As artist Joan’s latest portrait begins to take shape, she finds herself grappling with Jane, her principled model, and Jonarthy Jones, a harsh instagram art critic. Joan’s best and worst impulses are made manifest in her many doppelgängers, forcing her to ask herself which parts of herself her art is for, and which parts of herself she is willing to see reflected back at her through it.

Director Hannah Dougherty explores the idea that ‘every artwork is, in a way, a self-portrait’ in this playful story of struggle and creation. The director’s second one-woman cast and crew film, ‘Made by Us’ was born from reflecting on her first, ‘Mates’. In ‘Mates’, a woman is inundated by annoying clones of herself, pushing her to murder them all. ‘Made by Us’ began with Dougherty ‘thinking about how I would tell that story today.’

The director recalls that ‘there were the obvious technical challenges of making the film, dealing with camera, lights, sound, trying to listen as an actor while acting to nobody, and not having anyone behind the camera to spot mistakes (like when the microphone isn’t turned on). But the biggest challenge was trying to live up to the message of the film. In order for Joan to accept herself, she had to be honest. She had to let go of her insecurities and take a risk. When I realised what the ending of the film needed to be, I had that ecstatic feeling that I’d figured out the puzzle. This feeling was quickly followed by panic, that in that process, I would have to be very vulnerable myself. And the doubt set in.’

‘I have made a lot of short films, but this is the first time I have felt truly nervous to share one. I believe that as we speak to the truths of our own lives, we will also speak to the lives of others, and in doing so, find a previously invisible community. Ultimately, I hope it will inspire individuals to feel seen and to be more accepting of themselves, the good and the bad. ‘

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