DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
‘Siren' explores the isolating grip of perfectionism, deep-rooted depression, and the aftermath of singularly pursuing a goal, neglecting life beyond self-imposed limits. Navigating the human condition through the lens of an artist, the film unveils the harsh realities of desperation, grief, and sacrifice on the path to artistic perfection. Amid this struggle, 'Siren' emphasizes a transformative journey, showcasing that even in the darkest moments, there's a path out of the shadows. It is just as much about depression, grief, and desperation as it is about reclaiming what's been lost, finding healing, and being called to rediscover your purpose.
This film is reflective of a deeply personal journey for me as an artist, who has battled against my struggle with perfectionism, and the haunting shadows of depression that may lurk due to my love for my artistic craft. Siren underscores the unwavering drive that propels artists toward their craft, undeterred by the inevitable obstacles and sacrifices that mark their journey. It highlights the profound obsession that compels artists to pursue their creative vision at any cost.
This is an experience I’ve encountered myself, and I know many other artists have as well. Because just as much as our craft fuels us, drives us and answers questions of our purpose in life, it also can send us crashing into ourselves relentlessly. Both sides of the coin exist.
WRITER’S STATEMENT
My mother, Emily, has been a cellist for over 40 years. At 13, she met Alex on the first day of 8th grade orchestra class; The two became inseparable. The love they shared— though unspoken— was fostered by the countless hours they dedicated to practicing cello together. As they grew older, life and circumstance altered not only the trajectory of their relationship but my mother’s identity as an artist and her relationship to the cello as well.
‘Siren’ – though an LGBTQ adaptation– is based on them.
Being from the LGBTQ community myself, I felt that a queer adaptation of this film would be representative of my own experiences in life & love, while also honoring the experiences of Alex and my mother. The inspiration of their story deserves to be portrayed by the people closest to it, so when I wrote it, Adele was the only person I knew in my heart who could play Erin. Beyond her life as a professional cellist with years on Broadway and experience in classical music, Adele is Alex's younger sister. Adele knows love, and dedication, just as I do, as my mother does, and as Alex did. The pain, anxiety, and fear experienced by her character transcends acting because it is real.
