Postpartum
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
A mom pretends to have postpartum depression to get more time with her baby- until the act gets a little too real. Funny, raw, and unflinching, this short reveals the emotional toll of motherhood without paid leave, reminding us that no one should choose between love and survival. Moms deserve more.
Postpartum
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Comedy
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $9,105 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
101 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A mom pretends to have postpartum depression to get more time with her baby- until the act gets a little too real. Funny, raw, and unflinching, this short reveals the emotional toll of motherhood without paid leave, reminding us that no one should choose between love and survival. Moms deserve more.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A new mom discovers a clever loophole to get more time with her baby: postpartum depression. But as her fib takes hold, she's forced to confront the blurred lines between control and collapse.
.jpg)
Inspired by the Hungarian proverb, "Don't paint the devil on the wall, or he may come to life," Postpartum tells the story of a fabricated illness that may have manifested something real- or simply revealed what was already there.
Funny, unexpectedly heartbreaking, and rooted in lived experience, this short reveals what motherhood really costs in a country where love isn't "enough" to earn leave- but collapse sometimes is. It reveals the absurdity of a system that makes women plead for permission to mother, and shows us a love so strong, it’s almost dangerous.
When things fall apart, we're quick to ask, "What's wrong with her" instead of "What failed her?"
PHOTO CRED: Kendra Greendberg Photography
I'm Brittani Noel- a filmmaker, actor, and mom of two. I wrote this because I lived parts of it- and watched so many friends quietly struggle. Often, postpartum films show the extremes- women unraveling in terrifying ways (Nightbitch) or grappling with intense depression and suicidal thoughts (A Mouthful of Air). These stories matter, but they don't reflect most mothers' reality.
Postpartum lives in the gray space. It shows the subtler struggles of new motherhood that rarely make it to the screen but define so many women's lives. It's not about going off the deep end; it's about being thrown in uncharted waters without a life raft, and how easy it is to start sinking without support.
Postpartum is my way of saying to moms: You’re not crazy- the system is.
(Table read for Postpartum with Graham Norris and Creator Brittani Noel at The Norris Studio)
From the moment Brittani shared the concept for Postpartum, the idea shined. There are other films out there grappling with urgent, under-discussed issues, but few of them also bring so much creativity and filmmaking vision to the table. Postpartum is the real deal, a fearless and important story that's always compelling and never a lecture. This one's a home run."
-Graham Norris, Screenwriter (iZombie, New Amsterdam)
Right now, the U.S. maternal mental health is in crisis. Families are forced to make impossible choices- return to work too soon, or risk financial survival.
.jpg)
This film is both a critique of American policy and a love letter to the mothers who keep going without sufficient support.
In the U.S., rest, bonding, and recovery aren't seen as rights, but as luxuries. Postpartum isn't just a film- it's a cinematic intervention: spotlighting the emotional cost of early return-to-work culture, where love alone doesn't qualify for time off, but mental collapse sometimes does. It's not just about one mother- it's about millions of families forced to justify the most basic human need: to care for their child.
(Producer Deborah Lee Smith)
FROM PRODUCER DEBORAH LEE SMITH: The film challenges us to consider- when care is treated like a weakness, what happens to the strength of our families?
By supporting this film, you're helping us raise awareness, spark conversation, and join the growing movement for change.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Postpartum lives in the space where humor collides with heartbreak.
Stylistically, it draws inspiration from:
- Tully- for its unflinching intimacy.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind- for inventive ways to capture an inner world.
- Kidding- for its balance of whimsy and devastation.
This is a story that opens with lightness, then tilts into the shadows.
I've already raised $10k from private donors, and our full budget is $20k-$30k. I've assembled an incredible team, and now we're asking for your help to raise the remaining 10k here on Seed&Spark.
Here's the catch: if we don't reach at least 80% of our Seed&Spark goal, we don't get a penny.
- Minimum Goal: $10k- the amount we still need to get the film off the ground.
- Stretch Goal: $15k- this allows us to create the ideal version of the film, pay everyone fair, equitable wages, and launch an impact campaign so the film sparks change beyond the screen.
(Writer/Actress/Producer Brittani Noel in her real-life postpartum days)
If you've ever wondered what it costs to be a "good mom" in a broken system- and believe in the power of brave, honest stories to move hearts- this film is for you.
Pre-production is underway! Locations are locked, core creative team is in place, and casting is ongoing.
