Dear Nora: Short Film  

One Thanksgiving I was sharing the results of a DNA test to my parents and discovered that I have a cousin I never knew about. Our investigation of this name on a computer screen turned into an hours long discussion about the past and all the grief and regret experienced. The possibility of having an additional member of our family hung in the living room between us all like a void. This loss stuck with me narratively and I began to wonder about how I could begin to tell a story about heavy loss, love, grief, and the deeply human urge to ask ‘what if.’ What if you could create something in that absence?

Dear Nora is a story about exploring the imaginary within the realm of loss and grief. Grief is specific to each individual which can create coping mechanisms that may seem strange, but alleviate the pain. In this story, one such mechanism exists: a seemingly innocent conversation over lunch between mother and daughter unwinds into a role play that pushes the boundaries of empathy. As the role play dissolves the women are left with the thin barrier of reality between them. By the end the two women have formed something new and the ‘what if’ becomes a more tangible ‘what is’.

We are currently moving into post-production, and seeking funding to bring this vision to life. Your support will help us pay our post-production workers, production costs, festival submission fees, and anything else we need to complete the vision. With your support, Dear Nora will be able to reach the wide audience we intended. 

- Jay Thomas

Meet the Characters

Meet the Creator

Writer/Director - Jay Thomas

Jay Thomas is in his final stretch toward completing his MFA in Film Production at the University of Texas at Austin. Jay takes a hands-on approach to his filmmaking process. He takes meticulous care in the pre-production stage, working tirelessly to fund and properly structure its production, as well as ensure the safety and happiness of the crew. Jay is an experienced filmmaker, having produced and directed several award-winning, deeply vulnerable short films, including Aqua Vitae (2022) and For Hope (2018).

Dear Nora is the culmination of his time in Texas. It's a collaboration with filmmakers he's found along his far-traveled experiences as a creative, both in his time in NYC and in Austin. Jay is motivated, energetic, and committed. Learn more about him on his website.

- Santiago Berkley

Blue Cowgirl Productions

Blue Cowgirl Productions is an essential element of Dear Nora's success. It is co-founded by the editor of Dear Nora, Anya Swanson, and the Director of Photography, Tori McCarthy.

Anya Swanson is an Emmy-winning writer/director with a good eye for complex characters and heartfelt stories. She uses her empathy in her editing as she easily tunes into the emotional nuances and sensitive themes of Dear Nora. Tori McCarthy is a cinematographer with a diverse background of experiences, working on music videos and documentaries. She has a good instinct for how the talent in Dear Nora would act, and attuned herself to their emotional performances to capture key moments. Find more about them at Blue Cowgirl Productions

ALL GAS Entertainment

ALL GAS Entertainment was brought on to alleviate the workload. It is composed of Grey Johnson, Assad Malik, and Santi Berkley -  students that Jay has mentored in their time as undergraduate students at the University of Texas at Austin.

Grey Johnson's focus is in post production and workflow. He is a well-organized, committed editor. Grey lends his expertise in organizing timelines for post-production, as well as his witty sense of humor. Assad Malik is a talented chef, ensuring that the crew will have catering and cooked-on-set, healthy, hot meals that everyone will enjoy. He is morale-focused. Additionally, Assad focuses on securing good deals on equipment and catering, making sure that donated funds will not go to waste and our workers are paid fairly. Santiago Berkley is a logistically focused producer and talented minion.

Our Progress

Dear Nora officially wrapped it's stage of production. We are incredibly grateful to have received support through the Texas Moody Development Grant   from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as the funding raised in the early stages of production. These contributions have made it possible to get us through most of our production costs.

We’re also proud to be  fiscally sponsored by the Austin Creative Alliance , which means all donations to the film can be tax-deductible (if the donor is interested) and go directly toward bringing this project to life.

We're still facing a need for funding, however to get us closer to festivals and sharing our film, getting its message to as many people as possible. Your support will directly help us cover essential post-production costs and festival entries.