mission

To provide support and understanding to those grappling with mental health challenges and to illuminate the significance of embracing cultural diversity. We aim to acknowledge the sacrifices made by individuals leaving their homelands and to cultivate an environment where people can preserve their heritage while integrating into new societies. This film serves as a poignant reminder that amid the whirlwind of change and adaptation, our roots act as the threads weaving the tapestry of our lives. They enrich our individual stories and contribute to the broader narrative of our shared humanity.

Creator - MATILDE SILVA

Portuguese Actress, Producer, Screenwriter

NYU Tisch Drama Graduate (2023). Currently a Script Coordinator, Producer and Staff Writer at Akula Literary Partners

IMDb

A NIGHTMARE DISORDER STORY
From the age of six, my life crisscrossed countries - Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Little did I fathom then that my travels would leave an unhealed scar for a while. Upon my return to my hometown, Lisbon, I felt like a total stranger. With my dad's absence, my twin brother's opposite personality, and my younger baby twin-set siblings to help take care of, my mom was my only true best friend, fearlessly fighting to ease my passage through life’s turbulent waters. Nevertheless, the battle was far from over. I slowly began experiencing nightmares every night, waking me up at least three times during my sleep. I was too scared to fall asleep or get out of bed when waking up. The nightmares turned into hallucinations, making me almost fail my fifth grade. Suddenly, my mom was in the waiting room of a psychiatrist's office, waiting for me to speak up.

Fast forward to 2023, in the bustling heart of New York City, I've turned these nightmares into a short film called "Healing Plan." The film's protagonist, Luna, in a technologically advanced society, grapples with the same universal fears of identity and exploitation, emphasizing the importance of embracing individuality and breaking free from societal expectations.

- Matilde Silva

Director - SAM JOIA

Brazilian American Director, Producer, Screenwriter

Growing up, I discovered that speaking my native language, Portuguese, in public often drew suspicious glances. As a result, our family had to keep our ability to speak Portuguese a secret, confined to the privacy of our home. Little did I know that this would have a lasting impact on my life. Over time, as we settled into life in the United States, our Brazilian heritage seemed to fade into the background. Our cherished traditions were overlooked, and our planned trips back to Rio de Janeiro were repeatedly canceled. Gradually, my proficiency in any language other than English began to falter. When we finally did return to Rio, I felt profoundly isolated.

Describing this experience was a challenge until I had the fortune of meeting Matilde, the lead actress and co-writer of the film. She shared the original concept of our story, inspired by the nightmares she endured after leaving her native Portugal and living in Spain, Italy, and eventually the United States. When she eventually returned to Lisbon, she felt like a complete stranger in her own homeland.

- Samantha Joia

NYU Tisch’s Film and Television Alum. Associate produced a documentary on climate change in South America and past Executive Producer’s assistant at Nickelodeon.

credits

Luna            Matilde Silva
Mom           Cristina Duarte
Stella           Natália Guedes
Dr. G.           Bobby James Evers
Gabby         Haley Pine
Courtney    Natalie Yale
Julia            Ines Hoeysater Asserson


Production Company: Bluestone Pictures
Directed by: Samantha Joia
Written by: Matilde Silva and Samantha Joia
Story by: Matilde Silva
Produced by: Matilde Silva, Samantha Joia, Ben Banks, Tallia A. Petrone
Executive Producers: Yoni Azulay, Elliot Gong
Edited by: Yanyi Xie and Yoni Azulay
Music: Aalisha Jaisinghani


Director of Photography: Violet Smith
First Assistant Camera: Evan Miller
Gaffer: Jackson Yeomans
Key Grip: Neha Fernandes
Best Boy Grip: Luis Chavez
Grip: Stirling Dubell
Production Designer: Chloe Liu
Art Director: Tommy Joia
Costume Designer: Chloe Liu, Tommy Joia
Makeup and Hair Stylist: Grace Newman
Casting Directors: Matilde Silva and Samantha Joia
First Assistant Directors: MK Tasker Lewis and Cesar Llanos 
Production Sound Mixer: Simon Geisker
Boom Operator: Nora Lullo
Production Accountant: Rachel Chung
Script Supervisor: Brittany Amara 
On Set Photographers: Solange Sai, Elena Dagan
Production Assistant: Sam Duer
Unit Publicists: Caroline Melchi and Anna Petterson
Sound Designer: Mame Astou
Visual Effects Artist: Chloe Liu 
Colorist: Nick Daukas
Digital Imaging Technician: Elison Bishop
Creative Consultant: Matilde Silva
Catering Services: Sweet Arcana Bake Shop - Samantha Ortiz
Script Consultant: Mike Macera

MARKETING TEAM
Matilde Silva
Caroline Melchi

Poster Designer: Jake Levine

Website designed by: Matilde Silva