Emmy-nominated producer Deborah Lee Smith (Reading Rainbow) has joined as producer, award-nominated actress Megan Le (Medical Police) is attached in a key role, and Artios award-nominated casting director Julina Baber (I Think You Should Leave, Andor) heads casting. Additionally, maternal health advocate Jessalyn Waldron is our associate producer, bringing professional expertise to maximize the film's social impact. Together, we're bridging art and advocacy to tell a story that matters.
.jpg)
(Pictured from left to right: Deborah Lee Smith, Megan Le, Julina Baber, Jessalyn Waldron)
With your support, we can go into production, complete post-production, submit to top-tier festivals for visibility, and do screenings for communities that need to see it most. Our goal is to create a space for honest stories about postpartum pressures, so mothers feel seen, heard, and less alone.
TIMELINE:
Pre-Production Sept/Oct --> 2-Day Shoot in November --> Post-Production Feb/Mar--> Festival Submissions 2026
How you can help (in 3min or less):
- Pledge- any amount matters. Early pledges = momentum.
- Follow- click the blue follow button at the top of our crowdfunding page (it's free!) to help us unlock Seed&Spark perks once we reach 250 followers.
- Share- send the link to a friend who cares about moms.
- Contribute in-kind- equipment, catering, or resources. Hit "Contact" at the top right.
(Producer Deborah Lee Smith)
⚡️ Early momentum matters: help us hit 30% in our first 3 days to boost visibility and show the industry this story deserves to be told. Even if you can't contribute financially- you can still be a huge part of our journey by sharing our campaign!
This film is for every mother who was told to bounce back before she was ready, and every child who missed out on time with their mom. Really, this film is for everyone, because it’s an everyone issue.
PHOTO CRED: Kendra Greendberg Photography
SOCIAL MEDIA BLURBS:
(You can copy and paste!)
A mom pretends to be depressed to spend more time with her baby- what starts as a clever plan quickly unravels. Join me in supporting Postpartum. bit.ly/41RsIJm #MomsDeserveMore
No parent should have to choose between work and love. Postpartum tells the story of a mom forced to fake illness so she can afford to stay home with her baby. Back this film on Seed&Spark: bit.ly/41RsIJm #MomsDeserveMore
I'm backing Postpartum to shine a light on motherhood- and what happens when the system breaks us instead of backs us. bit.ly/41RsIJm #MomsDeserveMore
@postpartumshortfilm
THANK YOU for supporting Postpartum short film! We can't wait to share it with you.
Because care shouldn't require collapse.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $2,200
A small but mighty, majority-women-led team of professionals with a sharp eye to elevate the story.
Production Design, Make-Up & Wardrobe
Costs $1,200
To transform spaces into emotionally resonant environments and keep our actors properly clothed.
Camera, Lighting & Sound Equipment
Costs $1,800
Cinematic quality visuals and sound to match the emotional tone of story.
Location Fees & Permits
Costs $1,000
To secure spaces safely and legally.
Insurance & Miscellaneous
Costs $400
Protecting our team and production with proper coverage.
Post-Production
Costs $1,900
Editing, color correction, sound mixing, scoring- where it all comes together.
Festival Submission Fees
Costs $1,500
To share this story at top-tier festivals (SXSW, Tribeca, etc.) and extend the film's impact into real-world advocacy through partnerships.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
BRITTANI NOEL
WRITER/ACTOR/PRODUCER
A biracial filmmaker, actor, and mom of two, she explores the emotional and psychological layers of identity, race, and motherhood. Her award-winning short, The Other, examined the internalized racism experienced growing up mixed-race, garnering an official selection at the Oscar-qualifying Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF). Postpartum continues this thread through the lens of maternal mental health. As an actor, Brittani can most recently be seen in Leah McKendrick’s feature Scrambled opposite Yvonne Strahovski, and shares the screen with Tom Everett Scott in the comedy feature Rockbottom. Whether behind or in front of the camera (or both), Brittani is committed to telling stories that scare her a little- and stay with you a lot.
As a daughter with a Hungarian immigrant mother and a Black father, Brittani is particularly passionate about amplifying stories often overlooked, with storytelling rooted in personal experience and social impact.
