I received an exciting email today:
"After reviewing thousands of films this year, our team has compiled a list of the best independent films of 2016.
Congratulations! We are thrilled to announce your project has been selected as one of the top films of the year, and our jury is honored to have awarded it with a Silver Award."
How cool is that?! Chill, a Silver Award Winner at the 2016 Spotlight Documentary Film Awards!
Friday, December 23, 2016
Saturday, November 12, 2016
My Irish Guardian Angel
By the end of the yesterday, I was emotionally exhausted and my heart was aching.
My car was parked a few blocks away. I was hoping the stroll and fresh air would help clear my head. I noticed a short, white-haired man carrying a camouflage backpack walking ten feet in front of me.
On the other side of the street, there was a group of young guys doing skateboard tricks and hanging out. The white-haired man said hello as he passed them, glanced back at me and continued moving forward.
As I reached the street corner, he looked back again. I was about a foot away from the skaters dudes when the white-haired man asked, “You okay?”
“Yes”, I answered. I was so touched by his kindness that I immediately felt a lump in my throat and my eyes started to burn.
My car was parked a few blocks away. I was hoping the stroll and fresh air would help clear my head. I noticed a short, white-haired man carrying a camouflage backpack walking ten feet in front of me.
On the other side of the street, there was a group of young guys doing skateboard tricks and hanging out. The white-haired man said hello as he passed them, glanced back at me and continued moving forward.
As I reached the street corner, he looked back again. I was about a foot away from the skaters dudes when the white-haired man asked, “You okay?”
“Yes”, I answered. I was so touched by his kindness that I immediately felt a lump in my throat and my eyes started to burn.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
For Everyone Hearing and Saying "Get Over It"
After 8 years of complete resistance, Thanks Obama hashtags and a ton of bullshit, one day later people are saying, “Get over it.” Well, guess what?
I’ll get over it when I don’t have to carry my passport to travel domestically to “prove” that I’m a citizen because I don’t fit into someone else’s idea of what an American looks like.
I’ll get over it when people stop believing that they can choose better for my body than I can.
I’ll get over it when I don’t have to worry about getting a phone call that something happened to my little brother because he’s black, walking and wearing a fucking hoodie.
I’ll get over it when my sister doesn’t have to worry if she’ll get the chance to marry the women who’s the love of her life.
I’ll get over it when I stop getting called and these are direct quotes by the way, “stuck up”, “bitch”, and “racist” because I politely decline a man who walked up to me on the street and asked me out.
I’ll get over it when I don’t have to stop in a coffee shop and ask for help from the person behind the counter because the guy I said no to feels the need to intimidate and follow me as I walk home.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Women's Independent Film Festival
I couldn't sleep so I was be-bopping on my laptop, checking email: Chill has been selected for this season of Women's Independent Film Festival and awarded First Place Documentary!
If you're in the LA area and would like to attend the screening, click here to get tickets and more info.
If you're in the LA area and would like to attend the screening, click here to get tickets and more info.
- When: Saturday, October 29, 2016
- Where: The Complex Hollywood in the Dorie Theater (Q&A to follow)
- Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Block 1
Monday, October 24, 2016
Imagine This Women's International Film Festival
We're on a roll! Chill is an official selection of the first annual Imagine This Women's International Film Festival in Brooklyn, NY.
If you're in the NYC area and want to check out the screening, click here to purchase a ticket. *Unlimited popcorn included with all admission prices.
If you're in the NYC area and want to check out the screening, click here to purchase a ticket. *Unlimited popcorn included with all admission prices.
- When: Sunday, November 13, 2016
- Where: Wythe Hotel
- Time: 12:45 pm - Short Doc Program 1
Monday, October 17, 2016
7th Annual ITSA Film Festival
I'm excited to share that Chill has been chosen as an official selection for the ITSA Film Festival in Sonora, CA. Yahoo!
The screening will take place on Sunday, November 13, 2016, during Session 1 (from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm). Short Q&A will follow.
