Megan Manning-Burton

On Souls Day, 70-year-old widow Marissa lovingly prepares a picnic, speaking to her late husband Ben as if he’s still by her side. At the park, she places flowers beneath the tree where they first met, tracing their initials carved into its trunk. Lost in memories and the tenderness of the day, Marissa leans back, her face softened by shadows, finding peace as she imagines reuniting with him in spirit.

Not too far away from Paradise, is a story about grief. We follow Louisa a young pregnant woman who visits her mother Juliet after many years of absence to announce her pregnancy. Through this interaction, the audience learns about the reasons that caused this mother and daughter to separate for many years.  Juliet had a first child Ana before having Louisa. Ana tragically drowned, whilst Juliet was pregnant with Louisa. Juliet never managed to get over this, this causing her not to be able to love Louisa during her childhood. Louisa having been neglected in her childhood left home at an early age to escape her past and focus on her future.  Today, Louisa visits her mother to try and reconcile with her. In hope the family can reunite again with Louisa’s pregnancy.