This month, the Irish artist Myrid Carten will show her first full-length documentary, “A Want in Her,” at the IDFA film festival. The film is a highly personal look at family love amid mental health problems.
The movie is about Carten’s quest to get back in touch with her mother, Nuala, who used to work as a social worker but is now dealing with drugs and mental illness. Carten uses a unique mix of home videos and art pieces to paint a personal picture of how strong a family is.
The video came about after a string of terrible family deaths. Six of Nuala’s brothers died between 2018 and 2021, which made her mental health worse and eventually caused her to lose her home.
“More than skills or talents, what’s extraordinary is how people deal with their inner struggles,” said Carten. When she returned from London, she used her camera to learn about and record what her mother had been through.
The movie is more than just a personal story; it also deals with general issues like caring for others and dealing with complicated emotions. “Many people have loved ones who are having trouble,” Carten said. “The rage and care that come with supporting someone is a shared human experience.”
The film “A Want in Her” was made by Inland Films, Snowstorm Productions, and Basalt Film working together. It received funding from Screen Ireland and the BFI Doc Society Fund.
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Carten has shown her art in well-known places like Mother’s Tankstation in London and Dublin, where she is already known for her visual art. Her first documentary looks like it will show that she is a brave writer who isn’t afraid to look into tough family issues.
The movie takes a real look at mental health, addiction, and the complicated ties of family love through darkly funny and personal conversations.
