Michelle Owusu
Writer, Filmmaker, and producer of the Award-winning short film, The Surrogate
Markus, a young man, feels that he has missed out substantially on having a relationship with his father, and he decides to hire someone to help him process his feelings.
Markus hears a knock as an old, bear-like man walks through the door. Markus is nervous and begins to fish around his hoodie for cash to pay the man. It feels as if Markus has hired an older prostitute, and that they are about to hook up, but as the dialogue continues, it is evident that Markus hired the man for “other” therapeutic needs. Markus has hired Darryl, an inquisitive man, to act as his Father and help him process some of the trauma and neglect he experienced as a child.
As Markus opens up, Darryl pushes back and defends the actions as his father. Towards the end, Markus breaks down and reveals how he is going to be a Father and that he won’t make the same mistakes. Darryl empathizes with Markus and encourages Markus that he will be different and will indeed be a good father.
In an effort to confront childhood neglect, a young man hires someone to act as his father in hopes of processing his long-ignored feelings.
A lovingly unique premise if there ever was one, THE SURROGATE offers us an intimate look at dealing with difficult relationships thanks to a tightly written script by Michelle Owusu _ Calgary International Film Festival
About Michelle Owusu:
A writer and filmmaker with a background in technology consulting, Michelle brings a rare combination of imagination, identity, and intention to everything she creates. Her debut and award-winning short film The Surrogate moved audiences with its emotional truth on the subject of masculinity, a testament to her gift for telling stories that matter.
Now, she’s turning the page to a bold new chapter with her young adult science fiction and fantasy novel. It’s an adventurous story of magic, climate, and the unshakable force of finding yourself in girlhood. Through her work, Michelle invites us all to pause, to wonder, and to remember that we each have a role to play in shaping a more connected and compassionate world. Info about Michelle can be found here: Home | Michelle Owusu
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