Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help bring The Other Side to life.
 

Logline

A chance meeting with an older woman in a cemetery changes the trajectory of a young woman’s life, leading her on a humorous and poignant journey of self-discovery in the complexities of modern love in Los Angeles.

Synopsis

The Other Side follows Scarlett, a young woman adrift in modern-day Los Angeles, a bit out of step with her own time-living among old Hollywood remnants and navigating a fractured relationship. Her mornings begin with a repetitive routine of visiting Hollywood Forever Cemetery, capturing moments through her camera lens. At the cemetery, Scarlett crosses paths with Clementine, an elderly woman devoted to a routine visit to her husband’s grave, igniting an unexpected bond. Their conversations prompt Scarlett to reevaluate her struggles with love, pain, and the uncertainties of life.

Haunted by an ex, James, Scarlett is enveloped in turmoil. James reaches out, attempting to reconcile, while Scarlett grapples with heartache, seeking solace in Clementine’s wisdom. Their discussions prompt Scarlett to confront her past, reassess her feelings, and realize her struggle isn’t unique to her generation-or even herself. Ultimately making Scarlett feel less alone.

The story unfolds through Scarlett’s emotional journey. Her encounters with Clementine at the cemetery bring a new perspective. Clementine’s advice encourages Scarlett to release her romantic idealism and societal norms, enabling her to let go of James and embrace her own individuality.

The narrative captures Scarlett’s gradual transformation from emotional fragility to a newfound sense of self-assuredness. She learns that life’s uncertainties don’t define her, and her vulnerability doesn’t equate to weakness. The closing scene portrays Scarlett reclaiming her life, dancing with liberation and joy, signifying her renewal and rediscovery of self-worth.

The Other Side delves into the complexities of relationships, nostalgia for a bygone era, and the quest for personal growth. Through the unlikely friendship between Scarlett and Clementine, the film paints a compelling picture of resilience and the timeless pursuit of inner strength.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Megan Penn – Writer/Actress
Megan Penn is a New York born and bred actress, Method trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in a Conservatory program, at the Actors Studio, and with Larry Moss. Megan’s likeness has been featured in the work of today’s top avant-garde talent, including the portfolios of Nadia Lee Cohen, Mathieu Bitton, Aristotle Torres, and Emily Elizabeth Thomas. Her screen work has won several awards and accolades, including best acting awards at both the Seattle Film Festival and Nót Film Fest. In addition to her presence on film, Megan has contributed heavily to her intellectual portfolio, including her own poetry book Memoirs of a Broken Heart, co-writing the film The Other Woman, and ghost writing poetry for Lana Del Rey in her album release campaign.

Paige Stark – Director/Writer
Paige Stark is a filmmaker and musician born and raised in Southern California. She has a BFA in Theater, and spent much of her young life on the stage before becoming involved with music and filmmaking. After a long stint of acting in Film & TV and touring as a musician, she pivoted into directing in 2018, directing several music videos, fashion films, and commercials. Her work has appeared in Spin Magazine, Nylon, Flaunt, Fader, Interview Magazine, and Nowness among other publications. This is her first solely narrative project as a director.

Kira Vykhodtseva – Producer
Kira is an LA-based producer with over nine years of experience, including collaborations with many award winning directors. Working both on commercial, narrative and art projects, she led tons of multimedia digital projects, including TVcs, branded content, music videos, and short films.

Make a donation to The Other Side.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.