“She’s Not Coming” by Maïlis
Based on a true story, the film follows the last journey of Louisa, an elderly woman who ended her life. The inspiration came directly from the experience of Apacalda’s friend, who lost his mother to what is suspected to have been suicide. She was a devoutly religious woman who nurtured her relationship with God but ultimately chose to leave the church, which led to her exclusion from her community. She would regularly walk along the shores of a beach near her house. One morning, news outlets spread the story of a woman's body washing up on the familiar shoreline. Her son knew right away that it was his mother, realizing they would never speak again.
I aimed to blend this true story with Apacalda’s own cultural background, an integral part of her musical identity rooted in Romania. Accurately and sensitively portraying the mindset of my characters is always a goal of mine. This piece captures complex emotions within a short time frame, so accessing the vulnerability of the main cast was crucial. I emphasized the loneliness and isolation that a woman, excluded from her community, can feel. The film's subtlety lies in the nuanced emotions conveyed: starting with a sense of feverishness, then moving through tension and melancholia, and finally, abandonment.
Through Louisa’s story, I sought to show that women are responsible for their own choices, regardless of how difficult they may be while also underscoring the profound impact of community on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. This narrative is a testament to the strength required to make difficult choices, encouraging empathy and understanding for those who walk a path of solitude.
“She’s Not Coming” is a powerful blend of music video and short film, directed by Mailis and inspired by a deeply personal and true story. The narrative follows Louisa, an elderly woman who, after leaving her church, becomes increasingly isolated from her community. The film explores her emotional journey as she grapples with the weight of her decisions, ultimately leading her to a solitary act that speaks volumes about the strength and fragility of the human spirit.”
Credits
Written and directed by Maïlis/ @mailis.r.l
Starring//Lali Vacharadze/ @lalivacharadze and Vato Gvasalia
Production// Neuf Cinq/ @neufcinq.films
Producers// Josh Rosenbaum/ @therosenbaum and Zion Lipstein-Shaffer/ @zizo_ls
Co production/ @wearecolossale
Georgia production// Madweather/ @madweather.co
Producers// Shota Alania/ @shotaalania and Sandro Alania/ @ausandroo
Director of photography// Antoine Ryan/ @antoineryandp
1st ac// Ilia Eremenko
Voice// Maria Comsa
Editor// Thomas Bellefleur/ @thomas.bellefleur
Sound designer// Theo Porcet/ @theo___feels
Graphic design// JB Proulx/ @jb_proulx
Colors// Simon Boisx for Arketype/ @simon_boisx @arketypeworld
Thanks to @gabrielroussil @vlad_cus @jacqueliiiiiiiiiiin and Doina Angheluta
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