanding, kind, and supportive. I also received other opportunities being a participant in Stowe Story Labs 10th Narrative Lab and their Feature Campus developing my first draft of the feature. Getting to make the film was a reward in itself. Now I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.
C: How has the script or your vision for Sara changed since its first version?
J: The script changed even in editing. I think it’s important to remain open always. Writing is about the rewrite(s) and commitment to getting clearer and more specific about the story you want to tell each time. If it doesn’t serve the heroine’s journey, it has no business being there, and it is our job to not get in the way, to let it go to serve the story well.
C: The film’s lead and titular character, Sara, is really captivating and somewhat relatable. How much of the character’s journey is based on your own experiences?
J: Inspired by a moment in my life and personal health journey, SARA is a glimpse into a moment where I struggled to cope in a public place — the airport. My flight was delayed repeatedly. My Mom had just had a second stroke, I had had three surgeries by now, and I would have my fourth within a few months. My life was in limbo in every way.
C: In terms of directing, what did you learn from the process of making this short that you will use in future films?
J: Be the change you want to see in the industry by advocating for yourself, your team, your talent, your creative choices, and the environment you wish to initiate on set. This allows you to curate a group of like-minded individuals who elevate that by ensuring that.
C: I read that Sara is being developed into your first feature film, with a new title, Concrete Marshmallow, and was selected as part of Stowe Story Labs in 2022. That’s very exciting! Can you tell us anything about where Sara’s story goes from here? Where did the new name come from?
J: Concrete Marshmallow was a direct delivery from my collaborating partner for a short film, “Jessica Jessica,” Jessica Greco, when we were working one afternoon. She said, “You’re so sensitive, and you care so much; you’re like a gooey marshmallow, but you also have this tough concrete-like exterior.” I laughed because it’s true, not to mention that I Iove a gorgeous metaphor.
The feature will be taking a deep dive into looking at unresolved trauma and disassociation paralleled with the accepted self-forgiveness and truth that both grief and joy can coexist, as can trauma and the possibility of living a great life. It won’t be linear because life isn’t. It’s not a coming of age; it’s a being brave and finding the resolve in the magic that is life.
C: For anyone - particularly women and girls - wanting to get into film, what advice would you give them?
J: Advocate for yourself in every way. Be a person of your word. Work on communicating and then work more; it is everything. Jump; into your artistic abyss and fly. Most importantly, some words of wisdom passed on to me many moons ago, “Get strong inside-when opportunity comes, you need to be ready.”
C: Finally, what does the rest of 2023 hold for you? Can you tell us about any other upcoming events or projects that you’ve got lined up?
J: After the world premiere at HollyShorts on August 12th, my boyfriend and I will spend a few days in California along the coast. Mid- September, I am heading back to Stowe, VA, for the Stowe Story Labs writing retreat with Concrete Marshmallow. That’s all that’s planned for now!
To learn more about Sara and how you can support Jessica Hinkson and the team, please visit her Stowe Story Labs Fiscal Sponsorship Page here.
Sara will have its world premiere at the HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles on August 12, at 7:30pm at the TCL Chinese Theatre. For additional information and tickets visit: www.hollyshorts.com.
Great interview! Good questions and answers. Can hardly wait to see SARA!!!