Misfit M.

saturday, September 28, 2019 at 2:15pm

Program #11

An ASMR vlogger with a devoted following returns to her online fanbase after an extended absence with a livestream Who can you trust when you're the most famous woman in the world? The year is 1961. The woman is Marilyn Monroe. The words are her own.

Documenting four days in 1961 in which Marilyn Monroe was unknowingly admitted to the psychiatric ward of a New York clinic by her own female psychiatrist, only managing to escape thanks to threats made by ex-husband Joe DiMaggio. Shortly thereafter while recovering in New York Hospital, Monroe wrote a letter. With 100% of the films screenplay taken directly from it, 'Misfit M.' sheds light on a chapter of Monroe's life from a completely untampered point-of-view. 
The film lives in a trance; a mirror of Monroe's health at the time. At moments scattered, nostalgic and bitter, Marilyn's words portray a woman who was incredibly misunderstood, lonely and abused but also incredibly smart, insightful, thoughtful and at times playful. 
In addition to the never-ending intrigue of Miss Monroe, 'Misfit M.' is also a window into the abuse and mistreatment of both mental health and of power in a corrupt system. 
Thanks to the cooperation of Julien's Auctions in Los Angeles and the blessing of the current owner of Marilyn's letter, this story has now been taken off the page.

Meet the filmmakers

WRITER - Marilyn Monroe

DIRECTOR - Sarah Hempinstall and Austin Ball

PRODUCER - Paige Locke and Allie Dunbar

CINEMATOGRAPHER

EDITOR - Austin Ball

PRODUCTION DESIGNER

BIOGRAPHIES

Sarah Hempinstall

Sarah Hempinstall is a queer, multifaceted artist born in Ottawa, Ontario. Having been passionate about the arts from a very early age, her many disciplines fostered a deep love for creative expression. She is fascinated by the human experience and believes in the healing power of Art. After spending many years studying the art of acting she developed a passion for writing, directing and filmmaking. She continues her art practice in Toronto, Ontario. 
https://www.sarahhemp.com/

Austin Ball

Austin Ball is a full time filmmaker and actor based in Toronto Canada. After a stint as a professional wakeboarder, he miraculously completed a finance degree in Halifax and immediately moved to Toronto to pursue an acting career. He studied many techniques throughout the city and gained some success in television before putting that on pause to pursue other avenues in life. He later bought a camera and taught himself editing and cinematography while working building houses. Specializing in narrative filmmaking, Austin has won two 48 Hour Film Project competitions in Toronto. His most recent one, an ambitious single shot entitled 'Sir Ludwig’s DuClaudian Twins are Alive & Well and Living in the Same Building' was also nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Writing out of 5000 films at the world finals. Austin found his way back to television and film acting a few years ago and is currently enjoying all facets of filmmaking and collaboration. Directing felt like a natural progression and he is always excited to discover what’s around the corner. Above all else, Austin is a religious fan of movies. 
https://vimeo.com/austinball