Motherboard is a 2024 feature-length documentary film directed by Victoria Mapplebeck. The film chronicles Mapplebeck’s experiences of solo motherhood and her relationship with her son Jim, over a period of approximately twenty years.
Mapplebeck began filming after becoming a single mother at the age of 38, initially using a DVCAM before transitioning to successive generations of smartphone cameras to document two decades of raising her son alone. The documentary also engages with themes of technology in contemporary storytelling, using mobile devices as a primary medium for cinematic expression.
The film combines filmed conversations with Mapplebeck and her son, video diaries, text messages and voice notes to chart their family life over two decades. Events depicted include Mapplebeck’s breast cancer diagnosis and the absence of Jim’s father from much of his upbringing It offers an intimate exploration of motherhood, childhood, family dynamics, and personal resilience.
Release Motherboard had its world premiere in competition at CPH:DOX in March 2024 and its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2024 . It was subsequently screened at several international film festivals.
Autlook Film Sales acquired the rights for worldwide sales and Motherboard is distributed by Tull Stories, receiving a theatrical release in the UK and Ireland on 15 August 2025.
Critical reception The New World compared it to other longitudinal documentary projects for its portrayal of life over time. British Film Institute praised it for its candid and unfiltered portrayal of family life The Guardian included it in their list of "the 50 best films of 2025".
Awards and nominations +AwardDateCategoryResultWomen in Film and TV Award2025Best DirectorWonIDA Documentary Awards 2024Best Feature DocumentaryShortlistedGrierson Awards 2025Best Cinema DocumentaryNominatedBIFA Awards2025Best DocumentaryNominatedBIFA Awards2025Outstanding Debut DirectorNominatedBIFA Awards2025Raindance Maverick AwardNominated
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