Anemoia - Short Film

"Feeling nostalgic for a time you've never known"

My name is Jessica Henderson and I am the creator of ‘ANEMOIA’

ANEMOIA is based on feeling nostalgic for a time you’ve never known. I found this word and it immediately sparked so many ideas for me. I’m in love with the concept of string theory and human connection so decided to base it on a ‘what if’. What if they were connected but never met?

I developed this idea into a short film - Gracie, struggling with her college essay and self-doubt, finds inspiration in a diner through the life story of Nathan, a young man who cherished every moment despite his terminal illness.

SYNOPSIS

“Anemoia” follows Gracie, a college applicant who struggles with imposter syndrome and fears that her life lacks the substance needed for a compelling admission essay. Gracie spends her days in a quaint, nostalgia-soaked diner trying to write, but feels increasingly disconnected from her passion for fiction writing due to her perceived lack of profound experiences.

During one particularly frustrating day, Gracie has an emotional breakdown in front of a diner employee, confessing her feelings of insignificance. As she tries to collect herself, Gracie notices an engraving on the coffee table – the initials “N.B.” next to the word “Anemoia,” which piques her curiosity. Pressing Astrid, a longtime waitress, who carries a sense of loss that has never quite left, stemming from her past love Nathan, a young man who frequented the diner while battling leukemia.

Leaning the initials belong to Nathan, Astrid shares Nathan’s story, recounting their deep connection and Nathan’s final days, during which he expressed his unfulfilled dreams and love for Astrid through a heartfelt letter. This encounter profoundly impacts Gracie, who is moved by Nathan’s ability to find beauty and purpose in his limited time. His story inspires her to see her own life differently, recognizing the value in every moment and the stories within them. Reinvigorated by Nathan’s perspective, Gracie decides to embrace her own experiences as worthy narratives. She resolves to write her college essay as a tribute to the life-affirming lessons she learned from Nathan’s story, using her newfound insight to convey a deeper appreciation of life’s fleeting beauty.

The film concludes with Gracie leaving the diner with a renewed sense of purpose and hope. She steps into the world outside, ready to engage fully with life, demonstrated by her initiating a simple but meaningful conversation with a stranger at a bus stop, symbolizing her readiness to connect with the world around her.

Produced by Diversity Pictures & Ryde Entertainment.

Dedicated to crafting inclusive stories for all generations. Our mission is to uplift artists and creatives, offering mentorship, resources, and collaborative opportunities that bring fresh, diverse voices to every stage and screen. Redefining storytelling for every generation.

STARRING

Jessica Henderson

Preston Pimentels

and Sonia Rockwell (American Crime, Scandal and Wild Child)

View our FILM DECK here ANEMOIA - FILM DECK

Why Your Support Matters:

Here’s how your donation will directly impact the production:

• 40% to our talented crew – ensuring the best professionals in the industry bring their expertise to every frame.

• 30% for location fees – Location and set dressing is key to pull off any short. This is no different.

• 15% for post-production – crafting the final cut with high-quality editing, sound, and visual effects.

• 5% for hair and makeup – making sure our actors look their absolute best and have the authentic 90’s look.

• 5% for catering – fueling the team during long production days.

• 5% for festival submissions – giving our pilot the opportunity to shine at prestigious industry events.