The screening will take place on Sunday, November 13, 2016, during Session 1 (from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm). Short Q&A will follow.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Twin Cities Black Film Festival
Guess who's going to St. Paul, Minnesota? This girl. Chill is an official selection of the Twin Cities Black Film Festival!
The screening will take place on Sunday, October 9, 2016, at the Minnesota History Center at 3:00 pm. Click here to purchase a ticket and to find out more about the Twin Cities Black Film Festival.
The screening will take place on Sunday, October 9, 2016, at the Minnesota History Center at 3:00 pm. Click here to purchase a ticket and to find out more about the Twin Cities Black Film Festival.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Chill Screening with Dr. Bendikson of USC Fertility
We're coming up on a holiday weekend so let's start it off right with yummy breakfast foods and a private screening of Chill!
Date: Saturday, September 3, 2016
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Digital Vortechs Echo Park
After the film (run time 19:13), Dr. Kristin Bendikson of USC Fertility will be available to answer your fertility and egg freezing questions.
Please note: This particular screening is only for women. We want the ladies in attendance to feel comfortable asking any questions they may have about fertility.
If you'd like to join us, you must RSVP no later than Friday, September 2nd. Limited seating available. Click here to attend.
Date: Saturday, September 3, 2016
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Digital Vortechs Echo Park
After the film (run time 19:13), Dr. Kristin Bendikson of USC Fertility will be available to answer your fertility and egg freezing questions.
Please note: This particular screening is only for women. We want the ladies in attendance to feel comfortable asking any questions they may have about fertility.
If you'd like to join us, you must RSVP no later than Friday, September 2nd. Limited seating available. Click here to attend.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Fertility Authority Talks Chill
Chill is a touching documentary about a single woman fighting to preserve her fertility
and dreams of motherhood through egg freezing in her mid-thirties. Jennifer
Frappier documented her feelings, thoughts, and experiences in the weeks
leading up to her egg retrieval while also directing and producing the film.
"I made the decision to freeze my eggs to possibly extend
my fertility," said Frappier.
During my egg freezing research I read a lot of stories
with asterisks next to the woman’s name and there was never a photo. It was
frustrating to me that women felt like they had to hide their identity. I
wanted to document my experience to attach a face, a person, that people could
identify with, to the egg freezing process.”
The film documents everything from her daily injections,
monitoring ultrasounds, and other incidents, including a setback that
threatened her success. Jennifer refers to the threat that caused her to have
to stop the cycle and start again, as the “Monster Follicle”.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Women's Only Entertainment Film Festival
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
My Favorite Necklace
Like any other day, when I got home from vacation, I took off my favorite necklace and put it away. Yesterday, I took it out to wear and it was a tangle-ly mess. I mean, knots and everything so I tried to untangle it. Five minutes went by. Ten minutes went by.
Getting frustrated I started talking to myself, “I don’t remember it being like this when I put it away. I would NEVER put it away like this…Ugh…For crying out loud, I just wanna wear my favorite necklace! Is that too much to ask? Sheesh!”
Now, the necklace was in worse shape than when I started. Pissed, I put it away and began my day without it. (Boo!)
Getting frustrated I started talking to myself, “I don’t remember it being like this when I put it away. I would NEVER put it away like this…Ugh…For crying out loud, I just wanna wear my favorite necklace! Is that too much to ask? Sheesh!”
Now, the necklace was in worse shape than when I started. Pissed, I put it away and began my day without it. (Boo!)
Saturday, May 28, 2016
World Premiere at the Mixed Remixed Festival
After four years of blood, sweat and tears Chill is finished! I can't believe it. I'm super excited to share it with you!
The World Premiere will take place on Saturday, June 11th during the Mixed Remixed Festival at the Japanese American National Museum. The screening will begin at 1:00 pm and will be followed by a Q&A session.
It's been a long ride, but I'm so grateful for your support and encouragement during this journey. I look forward to seeing you on June 11th at the Mixed Remixed Festival for the World Premiere of Chill! Yay!!
Click here to reserve your seat and register for the Festival!
