Introduction

Although Miss Clementine is a fictional character, her story is one that is relatable across many generations. Witnessing an aging parent’s gradual reclusiveness, is something that sadly hits very close to home. I chose to tell Maggie’s story because it’s important for me to give a voice and celebrate older black women. A resurrection story of some sorts, Miss Clementine pulls from many personal experiences.

Maggie represents not only the reality of an aging parent, but she is also an extension of my personal fears on the possibilities of what’s to come in my future if my dreams of being an artist fail.

The Story

Miss Clementine tells a story about love, loss & the death of a dream. Early on, we are transported into Maggie’s world. A once bright and colorful syncopated melody, has now become a melancholic ballad of solitude. Accompanied by her exotic bird, Maggie navigates our reality with a slight dissociation, juxtaposing her past with our present. One delicate spring afternoon, a disturbance in her quotidian occurs, when she is met with the decision to join her daughter and grandson to audition for a musical production held at the local community center. The though alone of returning to the stage is a deep wound that Maggie dreads to face. A dream left behind long ago, will the discovery of her grandson’s love for the craft be enough to bring Maggie to face her fear?

Artistic Approach

The intimate setting for Miss Clementine acts as a character in itself, providing a backdrop that reflects the raw emotions of our protagonist. With influences like Noah Baumbach’s Frances Ha and surrealism elements from Donald glover’s Atlanta, an atmosphere is created that envelops the audience, drawing them into the intricate emotional landscape of the story. Intimate spaces, warm lighting, and evocative close-ups amplify the vulnerability and authenticity of our characters' experiences. Through curated music, intimate storytelling, and a compassionate exploration of love and dreams, Miss Clementine aims to create an immersive cinematic experience that lingers long after the final frame.

Characters

Maggie - Miss Clementine

The SEPTUAGENARIAN is in many ways a remarkable performer. From a young age Maggie knew she was meant to live her life on the stage. She oddly looks similar to Ella Fitzgerald. Enraptured by the same passion, Henry and Maggie go on to live a very fulfilling life of traveling and performing. Maggie is fastidious with an appreciation for the finer things. After the premature passing of her husband, Maggie painfully choses to burry her passion along side him. As time passes by, the aging woman finds solace in watching the world’s interpretation of reality.

When faced with the possibility of performing again, Maggie’s hesitation is strongly driven by the terror of further damaging an old wound that never entirely healed.

Although she sees herself a lot in her grandson, will the passed down artist gene, that enriches their bond, be enough to help Maggie take the leap?

Henry

A once multifaceted stage actor, touring the nation with his wife, Henry is now only a piece of Maggie’s past. The young HARRY BELAFONTE lookalike appears recurrently in Maggie’s daydreams. The love between the two has never faded since their high school days.

Chantal

Chantal is Maggies daughter. She is an overworked nurse in her mid 30’s. Although juggling a full time job and a young son can be quite the challenge, Chantal always makes the time to visit her mother and help out with chores. She has had a front row seat to the gradual decline of her mother’s youthful and vibrant spirit. The loving daughter’s multiple attempts at reviving her mothers art, are tirelessly met with great resistance.

Izea

Chantal’s 9 year old son, Izea is a very outgoing and witty young boy. He is helpful and enjoys spending time with his family, especially grandma. They share a spacial love for performing. Could it be that the performance gene skipped a generation and trickled down to Izea?

Soundscape

Summers in Paradise Park

A song that describes a difficult time for blacks in a segregated America, this piece will allow us to get a glimpse of Maggie's love story with Henry, and how they discovered their love for performing together. This song will be introduced for the first time in a "dream sequence”. It will be performed by Maggie & Henry and accompanied by a choreography and a number of backup dancers. Summers in Paradise Park will be performed a second time at then end of the movie as Maggies takes the main stage she will sing the song in acapella.

An upbeat tempo will be incorporated in the song to allow for a choreography to go along with it. Influences of Jazz, Disco and Soul will give the song a fresh approach to old classics. Small trumpet and drum solos will also be included so we can capture them through the picture.

-Song written by Laika Lalonde

Goals & Strategy

As of now we've peaked the interest of key crew members to be apart of the Miss Clementine family! Once fundraising is finished, we will officially begin pre-production. This is when rehearsals, meetings with camera and art departments, location scouting, and bringing on the rest of the cast & crew will take place. Production will then occur for three days in mid to late summer. Once we're finished shooting, I'm hoping to move quickly into post-production and finish the film by the end of 2024! Once post-production is finished, I will submit to film festivals with the goal of premiering the film in 2025.

I will periodically post updates on our Seed&Spark page, so be sure to follow the project here and follow me @laika.lalonde & @missclementineshort on Instagram for updates.

The process of getting this film made has already taught me so much about believing in myself as an artist, as well as persevering to make sure black stories get told authentically on screen.

Thank you all for supporting me as a storyteller!

On behalf of the Miss Clementine team, we are immensely grateful!