Times are tough, and dealing with loss isn’t easy. Coronavirus has claimed many lives across the globe. To address the complex grieving process, writer and filmmaker Christine Sloan Stoddard offers a solution in her short film “Bottled.”
The eight minute-long film focuses on an unnamed female lead played by Stoddard. She is figuring out how to deal with the loss of her grandfather. She looks to who we assume is a loved one for guidance on how to cope. At the end, she finally finds her solution.
The Salvadorian-American, shot the movie at a beach right in Long Island’s Rocky Point. The Brooklyn resident decided to make her film in Rocky Point after doing a residency in Far Rockaway and falling in love with the South Shore. One scene shows off the scenic views of the hamlet where the main character privately takes time to remember her lost loved one.
The project was relatable and introspective for Stoddard in that she had lost an older loved one who acted as a grandfather.
“That death occurred almost three years ago,” said Stoddard. “I wouldn’t say it directly inspired the writing of this script, but it was certainly on my mind.”
Stoddard also said she’s felt loss in her life recently, but in a different way.
“During this strange time of quarantine, a lot of people are experiencing feelings of grief, isolation, and loss,” said Stoddard. “I’m mourning the loss of my routine, including creative events and contact with friends and collaborators. I miss waking up feeling energized, inspired, and empowered. I’ve been coping with my grief through creation, as I often do.”
According to a poll by The Kaiser Family Foundation, 45% of adults in the U.S. have reported being impacted mentally because of COVID. Around 19% of respondents found that the crises has had a “major impact” on their mental health.
If you are struggling during this time, you can search on our directory for skilled local therapists here. To watch Stoddard’s short film “Bottled,” click below.
