A mother/daughter relationship – some are lucky enough to experience a supportive bond that’s smooth sailing most of the time, while others face a rocky road that’s turbulent and often toxic.
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A teenage Gayle. (Courtesy Photo) |
In Look at us Now, Mother!, filmmaker Gayle Kirschenbaum documents all the honest ups and downs that she shares with Mildred Kirschenbaum – her at times judgmental and overbearing mother. Guild Hall in East Hampton will host a one night only screening of the film on Friday, September 30th at 8 p.m. Guild Hall in East Hampton will host a one night only screening of the film on Friday, September 30th at 8 p.m.
Gayle, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, spent years calling the shots behind the camera and never really aspired to be a subject of one of her projects. “I never expected to make such a deeply personal film,” she shared. “I had spent most of my career behind the camera telling other people’s stories, but it soon became apparent that the highly charged relationship I had with my mother and its transformation from hate to love was a story I had to tell.”
We’ve all had those “Mom, did you really just say that?” moments, but most would prefer not to relive them, especially if it’s on camera. For Gayle, making this film and watching those trying moments with her unabashedly frank “mommie dearest” served as a cathartic process. “The journey of making this film taught me that the biggest gift you can give yourself is the ability to forgive,” Gayle explained.
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Gayle and Mildred go to therapy together to repair issues that plagued their past. (Courtesy Photo) |
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Mildred relaxes poolside as a youth. (Courtesy Photo) |
Look at us Now, Mother! covers decades-worth of extremely personal, family home movies and videos that chronicles Gayle’s “Leave it to Beaver-esque” childhood on Long Island, as well as family gatherings, fights, and even recent tragedies. “I knew that I was not going to give up, or edit out content no matter how personal and revealing it was,” she noted. “I was committed to making an honest, uncensored film and was ready to share my insecurities, struggles and self —warts and all.”
While Gayle and Mildred have had a strained relationship in the past, nowadays the mother/daughter duo is trying to overcome the issues that have plagued their relationship through therapy.
The filmmaker believes their journey is one that any viewer can relate to – whether it’s all rainbows and butterflies or a constant shouting match when your mom is around. “It is the most complicated and emotionally charged film I have ever done and the most important,” Gayle said. “This is my story but it also could be your story; laugh a little, cry a little, and discover that forgiveness is possible even when it seems unlikely.”
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Gayle and Mildred Kirschenbaum. (Courtesy Photo) |
Tickets are $15 and $13 for Members. Along with the screening, the evening will include a Q&A with Gayle Kirschenbaum.
Guild Hall is located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton. For more information, call 631-324-0806 or visit www.guildhall.org. For more information about Look at us Now, Mother!, visit www.lookatusnowmother.com.
