Our Film
Help us make Tubby, my Brisbane based JMC Academy Grad Film.
What is Tubby about?
Tubby, a self-conscious young girl navigates an onslaught of criticism about her changing body from the people she is closest to; her family. As they pass ruthless judgement on her weight and athletic abilities, she begins to have intrusive thoughts and eventually endeavours to change herself. But, after her attempt to join her schools cross country team is made fun of, Tubby turns to more secretive methods in an attempt to regain control.
Intention
I decided to make the film Tubby after reflecting on my own childhood. I’m slightly obsessed with figuring out why I act and feel certain ways, and thinking back, I remembered many occasions that had chipped away at my self-esteem. This has inspired me to make a film detailing these experiences, because even though they seem few and far between, once you see them side by side you begin to think ‘no wonder you would be affected by this'.
I personally feel like there is power in understanding why you feel a certain way and identifying that is the first step to recovering. For me, Tubby can act as a stepping stone on the road to body positivity and that is why I want to share it. My hope is that the audience will walk away reflecting on their own past and thus, will begin to understand the reason behind their own insecurities.
In addition to this, many films that explore insecurities and eating disorders focus on older girls who are very thin. I find that this presents a very narrow view of the topic and that many audience members would struggle to relate to this character type. This is not only why I want Tubby to be chubby, but also why I have written her as a 12-year-old. Tubby creates a unique perspective into these issues, different from the thin 18-year-olds we have seen time and time again. Her mental health is not defined, and thus the audience can project onto her. She represents the sinister potential of insecurities and shows the starting point many people can relate to, not just a specific endpoint.
Vision
My vision for Tubby is not only to create a powerful short film but a body positive space, where the themes of mental health, insecurities, and femininity can be explored creatively. My hope is that across social media, the film itself, and the reception, we can start a conversation about body positivity and how to dismantle the toxic ideals of beauty that have held so many people back.
From a creative standpoint, my aim is to create a cohesive aesthetic that stands out amongst films that explore the same genre and themes. Through the muted visuals and a timeless design, I can see the familiar but uncomfortable nature of the film come through. In addition to this, my aim is for the audience to recognise the characters as figures they have known in their own lives. Even though she never says a word, ultimately, I hope the character of Tubby can resonate with many people and help them understand a part of themselves.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean you can't help. Follow along on social media and support us by spreading the work and following our journey. Just search @TubbyShortFilm.
