PRODUCTIONS BAROCA PRESENTS 'DEAR MOM'
Logline:
As her mother’s dementia progressively erodes her memories, Angela embarks on a heart-wrenching journey through the past, seeking to preserve the essence of her mother’s vibrant life before it slips away entirely.
Film Treatment:
In a serene, tree-lined pathway, Marie, a woman in her late 70s, walks with her daughter, Angela. Marie’s steps are hesitant, her face a mixture of confusion and fleeting recognition. Angela gently guides her through the park until they arrive at the hospital, where the truth she feared, is confirmed – Marie’s memory is fading, eroded by the unforgiving advance of dementia. Angela, helpless, her heart breaking as she watches her mother who once taught her the world struggles to remember her own. The first moments of the film establish the depth of the emotional and physical toll dementia has taken on both Marie and Angela. The hospital visit is not just an appointment, but a moment of reckoning for Angela – her mother’s once-vibrant mind is now slipping through her fingers like sand. In a quiet, reflective moment, Angela vows to do everything she can to help Marie hold onto the memories that made her who she was. This promise marks the start of a poignant journey into the past.
As the story unfolds, flashbacks bring Marie’s rich life into sharp contrast with her current confusion. The memories are vibrant and full of life: Marie as a child, forming an unbreakable bond with her cherished sister, teaching English as a second language to eager students in Japan, dancing with Angela in a field of cherry blossoms in Kyoto. These are the moments that define her – a passionate traveler, a devoted mother, a beloved teacher. The contrast between these dynamic memories and Marie’s present state is jarring, yet they offer Angela solace, a reminder of the vibrant woman her mother once was.
Angela’s love for her mother is palpable as she shares these memories with her. Together, they sit side by side, flipping through a photo album that sparks faint flickers of recognition in Marie’s eyes. Each image – a snapshot of a Japanese tea ceremony, Marie laughing with Angela over a pitcher of sangria in Madrid, a picture taken while hiking the Camino de Santiago with her grandson – opens a window into the past though the memories are fleeting and fragmented.
As time moves on, the reality of Marie’s condition becomes more undeniable. Angela’s emotional journey intensifies, as she grapples with the growing loss of the mother she once knew. The relationship shifts, and Angela steps into the role of caretaker, struggling with the pain of seeing her mother’s vibrant spirit overshadowed by the disease. The final moments of the film show Angela standing by the water, quietly reflecting on the journey they’ve shared. A gentle breeze stirs the air as she looks toward the horizon, allowing herself to release some of the grief, but also carrying with her the strength to move forward, holding her mother’s memory close.
‘Dear Mom’ is a deeply personal exploration of memory, identity, and the heartbreaking complexities of loss. My vision for this film is to create an intimate experience that captures the fragile beauty of life, while honoring the enduring bond between mother and daughter. The narrative will weave between past and present, blending moments of joy and sorrow in a way that feels both universal and deeply personal. At its core, ‘Dear Mom’ is a love story. It’s about that unbreakable mother-daughter bond that isn’t always clear or easily expressed – sometimes it’s in the quiet moments, the shared glance, or the attempt to bring the past to life through photographs. My intention is to evoke the subtlety of these moments through visual storytelling, using cinematic techniques that emphasize the fragility of time and memory
Visual Style:
To reflect the emotional and psychological journey of the characters, the film’s visual language will shift subtly between past and present, emphasizing the contrasts between them.
1. Present Day Scenes: The present, where Marie’s dementia takes hold, will be marked by muted, soft tones – faded colors, minimal lighting, and naturalistic compositions. I want to create a sense of quiet melancholy as though we are witnessing memories themselves begin to fray and slip through our fingers. The camera will often linger on Angela’s face, capturing her emotional response to her mother’s decline. I want every frame to feel like a moment suspended in time – both loving and painful, but always real. 2. Flashbacks: The past will be depicted with a heightened sense of color and vibrancy, almost as if we are seeing it through Angela’s rose-tinted recollections of Marie’s earlier life. Warm, golden lighting will illuminate key moments, from her travels to Marie’s teaching days in Japan. The imagery will be alive with energy; filled with movement, laughter and connection. The contrast between these rich memories and the present-day loss will serve to heighten the emotional impact of both. 3. Cherry Blossoms: These vibrant and striking trees are a central element in the film, serving as a powerful symbol of natural beauty and the fleeting moments of joy in life. Their short lifespan is a reminder of how quickly life can pass, just like how a person’s time on earth can feel short, yet full of meaning and beauty in the moments we have, making them an integral part of the story’s emotional landscape.