DEBORAH LEE SMITH
PRODUCER
An Emmy-Nominated Producer and award winning Los Angeles based actor, writer and founder of Pink Boots Entertainment, she currently has six features that she produced under her belt including Here Awhile starring Anna Camp, Joe Lo Truglio and Steven Strait on HULU, and the action/thriller Last Three Days in which she starred opposite Robert Palmer Watkins. Her most recent film, Butterfly in the Sky, is a documentary about Reading Rainbow, which premiered at Tribeca last June before going on to entertain audiences at over 40 festivals and can be found on Netflix.
Deb is mom to an adorable 10-month old boy and fierce mental health advocate.
JESSALYN WADRON
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Works at the crossroads of film and community impact. By supporting creative projects that spark dialogue and open space for conversations, she helps anchor Postpartum in the world it hopes to influence, specifically women's health. An advocate for many issues professionally and personally, she brings a perspective that ensures the film's resonance extends beyond the screen as a catalyst for change
Jessalyn has long championed women's issues, and her dedication to women's health makes her an invaluable voice to this story.
MEGAN LE
ACTOR
Los Angeles based actor, martial artist, and producer whose artistry blends strength and sensitivity. A conservatory alum of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her screen roles include Stumptown, Criminal Minds, NCIS: LA, Bright, and The Beekeeper. She co-founded the production company Five Fingers Media and the charity AIM: Artists in Motion- creative ventures rooted in her belief that all art is one art.
A mom of two, Megan brings her own passion for motherhood and her support for the village it requires.
JULINA BABER
CASTING DIRECTOR
An award-winning casting director based in Los Angeles with credits spanning film, TV, and theater, her recent work includes Andor (Disney+), American Born Chinese (Disney+), Made for Love (HBO Max), and I Think You Should Leave (Netflix), as well as contributions to John Wick: Parabellum and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Known for assembling emotionally resonant and dynamic casts, Julina brings a sharp eye and deep industry experience to every project.
As a mom to a one-year old, Julina brings a deeply personal understanding of the maternal themes at the heart of this story.
JOLENE FISHER
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
A multi-talented entertainer, dancer, and creative. Jolene is excited to explore storytelling from the other side of the camera. She'll be supporting the team on set and is passionate about helping bring this story to life.
Jolene is also a pilates instructor who works closely with postpartum women, giving her a deep connection to the themes of this film.
JACQUELINE WACHTER
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Vice Chairman of Sotheby's private sales and head of the Los Angeles office, Jackie is a proud supporter of independent filmmaking and women's voices in the arts. As an executive producer of Postpartum, she's helping bring this important story about motherhood and the systems that fail women to life.
A mom to an adorable three-year-old, Jackie relates deeply to the themes of the film and champions artists tackling timely, meaningful stories.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A new mom discovers a clever loophole to get more time with her baby: postpartum depression. But as her fib takes hold, she's forced to confront the blurred lines between control and collapse.
Inspired by the Hungarian proverb, "Don't paint the devil on the wall, or he may come to life," Postpartum tells the story of a fabricated illness that may have manifested something real- or simply revealed what was already there.
Funny, unexpectedly heartbreaking, and rooted in lived experience, this short reveals what motherhood really costs in a country where love isn't "enough" to earn leave- but collapse sometimes is. It reveals the absurdity of a system that makes women plead for permission to mother, and shows us a love so strong, it’s almost dangerous.
When things fall apart, we're quick to ask, "What's wrong with her" instead of "What failed her?"
PHOTO CRED: Kendra Greendberg Photography
I'm Brittani Noel- a filmmaker, actor, and mom of two. I wrote this because I lived parts of it- and watched so many friends quietly struggle. Often, postpartum films show the extremes- women unraveling in terrifying ways (Nightbitch) or grappling with intense depression and suicidal thoughts (A Mouthful of Air). These stories matter, but they don't reflect most mothers' reality.
Postpartum lives in the gray space. It shows the subtler struggles of new motherhood that rarely make it to the screen but define so many women's lives. It's not about going off the deep end; it's about being thrown in uncharted waters without a life raft, and how easy it is to start sinking without support.
Postpartum is my way of saying to moms: You’re not crazy- the system is.
(Table read for Postpartum with Graham Norris and Creator Brittani Noel at The Norris Studio)
From the moment Brittani shared the concept for Postpartum, the idea shined. There are other films out there grappling with urgent, under-discussed issues, but few of them also bring so much creativity and filmmaking vision to the table. Postpartum is the real deal, a fearless and important story that's always compelling and never a lecture. This one's a home run."
-Graham Norris, Screenwriter (iZombie, New Amsterdam)
Right now, the U.S. maternal mental health is in crisis. Families are forced to make impossible choices- return to work too soon, or risk financial survival.
