FISH: What It's Like To Be A Single Mom

What?

Heather Young has brought out a truly touching film that she shot over a span of four years with her cousin. The 11 minute film tells you the story of a single mom who is trying her best to raise three children all by herself. A fiction/documentary hybrid, the film is shot home video style with some staged elements. What is it really about? There are no heroes or villains, all you see is the children grow up in time and with them the mother's efforts to bring them up. The missing element of their life is also absent in the film - their father. Along with crying children, daily chores and a messy house, you see a hope that the mother clings on to. The part that sticks with you is the fish tank in the house. From the moment the film begins with her having three children to when she starts to lose hope - the fish tank journeys along with her, decaying in time.

Why Watch?

• Fiction/Documentary - You cant see the difference: There are no stark differences between the style of shooting and honetly it does not matter - because fiction or nit, everything that plays out on screen makes it far too real and hence stirs something inside you.
  
• It's sad and it's funny: There are no heart-tugging dialogues or difficult turning points, but the mother's constant endeavor to tidy her house, feed her children, celebrate their birthday - all with no help is a reminder that somethings just can't be done alone. The humour, well, of course, there are no punches - but the little theatrics by the kids are enough for a chuckle.
  
• It makes a point: If you've ever been curious about single parenthood or have possibly found the situation inexplicable, the film does that for you. It does not opiniate or shout slogans out for single moms - it does more than that. It shows you a clear picture of what is and what it is not.
  

Watch it on Vimeo