Hannah Mittermeier is making her directorial debut with “Happy Sadurday,” a semi-autobiographical family dramedy following a young woman who dreads her upcoming 22nd birthday, as that is an age that her older brother didn’t quite live to see.

WHY WE ARE MAKING THIS FILM

A note from director Hannah Mittermeier:

I grew up with an older brother, "Mittz", who had tragically passed away in 2015 when I was 16-years-old. He was 21. He was just shy of turning 22 – so shy, actually, that he had passed only two days beforehand. Our little family of four was shrunk to three. My only sibling was gone, and my life has never been the same since... And I think about and miss him every day. 

I’ve found that I would turn to comedy during some of my darkest days. Laughter, and bringing a feeling of joy to others, became a therapeutic coping mechanism as I navigated my grief. (I think I was maybe trying to make up for the fact that I wasn't particularly feeling that joy.) So, naturally, I majored in it – yep, comedy! I will forever milk how bizarre that usually sounds to people – at Emerson College, graduating a semester early in 2020 and making the move to Los Angeles within a year after.

And now, I'm working with a great team of people; each one of us playing an important role as we bring this story to life... Something that will be the biggest project I've created thus far!

This film distorts time and memories. It is a rather surreal mix of some very real events (when real life would, at times, be my worst nightmare) along with my hopes, and my dreams… It’s my past seven-going-on-eight years, it’s very much my present, and it’s what I can only imagine will still be my foreseeable future: grief, that is. So much love that’s been displaced. Mostly, this is the conversation I’d have with my brother now, if I could.

Through my creative endeavors, I aim to explore (and heal) some of the biggest emotions that my grief repeatedly manifests itself as: survivor’s guilt, anger, and isolation. Despite all of the darkness that comes with these feelings, though… Despite all the heaviness, it is my goal to provide comfort...

And honestly, some discomfort while we’re at it, too! Whichever it is that each individual may need to take away most from this short film. To commiserate with those who are suffering from a loss… To inform those who aren’t, providing a sort of “death education” as my mom often calls it. But no matter what, to inspire humor and hope. This is art therapy, in a way.

This is just one story of many about this complex relationship we’ve had… Me, and one of the most (if not the most) influential people in my life: my brother, Christian.

Thank you for being here!

Rock on.

WHY NOW?

To be a storyteller... To have the opportunities and resources to make art, in any capacity, is a gift. And through our art, we aim to do some good. We advocate for the increase in both the quantity and the quality of films that respectfully depict mental health struggles.

It is never not the right time to do so! While I am not 22-years-old anymore, I still have a complex grief disorder. Mental illness has a long history of stigmatization and to this day, misinformation spreads like wildfire (even if the intent is supposed to be good.) But when we share our stories, we tend to find that we are nowhere near being alone. Struggling with mental health is not a character flaw; it does not make you a bad person. It does not make you unlovable. It does not devalue you. It is incredibly important to us that you know this!

There seems to be a rise in content that prioritizes the thoughtfulness that should be going into stories like these – the likes of "BoJack Horseman," "To The Bone," and Jonah Hill's documentary, "Stutz."

(The former of which we've taken some inspiration from, tonally-speaking!)

Just in time for Mental Health Awareness month, we want to take this awareness a step further – we'd like to put our beliefs and convictions into action.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION MATTERS

While certain aspects of this story are fictionalized, it was important to us that we share an honest depiction of loss and grief. On a personal level, you will be supporting our efforts as we aim to do right by the sensitive subject matter that is mental health (and to do right by the very person this is largely inspired by!)

On a professional level, you will be helping a team of young filmmakers (and a crew that is predominantly comprised of women..!) achieve their creative goals, add an impactful new piece to their portfolios, and continue to make strides as they pursue a career in entertainment and storytelling.

WHAT WE NEED

We are deep into the pre-production phase, scouting locations and finalizing our cast and crew, and we have primarily been working remotely thus far – your donation will help finance our goals as we begin production! Each and every donation will help us achieve the following:

• Renting high-quality equipment
• Reliable transportation and housing
• Getting the right props and costumes
• Running a sustainable, eco-friendly set
• Covering festival fees
• Providing meals!

WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE

You may be able to receive one of our many fun incentives! These include:

• A special shoutout on all our socials (and potentially in our film, too!)
• The "Happy Sad" playlist, featuring our team's *impeccable* music taste
• A digital copy of the original script
• Exclusive BTS content
• A virtual Q&A with the director

Your donation to our campaign will play a vital role in helping to make our dream come true!

No worries if you are unable to contribute at this time! There are other ways to help support our film, all of which we are very grateful for. Whether it be spreading the word on your social media accounts, directly sending our page to others you feel may be interested in donating, or watching our short film once it's complete... Simply nothing is too small, and everything is appreciated!

COVID-19 / HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES

The health – physical and mental – and safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance. We will be taking daily COVID tests, as well as checking our temperatures each day on set. Given the nature of this story, we will also ensure that everyone on the team has access to mental health information and resources.

Thank you! Please follow @happysadshortfilm on Instagram to keep up with our project!