This film is both a critique of American policy and a love letter to the mothers who keep going without sufficient support.
In the U.S., rest, bonding, and recovery aren't seen as rights, but as luxuries. Postpartum isn't just a film- it's a cinematic intervention: spotlighting the emotional cost of early return-to-work culture, where love alone doesn't qualify for time off, but mental collapse sometimes does. It's not just about one mother- it's about millions of families forced to justify the most basic human need: to care for their child.
(Producer Deborah Lee Smith)
FROM PRODUCER DEBORAH LEE SMITH: The film challenges us to consider- when care is treated like a weakness, what happens to the strength of our families?
By supporting this film, you're helping us raise awareness, spark conversation, and join the growing movement for change.
Postpartum lives in the space where humor collides with heartbreak.
Stylistically, it draws inspiration from:
- Tully- for its unflinching intimacy.
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind- for inventive ways to capture an inner world.
- Kidding- for its balance of whimsy and devastation.
This is a story that opens with lightness, then tilts into the shadows.
I've already raised $10k from private donors, and our full budget is $20k-$30k. I've assembled an incredible team, and now we're asking for your help to raise the remaining 10k here on Seed&Spark.
Here's the catch: if we don't reach at least 80% of our Seed&Spark goal, we don't get a penny.
- Minimum Goal: $10k- the amount we still need to get the film off the ground.
- Stretch Goal: $15k- this allows us to create the ideal version of the film, pay everyone fair, equitable wages, and launch an impact campaign so the film sparks change beyond the screen.
(Writer/Actress/Producer Brittani Noel in her real-life postpartum days)
If you've ever wondered what it costs to be a "good mom" in a broken system- and believe in the power of brave, honest stories to move hearts- this film is for you.
Pre-production is underway! Locations are locked, core creative team is in place, and casting is ongoing.
Emmy-nominated producer Deborah Lee Smith (Reading Rainbow) has joined as producer, award-nominated actress Megan Le (Medical Police) is attached in a key role, and Artios award-nominated casting director Julina Baber (I Think You Should Leave, Andor) heads casting. Additionally, maternal health advocate Jessalyn Waldron is our associate producer, bringing professional expertise to maximize the film's social impact. Together, we're bridging art and advocacy to tell a story that matters.
(Pictured from left to right: Deborah Lee Smith, Megan Le, Julina Baber, Jessalyn Waldron)
With your support, we can go into production, complete post-production, submit to top-tier festivals for visibility, and do screenings for communities that need to see it most. Our goal is to create a space for honest stories about postpartum pressures, so mothers feel seen, heard, and less alone.
TIMELINE:
Pre-Production Sept/Oct --> 2-Day Shoot in November --> Post-Production Feb/Mar--> Festival Submissions 2026
How you can help (in 3min or less):
- Pledge- any amount matters. Early pledges = momentum.
- Follow- click the blue follow button at the top of our crowdfunding page (it's free!) to help us unlock Seed&Spark perks once we reach 250 followers.
- Share- send the link to a friend who cares about moms.
- Contribute in-kind- equipment, catering, or resources. Hit "Contact" at the top right.
(Producer Deborah Lee Smith)
⚡️ Early momentum matters: help us hit 30% in our first 3 days to boost visibility and show the industry this story deserves to be told. Even if you can't contribute financially- you can still be a huge part of our journey by sharing our campaign!
This film is for every mother who was told to bounce back before she was ready, and every child who missed out on time with their mom. Really, this film is for everyone, because it’s an everyone issue.
PHOTO CRED: Kendra Greendberg Photography
SOCIAL MEDIA BLURBS:
(You can copy and paste!)
A mom pretends to be depressed to spend more time with her baby- what starts as a clever plan quickly unravels. Join me in supporting Postpartum. bit.ly/41RsIJm #MomsDeserveMore
No parent should have to choose between work and love. Postpartum tells the story of a mom forced to fake illness so she can afford to stay home with her baby. Back this film on Seed&Spark: bit.ly/41RsIJm #MomsDeserveMore
I'm backing Postpartum to shine a light on motherhood- and what happens when the system breaks us instead of backs us. bit.ly/41RsIJm #MomsDeserveMore
@postpartumshortfilm
THANK YOU for supporting Postpartum short film! We can't wait to share it with you.
