Mother's Child is a 2024 Dutch short animated film co-written and directed by Naomi Noir. The film follows a loving mother and full-time carer Mary, for whom every day is a battle as the caregiver and simultaneously to understand her disabled, non-verbal son Murphy’s needs.
The film had its world premiere at the Netherlands Film Festival on September 21, 2024. It was also selected in the Berlinale Shorts section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it had its International premiere on 15 February and compete for Golden Bear for Best Short Film.
Synopsis
This surreal animation honors caregivers, giving voice to their selfless dedication. Mary, a devoted caregiver, struggles with bureaucracy, isolation, and exhaustion while caring for her non-verbal, disabled son, Murphy. An unhelpful administrator deepens her frustration, making it harder to find beauty in daily life.
Voices
Maya Devincenzi Dil (Mary) Grace Kimasi (Murphy) Phaedra Fidessa (Nancy) James Alexander Hyslop (Jeffrey JR) Eoghan Ruddy (Bartender Fred) Kris McDonald (Sleep-Is-4-The-Meek-Mark)
Release
The film had its world premiere at the 43rd Netherlands Film Festival on September 21, 2024. On 25 September, it was screened at the Blikvangers Film Festival in block 1.
Mother's Child had its International premiere on 15 February 2025, as part of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, in the Berlinale Shorts 4.
The film was also be screened at the Kaboom Animation Festival from 21 to 23 March in Utrecht and from 27 to 30 March in Amsterdam.
Accolades
From this year, the Berlinale Shorts CUPRA Filmmaker Award will be presented to a distinctive directorial talent within the festival's short film competition. This new accolade is sponsored by CUPRA and comes with a grant of .
Award Date Category Recipient Result Berlin International Film Festival23 February 2025 Golden Bear for Best Short FilmMother's Child Berlinale Shorts CUPRA Filmmaker Award
References
External links
Mother's Child at Berlinale