In Raeden Greer's 'I Love You This Much,' a daughter tends to her ailing father.

      Raeden Greer drew heavily on her deeply personal experiences to create her thought-provoking new short film “I Love You This Much,” where she plays a young woman looking after an elderly father in almost constant discomfort.

      The film candidly examines when patients have the right to alleviate their own suffering and is expertly structured to enhance both its surprise elements and emotional resonance. This aligns with Greer’s bold approach to storytelling, as she consistently tackles challenging themes. Her production company, Foxy Foxy Films, embodies the motto, “Films about the things we don’t say aloud.”

      Before venturing into her own projects, Greer had notable roles in several high-profile films, including Magic Mike XXL, Maggie, and The Host.

      “I Love You This Much,” which features Barry Clifton as the father and Erica Michelle Singleton as an exasperated healthcare worker, will be showcased this weekend at Little Rock’s esteemed Filmland film festival. This represents another milestone in Greer’s career; years ago, when she began directing her own films, she expressed a desire to have her work featured in Filmland. She achieved that goal, which is managed by the Arkansas Cinema Society. Her film will screen Saturday morning in the Pro Shorts: Mosaic block.

      We spoke with Greer about her experiences caring for her father, her transition from acting to directing, and her personal stance on her character's choices in the film.

      MovieMaker: Can you share the experiences that influenced this film?

      Raeden Greer: My dad has been living with the effects of a stroke for almost a decade. Being an only child and with my parents divorced, I took on significant responsibility for helping him maintain his independence. A few years ago, my grandfather developed dementia and required inpatient care, which shocked me with its $8,000 monthly cost.

      This made me question what families do when they can't afford proper care for their loved ones. My dad discussed his wishes about aging, expressing he never wanted to end up in a facility that would deplete his savings and cost him his home. He urged me to ensure that wouldn’t happen, prompting me to reflect on what that truly meant. This film became my exploration of those questions.

      I recalled an episode of This American Life featuring a man who faced legal consequences after assisting his terminally ill partner. I've heard stories about families who traveled from Arkansas to Switzerland for a medically assisted death for their father suffering from dementia. The disparity in options based on financial means is glaring. With resources, there are choices; without them, families often face ethically complex and sometimes illegal decisions.

      I've also seen how difficult it is for families to discuss their preferences regarding estate planning and medical directives. Many shy away from these conversations, leading to mistakes and regrets later. Furthermore, estate planning is inherently tied to class differences, with affluent individuals having well-crafted plans while those with fewer assets often lack the necessary education, complicating end-of-life issues.

      To be clear, I wouldn’t personally handle this situation as my character does. However, the story’s depiction resonates with many people's realities every day.

      MovieMaker: I’ve noticed a trend where “issues” films often finish with postscript information for audiences. I find that approach detracts from the film’s impact. I appreciate how you wove in vital information about the right to die without feeling overly preachy. How did you approach the story’s structure for emotional effect?

      Raeden Greer: I don’t believe in spoon-feeding information to the audience. My aim is to allow them to determine who the protagonists and antagonists are, possibly reshaping those perceptions as the narrative unfolds. For me, the joy of filmmaking lies in presenting facts and letting viewers draw their conclusions, allowing those thoughts to linger as the credits roll.

      All my films tackle significant issues. I wouldn’t invest years and resources into making a film if I weren't trying to convey something profound. I recall writing this script while crying, then setting it aside for months before revisiting it, only to cry all over again. The emotional core of the story is undeniable.

      I also handled the editing of all my films, and there were impactful scenes we had to cut for time. There’s so much material that I plan to adapt this into a feature.

      MovieMaker: You began your career as an actor. What inspired you to take on writing and directing roles as well?

      Raeden Greer: When I entered the industry around 2012, it was quite different. I’d audition in person and frequently encountered the same actors and casting directors, developing connections along the way. However, self-taping has depersonalized casting, and actors are now expected to generate their own content. The landscape has changed significantly.

      I genuinely enjoy every aspect of filmmaking—writing, directing, editing, production design, and acting. I love creating a world as much as I enjoy stepping into someone else’s. I have many stories to share.

      Auditioning for interesting roles and not being cast was