To Comfort You

Susan Blakely and Pauley Perrette give outstanding performances in this short film as a mother and daughter trying to bridge the physical and emotional distance created over the years and come to terms with the daughter's difficult living circumstances. The film examines one in a series of daily phones by the mother to her HIV+, lesbian daughter living in a different part of the country. Director Marc Saltarelli and writer Tom O'Leary tackle the difficult subject matter with restraint, humor and emotional resonance. Great work all around! The film has been playing the festival circuit and won big at the Beverly Hills Shorts Festival 2010 with Jury Awards for Best Film and Best Drama, and a tie in the Best Actress category for the film's stars Susan Blakely and Pauley Perrette.

A young woman in her room.

A presumed rich lady in her house.

The connection between them reflected by a phone conversation mixing memories, advices, wish to be free and the conscience about bad health state of the younger. It is a conversation mother - daughter, a protective mom, a young woman affected by AIDS and the effort of first to help and support her child, the effort of the other to accept the situation and be just herself.

Beautiful performances, wise crafted story , intense message. And one of great finals , in circle, as a sort of reflection in mirror.

In short, just beautiful and touching, in profound sense.