A contemporary, universal story about dating, disability, and diversity
Press Release
Los Angeles, CA (May, 11 2023). My Eyes Are Up Here is from Director Nathan Morris. A disabled woman sets off on a mission to get the morning-after pill after a clumsy one-night stand. This live-action short film will receive its New York Premier at the OSCAR-qualifying Tribeca Film Festival in contention this June.
Starring Jillian Mercado (The L Word: Generation Q), and Ben Cura (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Gun Shy, Marcella). Also Pooky Quesnel (Ralph & Katie, The A Word), and Colin Hoult (After Life)
The film inspiration is from a day in the life of co-writer Aminder Virdee. A British South Asian transdisciplinary multi-artform and STEM artist, activist, and writer. Virdee was inspired to visually represent a beautiful disabled woman of colour on screen in a universal role. Virdee shared writing duties with Arthur Meek, and together the two made adaptations to the script. Which reflect lead actress Jillian Mercado’s lifestyle, as a model and wheelchair user. It grounds the story further in authentic lived experience.
Logline: Sonya is a super-busy, sought-after model, and dating doesn’t really fit her lifestyle. However, a one-night stand with a clumsy but considerate man changes her perspective.
The Official Trailer My Eyes Are Up Here
Producer Vanessa Muir experienced a stroke in 2016. Her intensive (and ongoing) rehabilitation included relearning how to walk and dealing with cognitive changes. An experience of disability that informed the way My Eyes Are Up Here looked at all aspects of production. The team followed accessible filmmaking guidelines. They were dedicated to ensuring diversity and inclusion on both sides of the camera. With Aminder Virdee guiding the process throughout. As the film’s Intersectional Disability Inclusion and Access Consultant and working with Morris as Director’s Attachment.
Director Nathan Morris began his career making award-winning documentaries in New Zealand. He moved to London, and then New York to work in music, comedy, reality TV and branded content. He directed and wrote for artists such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Nathan’s first short film, AT DAWN, won Directors Choice at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. His second film, PEOPLE ARE ONLY INTERESTING WHEN YOU GET TO KNOW THEM, was selected for three OSCAR-qualifying festivals.
Producers Katie Dolan (CEO, Bad Cat), Vanessa Muir and Naomi Wallwork worked together remotely for four years to create this magical film. MY EYES ARE UP HERE is a WIP Media production in association with Contentability and Sweet Punch. BBC Film and BFI NETWORK support the film, awarding funds from The National Lottery.
MY EYES ARE UP HERE is at Emden Filmfest (Germany). IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival (Bulgaria), deadCenter Festival (Oklahoma). Bentonville Film Festival (Arkansas), and Sundance London (UK) and BuSho Film Festival (Budapest).
This phenomenal short is also at Tribeca on Sunday, June 11th at 12:15 pm. Wednesday, June 14th at 5:45 pm and Saturday, June 17th at 3:15 pm.
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