49 PALMS is the culmination of my own experience with depression. While a part of me was terrified to write it, it's highly personal and that's exactly why I had to. The project is steeped in Japanese influence and uses language to address how little we actually communicate.

 

The inspiration behind this film is two-fold. 

On a personal level, I wanted to make a film about depression, specifically Smiling Depression, an atypical type of depression exhibited by people who lead really successful public lives and are skilled at keeping the mask on. I think it's something a lot of us deal with and I think it's something we should talk about more.

On an artistic level, I've always wanted to meld themes from my favorite Japanese author, Haruki Murakami, into my work. I recently re-read his novel, Norwegian Wood, which deals with themes of depression and suicide. It was one of those moments I just happened to read something at the right time and knew I had a story to tell.

 

 

Someone close to me was recently honest about their struggles with depression and suicide, a person I never would have guessed was struggling beneath the surface. I just genuinely had no idea. As I did my research, I found out that this specific type of depression is actually quite common. It’s something I want to explore from a non-judgmental and honest place.

In making this film, I've had to delve into my own battles with depression. Acknowledging it and talking about it isn't easy, but thankfully we are starting to break down the stigma around mental health. This film is my way of taking a more honest and empathetic look at depression.

 

 

Language is one of the most vital elements of any relationship. Our main characters speak in Japanese because our main characters met in Japan and communicate more easily that way. Of course, there are subtle complications that arise because Matt, the American boyfriend, still thinks like an American and that's reflected in his speech patterns and intonation. Those rich cultural differences are something I'd like to explore in a really subtle way.

On a personal level, I've always wanted to make a film in Japanese that a Japanese audience can watch and understand without subtitles. This film is a unique blend of my own American and Japanese influences.

 

 

Yuuki, a successful interior designer, journeys to Joshua Tree, California with her upbeat American boyfriend Matthew. Yuuki soon discovers she is pulling away from him and is unsure why. After Matthew overhears a phone call between Yuuki and her sister and realizes that she's unhappy, Yuuki is forced to confront hard truths about their relationship and her own chronic depression, pushing her towards an inevitable and tragic conclusion...

 

 

 

 

 

 

This film is my directorial debut. I’ve previously had creative control as a producer, but directing was always a task that I ultimately wanted to hand off to someone I trust. That being said, when I wrote this script, I literally had every shot in my head. As I wrote director’s notes and camera movements into the script, I realized that it was all there, and that I needed to direct it.

I already have a completed shot list and storyboard ready to go, but I know that from now until we film, I’ll be constantly tweaking things and figuring out how to simplify shots or make them more powerful in terms of theme and perspective. 

Producing has given me an appreciation for how absolutely prepared you need to be before ever starting production - I’ll bring that same level of attention and care to my role as Director.

 

 

 

 

 

Every single contribution, no matter how big or small, is so important to us and sincerely appreciated.

That said, we know not everyone has the resources to support the film financially. Please consider sharing our project with your friends and family and help us get the word out. It takes a village, especially at the indie level, and words cannot describe how incredibly grateful we already are for your support.

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