Montclair Film Festival 2024: Henrietta Finds a Nest | Interview with the creative team
We dug into the artistic journey behind the tender and poignant animated short film Henrietta Finds a Nest with the film’s creative team at the 2024 Montclair Film Festival.
We had the pleasure of interviewing the creative team behind the animated short film Henrietta Finds a Nest. Selected for the 2024 Montclair Film Festival, this endearing film follows a young chick named Henrietta on her journey from neglect at a factory farm to friendship with a little girl. The story, based on a real-life event, beautifully captures the themes of love, friendship, and compassion.
The interview features Leah Garcés, one of the executive producers and CEO of Mercy For Animals; Hannah McNally, the film’s director; and Matt Scheer, co-writer and another executive producer.
Leah Garcés shared the deeply personal inspiration behind the film. “The story is based on something that really happened in my family,” she explained. During the pandemic, Leah rescued a chicken from a factory farm. “Henrietta was living in horrific conditions, and all her flock mates were taken to slaughter. The farmer said I could take her, so I did. I drove her 15 hours from Texas to Georgia, where I live, and began the healing process.”
This rescue mission had a profound impact on Leah’s family, especially her daughter. “Henrietta and my then-kindergarten daughter bonded during a time when human contact was limited. They became like siblings. Henrietta would sleep in her room, and my daughter even taught her to ride a Roomba,” Leah reminisced. “Henrietta brought joy during a difficult time and reminded us of the joy that life can bring from bonding with animals.”
Matt Scheer, the co-writer and executive producer, spoke about the creative journey of transforming Leah’s story into an animated film. “Leah came to me about a year and a half, maybe two years ago, wanting to do something more with Henrietta’s story,” he recalled. The idea quickly evolved into an animated short film, capturing the essence of friendship and kindness. “Everyone deserves a place to nest, a place where they can feel their best,” Matt quoted the film’s opening line, emphasizing its universal message.
Matt praised the collaborative process, particularly the role of the animation studio, Mighty Oak. “We interviewed many studios, but Mighty Oak stood out with their passion and vision for the project. They were persistent and wanted to partner with us to tell this beautiful story,” he said. “Hannah really gave Henrietta her wings and brought this tale to life.”
Director Hannah McNally explained: “When the project came through to Mighty Oak, I was asked to help with the pitch,” Hannah recounted. Her style, characterized by bright colors and an organic, painterly feel, perfectly matched the film’s tone. “I come from a painting background, and I wanted the film to feel textured and beautiful, like stepping into a painting.”
Hannah highlighted the importance of color in storytelling. “We used color to set the mood and convey the contrast between the sad parts and the joyful moments of the story,” she explained. “The storyboarding process was crucial in getting the right balance of themes and emotions.”
Leah Garcés’ personal story, Matt Scheer’s script, and Hannah McNally’s vibrant direction came together to create a film that resonates with audiences of all ages. As Matt eloquently put it, “Henrietta’s story is truly one of a billion, a reminder that even in the darkest places, there can be light and love.”
Learn more about Henrietta Finds a Nest here. We are delighted to be reporting live from the 2024 Montclair Film Festival, running on October 18-27, 2024.
