A Little Diddy in HuffPost

I'm so grateful to be included in the Huffington Post article below.  Plus, it's a nice follow up to my documentary, Chill.

Ji Sub Jeong 

‘I Felt Liberated’: How Freezing Their Eggs Changed These Women’s Dating Lives For The Better
by Amanda Duberman

Jennifer Frappier froze her eggs when she was 36. A few years later, she was still single and thinking seriously about using them to become a single parent. She prepared to buy a house with an unused wedding fund and started browsing sperm donors. She figured she wouldn’t have time for dating as a single mom, so she joined Tinder just for fun.

“I thought, I’m going to go on basically my last few dates and get to know people and have fun,” she said. “Maybe if I date with no pressure or expectations, I won’t be so disappointed. It was very freeing.”

And then something completely unexpected happened: She met someone almost immediately.

Frappier’s experience isn’t unique. She’s one of several women who told HuffPost that freezing their eggs changed their dating lives for the better. One dated people who enriched her life but who she never would have considered had she not already secured her access to motherhood. Another felt a weight lift from her existing relationship that she hadn’t even realized was there. All of the women HuffPost spoke to reported feeling a new sense of boldness and levity in their dating lives after freezing their eggs, unburdened of the pressure to settle down and fast. Read on for their stories.

World of Women Film Fair Middle East

What a great way to start 2018! Chill is an official selection of the World of Women Film Fair Middle East, March 6-8, 2018, in Dubai.  WOW is a unique showcase of films by or about women, allowing for a different storytelling and giving another perspective of the world through women's eyes.

Oh! And I just had the first fitting for my wedding dress. Today was a pretty good day.

When Fros Collide

This time last year, I had already decided to begin my journey as a single mom.  For me, this meant:  finding a sperm donor, and if I needed to, using some of those eggs I had frozen.

Before this single mom adventure moved forward, I needed to find a new place to live. Somewhere me and my future kid would be comfortable.  As much as I loved being downtown, my loft living situation wasn't conducive to a new addition.  I mean, the only doors in the apartment were the main one and the door to the bathroom.  So I started looking for an apartment with more doors; a two bedroom. 

For those who aren't aware, rent in Los Angeles is completely insane.  During my search for a new pad, I realized renting a two bedroom flat would cost more monthly than a mortgage for a condo or small house.  Seriously.  THEN I added up all the rent checks I've written since moving to LA.  Get ready.  No, really hold on to your hats -- I've paid (or rather flushed) almost $150,000 in rent in the last 10 years.  Are you kidding me?!  I could have equity in a property.  After seeing the numbers, I couldn't deny the best choice was for me to buy my first house.  

After working with a super-awesome realtor, Shannon Shue, and looking at what seemed like a hundred houses, I finally found my home!  A cute bungalow:  2 bedrooms with a den, garage, a grapefruit AND lemon tree in the backyard.  I moved in Dec 9, 2016.

Whatashort Independent International Film Festival

I've received a handful of emails from women in New Delhi asking about egg freezing and where they can see Chill. Well, guess what?!  I'm proud to share that Chill is heading to India for it's International Premiere at the Whatashort Independent International Film Festival, July 8-9!  

2016 Spotlight Documentary Film Awards

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!

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.

• 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

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.

• When:  Sunday, November 13, 2016
• Where:  Wythe Hotel
• Time:  12:45 pm - Short Doc Program 1

This means Chill will be screening on the east and west coast on the same day!

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.

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.

Fertility Authority Talks Chill

Chill:  A documentary film about the modern-day journey to motherhood

By Fertility Authority

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”.

Women's Only Entertainment Film Festival

I'm really psyched to share that Chill has been accepted to the Women's Only Entertainment Film Festival.  Currently, the event is only viewed by judges.  The winners will be announced this month.  Thanks for supporting women in film and congrats to all the filmmakers!

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!  

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!

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!

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

USC Fertility Talks Egg Freezing and Chill

Here's a little write up from USC Fertility about my egg freezing experience and Chill!

Chill Documentary Follows USC Fertility Patient Through Egg Freezing in Her 30s
by USC Fertility

"Her eggs were on the cover of the Los Angeles Times.  

You may recognize Jennifer Frappier, the lovely woman who decided to freeze her eggs when she was 36.  Dating but not betrothed, she opted for egg freezing and three years later has found her voice as a blogger and documentary filmmaker raising awareness for fertility preservation. 

After her initial research into egg freezing, Jennifer made and appointment with Dr. Kristin Bendikson with USC Fertility as a part of a fact-finding mission.  After learning more about the fertility treatment, Jennifer asked herself not 'Should I pursue egg freezing?' but 'Why wouldn't I?'

Why USC Fertility for Egg Freezing?

Jennifer says that her first impression was that USC Fertility is a family.  'Seeing the pictures of kids on the wall, having everyone treat me with kindness and respect, and even the woman who had taken my blood encouraged me and was part of my journey.'

Two weeks later, Jennifer started the egg freezing process.  That first cycle ended on the third day because of a dominant follicle that concerned Dr. Bendikson.  For Jennifer, the holiday season and her grandfather's health put plans on hold, but the next egg freezing cycle proceeded as planned. 

'It went super smooth -- no monster follicles!' she said.  'I felt this sense of euphoria; I was happy and excited.' She had the trigger shot, moved on to egg retrieval and woke up with 13 eggs, of which nine were mature. 

Nine were enough for Jennifer.  'I remember talking to my mom about having more eggs retrieved.  I asked myself:  Was there a number that would ever be enough?  That perspective helped me to feel content.'

Guess Who's a Hot Film in the Making?

AWESOME NEWS: I'm excited to share that Chill has been named one of the top 20 Hot Films in the Making by From the Heart Productions. 

How cool is that?!

Chill on Australia's Sunday Night

About a month ago, I was interviewed by PJ Madam from Sunday Night to be a part of an egg freezing segment called, To Freeze or Not to Freeze.  It aired in Australia this past Sunday night!

As you know, I believe it's very important for women to be informed that egg freezing is an option, do the research and make the best choice for themselves.

I'm so grateful to continue to be a part of the conversation and share my story.

Chill & Motiio

A huge thank you to Motiio out of Washington, DC for creating Chill's new logo, Twitter header, updated blog design and last, but definitely not least -- a new promo.  I never thought I'd get to see myself as a cartoon, but they made it happen and I love it! Check it out!

Chill Promo from Jennifer Frappier on Vimeo.

Awesome, right?  If you like their work, be sure to follow them on Twitter @MotiioMedia

Health Smart on KTLA

I'm excited to share that I was a part of an egg freezing piece on KTLA's Health Smart.  My interview was short, but I was happy to share why I chose to freeze my eggs.  Oh, and I really like the "Froze Her Eggs" title below my name; it made me giggle.    

Click here to check out the KTLA5 segment.  Let me know that you think!  

Chill and ABC's 20/20 with Aditi Roy

It's been an amazing week!  Yesterday, I was interviewed by Aditi Roy from ABC's 20/20 to be a part of a segment on egg freezing.  The show will also feature clips from Chill!  It's been an exciting journey and I'm so thrilled to have the opportunity to share it with you! I'll keep you posted on the air date!

A huge thank you to those who have supported this project from the beginning:  Heidi Durrow, Lesa Lakin, Mandi Forehand, Justin Kuhn, Mary Peralta and last, but not least - my mom!