Introduction
Matrescence is a short drama about a first-time mother struggling with postnatal depression. Created as our graduate film at the University of Portsmouth in 2025, it explores the complicated transition into motherhood and the parts of that experience that can be incredibly difficult to talk about. What started as an ambitious university project has since taken on a life of its own, travelling to festivals around the world and reaching people who have seen their own experiences reflected in the story.
Inspiration
The idea for Matrescence was always personal. The mums of our writer, director and producer all experienced postnatal depression, so the idea quickly became a story that felt even more important to tell. We spoke to other mums and researched extensively, with many moments in the film inspired by things they had actually experienced.
We wanted to explore the pressure placed on new mothers to feel happy, grateful and fulfilled after the birth of their baby, even when they are struggling. Postnatal depression is incredibly isolating, particularly when admitting you are struggling can feel like admitting you are a bad mother.
The word “matrescence” means the physical, psychological and emotional process of becoming a mother. Even now, many devices mark the word with a red underline as though it is not a real word. There is something ironic about that when becoming a mother is such a huge transformation.
The Process
Making Matrescence was never going to be a small undertaking. We were determined to make the film we had written rather than scale it back simply because we were students. We wanted to create something that had never been attempted as a graduate film at our university before, including featuring a real baby in a central role.
We could have changed the script or used a prop, but we knew that would compromise the story. Working with a baby added enormous responsibility and logistical complexity to an already ambitious production. There were times when it felt like we were putting our degrees on the line just to make the film exactly as we envisioned it, but we believed the story was worth that risk.
The most rewarding part has come after the film was finished. Matrescence is now travelling internationally as part of its festival journey. At screenings, parents have approached us afterwards to say they recognised themselves, their partners or their own experiences in the film. Those conversations are exactly what we dreamed of when we made it.
What It Means to Be a Finalist
Being selected as a finalist at Worcester Film Festival is incredibly special. It is our second BIFA-qualifying festival selection, and another step in a festival journey we could never have imagined when we were making “just another grad film” at university.
Seeing a film that began in Portsmouth now travel around the world is surreal. Awards and selections are incredible, but what we dreamed of most was making something that could genuinely mean something to someone. Every time a parent tells us the film made them feel seen, it reminds us why we made Matrescence.
Where to Watch / Follow
Matrescence is continuing its festival journey, with more screenings and selections to come. Follow @matrescence_shortfilm on Instagram for festival news, screenings and updates as we continue sharing the film and its message with new audiences
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