Interview with Louisa Connolly-Burnham on her BAFTA long-listed short film Sister Wives

From the talented writer / director / actress Louisa Connolly-Burnham we get the drama Sister Wives, which follows her character Kaidence who lives with her husband Jeremiah (played by Michael Fox) in a rural cabin in Utah. The couple are part of a religious fundamentalist, polygynous society and despite Kaidences protests Jeremiah one day brings home his second, younger wife Galilee (played by Mia McKenna-Bruce) thus giving the namesake relationship of sister wives. Shortly thereafter Jeremiah gets assigned missionary work which leaves the two women alone in the cabin, being forced to consort the hatred from Kaidence slowly develops into all sorts of unfamiliar and exciting feelings.

Playing off the relatively small location and cast, the film masterfully allows shots to linger, giving space for body language and looks to deepen the experience for the viewer. Throughout the short we see everything from the dialogue and tools used by the characters to costumes and hair and makeup reflect the 1800s look and feel. Juxtaposing this timeframe of the perceived older period of their way of life with the actual story time of a more modern setting gives further emphasis of the discourse that is still attached to the non-hetero relationship. Coupled with beautiful scenery, lighting and a very well crafted production, the film creates an atmosphere to get lost in which lingers past the credit roll, leaving you hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.