The World Premiere will take place on Saturday, June 11th during the Mixed Remixed Festival at the Japanese American National Museum. The screening will begin at 1:00 pm and will be followed by a Q&A session.
It's been a long ride, but I'm so grateful for your support and encouragement during this journey. I look forward to seeing you on June 11th at the Mixed Remixed Festival for the World Premiere of Chill! Yay!!
Click here to reserve your seat and register for the Festival!
Friday, May 27, 2016
Eggsurance: Women Like You Follow-Up Interview
When I first started this project, I did an interview with Eggsurance about my egg freezing experience and the filming of Chill. It's almost 4 years later, Chill is super close to being done and Brigitte has relaunched Eggsurance with an updated look and new content. We took some time to do a follow-up interview. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Chill Has a Movie Poster!
We're so close to finishing the film! In the meantime, here's a peak of Chill's movie poster. A big thank you to Vincent at Clean and Simple Studios for the design! He was professional, passionate and super easy to work with!
Sunday, May 8, 2016
My Eggsperience Interview
To be honest, life has kinda been kicking my ass the last couple months. There have been roller coaster ride of challenges and changes, but a lot of good things are happening too:
- I adopted a smooth fox terrier puppy; his name is Judah.
- My dream of becoming a 90's "fly girl" came to fruition thanks to French Horn Rebellion's new video "Foolin' Around".
- I had a milestone birthday. Woot!
- Chill is super close to being finished. It will be done THIS month. Hooray!
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Stephaine Stark's Egg Freezing for Every Women
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Stephanie Stark's book Egg Freezing for Every Woman. If you're contemplating egg freezing, this book is a great place to start your research. It's clear, concise and very informative. The facts are laid out in an organized and orderly fashion, which is awesome because the egg freezing process can feel overwhelming in the beginning. Who am I kidding? The process is an emotional roller coaster throughout.
Back to the book; here are a few of my favorite parts:
In chapter three, Finding the Best Clinic, Stephanie provides a list of 12 questions you can ask the doctor when "interviewing" fertility centers. I would say about half of the answers can be found on a clinic's website so you can have those answers before you even go to the appointment. The remaining will depend on your age and health factors, which you can discuss with the doctor directly. Of the 12 questions, I think these two are most important to remember when choosing a clinic:
Back to the book; here are a few of my favorite parts:
In chapter three, Finding the Best Clinic, Stephanie provides a list of 12 questions you can ask the doctor when "interviewing" fertility centers. I would say about half of the answers can be found on a clinic's website so you can have those answers before you even go to the appointment. The remaining will depend on your age and health factors, which you can discuss with the doctor directly. Of the 12 questions, I think these two are most important to remember when choosing a clinic:
- Has your clinic achieved live births from egg freezing from women my age? If so, how many?
- Based on my age and health, how many rounds of egg freezing do I need to go through?
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Happy New Year!
So many great things happened in 2015! I was given several opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and take more risks. It was a little terrifying at first, but it opened me up creatively and has been a fantastic experience. I started studying improv at iOWest and was chosen for the Honor Roll show. It was a blast! I never thought this would happen, but I was turned into a cartoon character. How cool is that?! An interview about my egg freezing journey and Chill, ran on the front page of the Los Angeles Times with a photo. In addition, Chill was named one of the top 20 films in the making by From the Heart Productions. Last, but not least, I traveled to India where I rode and bathed an elephant, attended my first Indian wedding and visited the Taj Mahal. It was a magical trip! Looking forward to seeing how this amazing adventure unfolds in 2016!
A big thank you for your support and encouragement. Wishing you a fun-filled and prosperous New Year!
A big thank you for your support and encouragement. Wishing you a fun-filled and prosperous New Year!
Photo Legend - Row 1: Honor Roll props, new head shot, updated Chill logo; Row 2: Sunday Night interview, Mixed Remixed, elephant bath; Row 3: egg photo credit F. Orr, new head shot, FOX 11 interview; Row 4: me as a cartoon, last Honor Roll show, at the Taj Mahal
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