Support Julia's Senior Thesis Film

Hi! My name is Julia Messina and I’m a senior film student at Hofstra University, currently working to complete my thesis project, a short film titled “Note to Self.”

The Story:

Madeleine Green is dissatisfied with her life, but when she’s unexpectedly let go from her job that she secretly knows she won’t miss, things only seem to get worse. Seeking solace, she visits her parents for the weekend, where a simple discovery—a letter written by her to her future self—and a chance encounter with a childhood friend, force Madeleine to confront the gap between who she thought she’d be by now and the person she truly wants to become.

The Backstory:

At its core, Note to Self is about the quiet tension that exists between who we are, who we thought we would be, and who we ultimately become. It explores the pressure of societal expectations, the weight of parental love, and the fine line between ambition and contentment. Our protagonist, Madeleine, finds herself at a crossroads—caught between the comfort of a life already mapped out for her and the uncertain, often frightening, possibility of pursuing something more authentic, even if it means deviating from the more logical path that would keep her on the same arbitrary timeline for success as her peers.

Through Madeleine's journey, I wanted to explore the intersection of family, self-identity, and the often-overlooked pressures that come from within. Madeleine’s reunion with her childhood friend Nora and the discovery of her letter to her future self serve as moments of reckoning, where the past and future collide, forcing her to ask the most difficult question of all: Who do I really want to be? A few months ago, I found this photo of myself from fifth grade, and it brought back a similar wave of emotions. I was fortunate enough to have a clear sense of who I wanted to be even as a child, but I often felt like I was falling short or not doing enough to turn that vision into reality. This film is my way of addressing that all-too-common feeling that you’re somehow letting your younger self down. Stylistically, I want the film to feel intimate and nostalgic, focusing on quiet moments of reflection and revelation. It's about discovering that sometimes, the answers don't come from striving harder, but from allowing yourself to be human, messy, and real.

Your contribution will play a vital role in bringing this project to life, helping cover expenses like locations, transportation, production design, and craft services. No matter the size, your donation will make a meaningful impact on the completion of this film, and I am truly grateful for your support!

Sincerely,

Julia Messina

Writer/Director of “Note to Self”