The short film Lioness, screening at the Topaz Film Festival in October, is a story inspired by the producer, writer, and lead actresses’ experience volunteering at a safe house for women.
“This is absolutely for anyone who has been a survivor of domestic violence or knows someone who has experienced domestic violence,” Sara Olivia, who produced, wrote, and starred in the lead role, said Friday.
But Olivia told The Dallas Express that the film is relatable to everyone including men.
The entire short film takes place in a motel room where, according to its website, the mother tries to protect her child’s innocence.
But the film itself only has one line of dialogue.
“It really is about – yes, the backdrop of domestic violence, but the heart of it is really about the love and tenderness and the bonds of parenthood,” Olivia said.
She said the idea for the film came when observing a woman suffering from domestic violence at the safe house she volunteered in.
“It was around the holiday time around Thanksgiving and I was helping with the kids and I saw this woman and I watched her,” Olivia said. “She had quite a big bruise on her arm and she was getting everything ready and preparing the feast. It really inspired me and made me think of all the sacrifices and the resilience and the will that survivors of domestic violence experience and what they go through, especially through their times of trauma.”
The film is directed by Molly E. Smith who at the time of production was 19 years old. The short film has won multiple awards including the winner for Best Short at the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival in 2022, the Gasparilla International Film Festival winner for Best Florida Production in 2022, and the Georgia Shorts Film Festival winner for Best Actress.
The Topaz Film Festival, where the short film will be screened, is run by the Women in Film Dallas organization whose goal is to support independent women filmmakers. The festival will take place between October 20 to October 27 for the virtual schedule and Oct. 28 to Oct. 30 for the in-person screenings.
Olivia said she believes that even though victims of domestic violence are more prevalent in women, she believes men can definitely get something out of the film.
“I had males come up to me every age, from early 20s to much much older, and they tell me how much this resonated with them,” she said. “There is a palatable bond between a mother and child but there is also a palatable bond between a father and child. My hope with this film is that it shows the absolute love and unspoken strength that is present in every frame.”