Sound Design and Music:
Sound will play a key role in underscoring the emotional subtext of the film. In the flashbacks, I envision a warm, organic score – strings, piano, maybe even subtle folk influences – that evoke the nostalgia of Marie’s vibrant past. This music will feel alive and flowing, mirroring the sense of adventure and vitality that characterized her life. In the present, however, the score will take on a more sparse, ethereal quality, mirroring the emptiness and fragility of Marie’s memory. The absence of music in some scenes will heighten the feeling of loss, while the sounds of nature – the rustling of leaves, the gentle flow of water – will serve as a reminder that, even as memory fades, life continues.
The Tone:
The screenplay is characterized by a quiet, contemplative tone, with moments of emotional rawness. This is about the moments in life that are often overlooked – the spaces between words. These moments are fragile, just as life itself is, and I will approach this material with the same gentleness and reverence. In the end, I want ‘Dear Mom’ to leave the audience with a sense of peace – a quiet, bittersweet understanding that even in the face of loss, there is still beauty in memory, still love in what remains. It’s a film that reflects the complexity of life itself: full of joy, pain, uncertainty, and love – all of which come together to define who we are.
The Reality:
‘Dear Mom’ is a script that doesn’t shy away from the reality and the pain of dementia, but it also celebrates the beauty of the moments that remain – those precious memories that, even as they fade, leave an everlasting mark on our hearts. ‘Dear Mom’ explores the fragility of life but also celebrates the enduring power of love. Through Angela’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing the people we love, not just in life, but in the moments when they are slipping away. It’s that whispered ‘thank you’ we hold deeply in our hearts, the reluctance of letting go, and the strength in saying farewell.
SHARE IN OUR JOURNEY:
‘Dear Mom’ is deeply personal and bringing it to life takes more than just passion — it takes community. While we’re running a modest Kickstarter campaign alongside this one, it’s an all-or-nothing platform. If we don’t meet the goal, we won’t receive those funds, regardless of how close we get. Contributions through this website go directly into production with no delays or uncertainty — every dollar counts. We’ll keep our backers updated regularly, not just throughout this campaign, but all the way through production and beyond. In gratitude, we’re offering meaningful ways for you to become a part of the film. Your support, at any level, is deeply appreciated.
LEVEL A: I Support This Film: $5
Thank you for your support! Every dollar gets us closer to our goal and we truly appreciate it! 1 item included: Digital Postcard
LEVEL B: Digital Download Link: $35
Estimated delivery: Oct 2025
It’s movie night! Get your own link to the film with this digital download…. sorry, popcorn is not included! Prior level is included
LEVEL C: Signed Screenplay: $115
Estimated delivery: Oct 2025
The full script, signed by cast and crew, will be emailed to you as a PDF at the conclusion of production. All prior levels are included
LEVEL D: In Memory of Mom: $225
Estimated delivery: Oct 2025
When the end credits roll, there will be a section called “In Memory of Mom” – In honor of your mom, her name will be here. All prior levels are included
LEVEL E: Tickets for Two: $480 Estimated delivery: Oct 2025. Cast and crew will be in Montreal in the fall! Join us for a private screening of the movie, sorry but transportation and lodging not included. All prior levels are included
LEVEL F: Let’s Zoom: $730
Estimated delivery: June 2025
A 45-minute private zoom call to talk about the film, the themes the creative process. This is your call, so you decide if you want to speak with the writer/director, director of photography, sound engineer or everyone. Timeframe for this is open so we can chat anytime during production or post-production. All prior levels are included
LEVEL G: Associate Producer: $1,800
Estimated delivery: Oct 2025
Limited quantity, 10
Have your name in the opening credits as an Associate Producer for ‘Dear Mom’ which also gives you an IMDB credit. All prior levels are included
LEVEL H: Product/Logo Placement: $2,800
Estimated delivery: Oct 2025
Limited quantity, 8
I will adapt a short scene to include your company name and/or logo and/or product. I’ll sign the scene and send it to you via PDF.
All prior levels are included
LEVEL I: In Association With: $5,800
Estimated delivery: Oct 2025
Limited quantity, 8
At the opening credits, it will say Productions Baroca presents…a Caroline Baggaley film… in Association with (your name, or company name will go here)
All prior levels are included except for Product/Logo Placement
Support via Interac e-Transfer:
You can contribute directly by sending an Interac e-transfer to:
[email protected]
(Registered for Auto-deposit — no password required). Please include your name, email, and chosen contribution level in the message field so we can keep you updated.
Your kindness helps bring ‘Dear Mom’ to life — thank you for walking this journey with us!