Sweet Fern

Sweet Fern is starting a new film project that will blend myth with science, mythical creatures, nature and biodiversity.  Think “Heart of Darkness” (but not the racist stuff, more the feeling of entering a world unknown and full of possibilities equally frightening and wonderful, where fact and fiction blend); a theme heavily inspired by the journals of explorers before the dawn of the Darwinian era.

Have you come across any interesting myths or legends about nature in your travels?  Perhaps a creature that was once thought to be myth, or a creature that still exists only in the realm of the mythical?  An explorer battling mythical beings in his fight to classify real-world life forms?

We’re also trying to find personal stories where myth and reality are clashing today, maybe in the form of a conservation fight over a “mythical” creature, or the witnessing of evolution by a bible-toting farmer, or the case for myth in preserving biodiversity.

Also, as we continue to form our story, we realize that it will involve the great 19th century explorer  and controversial figure Alfred Russel Wallace in some way.

If you know of any stories or people that would fit our theme, please contact Sweet Fern at sharon[at]sweetfernproductions[dot]com.  We really do look forward to hearing from you!

Poster design by Lauren Casteel/Bearlovies!

Wow!  After a string of lucky coincidences, filmmaker Michael Moore saw ‘Parasites’ a few weeks ago, came up to Sharon afterwards, and invited her to screen at the renowned  Traverse City Film Festival, which he founded six years ago in Traverse City, Michigan.  TC will be the OFFICIAL festival premiere!  Exact screening date is not yet set, but the festival runs from July 27th to August 1st in beautiful Northern Michigan.  We hope to see you there!

‘Parasites,’ completed for my graduate thesis, qualified for this year’s Student Academy Awards!  It will screen in NYC Thursday, April 29th, at the HBO Screening Room located at 1100 Avenue of the Americas (between 42^nd and 43^rd streets), 15^thFloor Theater.  Start time is 3 p.m. Finalists will be announced at a closed reception later that evening. Fingers crossed!

Scruffy Midwesterners packed Gina Pensiero’s Clinton Hill abode on February 27th for the not-at-all-ego-inflating “Sharon Shattuck Film Fest.” Among the visual treats offered were a newly edited cut of ‘Parasites,’ as well as the first half of a bumping new electro-viola song, ‘Ghost,’ set to a photo collage from my cupcake decorating birthday party. Other shorts screened included some of my favorite collaborations with producer Michelle Delateur, including the spoof “Trees and the Presidential Election.” After the films, there was a dance party. All in all, a great night!

The audience during 'Parasites.'

Last night, ‘Parasites: A User’s Guide’ screened to a packed auditorium at 19 University Place in NYC.  There were great questions during the Q&A, and I think that the film will generate lots of interest and meaningful discussion when it is officially released.  I’m very excited to begin the film festival submission process!  Stay tuned, and check out the film’s website, here, for more details.