A fierce forty-something woman tries to escape traumatic memories by participating in the Ironman triathlon, only to be diagnosed with CFS. As her life unravels, she clings to an unlikely friend who helps and then hinders her journey to recovery.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Hannah Ehman
Jade: Val Cole
Answering Machine/Mother/Norma: Elizabeth Rose Morriss:
Alex: Geoff Mays

Get to know the writer;

1. What is your screenplay about?

This film is centered around the protagonist Jade, a 40-something newly single woman who is very driven in her work life and with her athletic pursuits.

On the surface she appears to be chasing her dreams, but in reality, she is running away from a nightmare.

This film explores themes of how people cope with trauma. We’ve all seen stories about people who dive into counselling, others who self-medicate or those who sink into depression. In this story, the character doubles-down on pursuing her goals. We know that society celebrates and admires driven people. In this story Jade’s drive causes her life to unravel, and she sinks into a state of self-loathing.

This film also deals with themes of identity. Jade struggles with the loss of her identity because she defines herself by the things she does, not who she is at the core. Rewiring Jade explores the complex relationships Jade has with unlikely friends who both help and hinder her journey.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

My screenplay is a character drama or a dramedy. It may be important to note that this is not a sports movie (even though the Ironman is a small part of it).

2. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

This story could be described as a mash-up between Silver Linings Playbook and The Big Sick. Rewiring Jade may have broad appeal with its themes of identity, friendship, loss, and ultimately hope and resilience.

3. How would you describe this script in two words?

Inspiring and bittersweet.

4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Probably a tie between The Wizard of Oz, Witness, Goodwill Hunting and Silver Linings Playbook

5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

For five years

6. How many stories have you written?

I made several short documentaries in my role as a fundraiser, however, this is my first feature film.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I struggled with a chronic illness for a decade and my recovery felt transformational. When I came out the other side, I was not the same person as before. Writing this script allowed me to process and release the traumatic memories, making it a cathartic experience! Adding unexpected humour to the story helped me take my power back from an experience that almost destroyed me.

This film is not literally about me – rather it is inspired by what I went through. While the characters are fictional, a few are inspired by a combination of real people and imaginative elements.

While snippets of the story mirror real events, the main similarity that aligns with my experience is how Jade felt in certain situations. I have also tried to be as realistic as possible about the impact of CFS, but it has been toned down for the film.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

There were two main obstacles. One was time, as I work full-time as a fundraiser. Therefore, I was working on it during evenings and weekends. In order not to burn out, I took long breaks.

This was helpful as it allowed me to look at scenes with a fresh perspective.

While this film is inspired by true events, it took some time to let go of my attachment to the actual events and focus more on what made the best story.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I am passionate about wellness from a 360-degree POV. I am being certified as a Rieke practitioner. I am passionate about inclusion and social justice.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

This festival has been running for nine years and has complimentary reviews. I was particularly excited about the podcast opportunity because it allows me to share my passion project with a broader audience.
The initial feedback focused a lot on the illness that the main character Jade struggles with. I understand that is natural as there are almost no stories about chronic fatigue syndrome.

However my hope is that audiences see beyond the illness to the broader themes in the film. I did not set out to write a ‘disease movie of the week’. Rather my focus was on creating well defined, intriguing and relatable characters that the audience cares about.