Herself

Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Screenwriters: Malcolm Campbell, Clare Dunne

Institute History

  • 2020 Sundance Film Festival

Description

Sandra, an Irish single mother of two young girls, faces a dire situation. An attack by her abusive ex-husband and a housing crisis in Dublin leave her living in fear and unable to find a new home. Temporarily living with her two daughters in a cramped hotel room and battling a system that refuses to help her, Sandra is determined to create some stability and security for the three of them. Seeing no other options, she decides to build her own house, literally and metaphorically pouring the foundation of her own future.

Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!, The Iron Lady) directs this affecting and inspiring story with important universal and timely ideas at its core—those of generosity and community in all its forms. Clare Dunne, primarily a theatre actress, co-wrote the script and stars as Sandra, commanding the screen. Herself creates a complex and optimistic portrait of a woman fighting for her dignity as she rebuilds a life for herself and her daughters.

— K.Y.

Screening Details

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