Because care shouldn't require collapse.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast & Crew
Costs $2,200
A small but mighty, majority-women-led team of professionals with a sharp eye to elevate the story.
Production Design, Make-Up & Wardrobe
Costs $1,200
To transform spaces into emotionally resonant environments and keep our actors properly clothed.
Camera, Lighting & Sound Equipment
Costs $1,800
Cinematic quality visuals and sound to match the emotional tone of story.
Location Fees & Permits
Costs $1,000
To secure spaces safely and legally.
Insurance & Miscellaneous
Costs $400
Protecting our team and production with proper coverage.
Post-Production
Costs $1,900
Editing, color correction, sound mixing, scoring- where it all comes together.
Festival Submission Fees
Costs $1,500
To share this story at top-tier festivals (SXSW, Tribeca, etc.) and extend the film's impact into real-world advocacy through partnerships.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
BRITTANI NOEL
WRITER/ACTOR/PRODUCER
A biracial filmmaker, actor, and mom of two, she explores the emotional and psychological layers of identity, race, and motherhood. Her award-winning short, The Other, examined the internalized racism experienced growing up mixed-race, garnering an official selection at the Oscar-qualifying Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF). Postpartum continues this thread through the lens of maternal mental health. As an actor, Brittani can most recently be seen in Leah McKendrick’s feature Scrambled opposite Yvonne Strahovski, and shares the screen with Tom Everett Scott in the comedy feature Rockbottom. Whether behind or in front of the camera (or both), Brittani is committed to telling stories that scare her a little- and stay with you a lot.
As a daughter with a Hungarian immigrant mother and a Black father, Brittani is particularly passionate about amplifying stories often overlooked, with storytelling rooted in personal experience and social impact.
DEBORAH LEE SMITH
PRODUCER
An Emmy-Nominated Producer and award winning Los Angeles based actor, writer and founder of Pink Boots Entertainment, she currently has six features that she produced under her belt including Here Awhile starring Anna Camp, Joe Lo Truglio and Steven Strait on HULU, and the action/thriller Last Three Days in which she starred opposite Robert Palmer Watkins. Her most recent film, Butterfly in the Sky, is a documentary about Reading Rainbow, which premiered at Tribeca last June before going on to entertain audiences at over 40 festivals and can be found on Netflix.
Deb is mom to an adorable 10-month old boy and fierce mental health advocate.
JESSALYN WADRON
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Works at the crossroads of film and community impact. By supporting creative projects that spark dialogue and open space for conversations, she helps anchor Postpartum in the world it hopes to influence, specifically women's health. An advocate for many issues professionally and personally, she brings a perspective that ensures the film's resonance extends beyond the screen as a catalyst for change
Jessalyn has long championed women's issues, and her dedication to women's health makes her an invaluable voice to this story.
MEGAN LE
ACTOR
Los Angeles based actor, martial artist, and producer whose artistry blends strength and sensitivity. A conservatory alum of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, her screen roles include Stumptown, Criminal Minds, NCIS: LA, Bright, and The Beekeeper. She co-founded the production company Five Fingers Media and the charity AIM: Artists in Motion- creative ventures rooted in her belief that all art is one art.
A mom of two, Megan brings her own passion for motherhood and her support for the village it requires.
JULINA BABER
CASTING DIRECTOR
An award-winning casting director based in Los Angeles with credits spanning film, TV, and theater, her recent work includes Andor (Disney+), American Born Chinese (Disney+), Made for Love (HBO Max), and I Think You Should Leave (Netflix), as well as contributions to John Wick: Parabellum and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Known for assembling emotionally resonant and dynamic casts, Julina brings a sharp eye and deep industry experience to every project.
As a mom to a one-year old, Julina brings a deeply personal understanding of the maternal themes at the heart of this story.
JOLENE FISHER
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
A multi-talented entertainer, dancer, and creative. Jolene is excited to explore storytelling from the other side of the camera. She'll be supporting the team on set and is passionate about helping bring this story to life.
Jolene is also a pilates instructor who works closely with postpartum women, giving her a deep connection to the themes of this film.
JACQUELINE WACHTER
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Vice Chairman of Sotheby's private sales and head of the Los Angeles office, Jackie is a proud supporter of independent filmmaking and women's voices in the arts. As an executive producer of Postpartum, she's helping bring this important story about motherhood and the systems that fail women to life.
A mom to an adorable three-year-old, Jackie relates deeply to the themes of the film and champions artists tackling timely, meaningful stories.