This is a short film I created as part of my MFA in Creative Nonfiction at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. During the Fall semester in 2022 I took a film concentration and worked under the brilliant filmmaker Nina Davenport. As part of that concentration, I made the film you’re about to see.

As a Story Producer I typically work with brilliant cinematographers to capture the footage I hope to get. However, Nina challenged me to film this with my iPhone and direct it myself.

I was hesitant at first, but I decided this would be a fun learning experience.

And luckily for me, Natalie Henry, the subject of the film and founder of Pretty Peacock Paperie, shines through even my amateur cinematography.

In this film, she shares what inspired her to create art after birth trauma, as well as after the trauma of the summer of 2020.

Most of all, it’s a love letter to what it means to create from the depths of who you are, from both your pain and your joy.

Watch the short film here.

Learn more about Natalie and support her work at shopprettypeacock.com.