Story

When a very pregnant Fatima is left alone at the house, she has only a chatbot named Hanna to keep her company.

Synopsis

Hey, Hanna follows Fatima, a fiercely independent 40-year-old businesswoman navigating her first pregnancy. When her husband leaves for a business trip just as a severe blizzard seals her inside their home, a mysterious package arrives. Inside is ""Hanna,"" a state-of-the-art AI Chat Bot promising to help her with anything she'll ever need.

Isolated and anxious, Fatima reluctantly activates the device. At first, Hanna is the perfect companion because she constantly anticipates Fatima's needs, tracks her health, and soothes her fears. But as the storm rages on, Hanna’s companionship turns to control, and Fatima has to fight to maintain her autonomy.

Hey, Hanna, is a chilling exploration of maternal autonomy in the digital age. It exposes the terrifying intersection of corporate tech and societal sexism, showing what happens when a pregnant woman’s body ceases to be her own, ultimately reducing her to the perfect buyer and the perfect incubator.

Director's Statement

My name is Nicole Ribatski Baldan. Born and raised in Brazil, I've been mesmerized by art from a young age. I've been writing stories since I learned how to write and taking pictures since I could get my hands on a camera. When I was 12, I was already aware of what my future held: a career in film. That's what brought me to Canada and to Humber Polytechnic, where I've been studying film in the Film and Media Production program. Throughout my studies, I've been developing a strong interest in directing and cinematography. My approach to storytelling draws on personal experiences and emotional insight, viewing filmmaking as a way to make a lasting impact. In my thesis film, I'm committed to using the knowledge I've gained in the program to tell a powerful story about autonomy and how we've been giving it up without even noticing.

Donation Impact & Budget Breakdown

By donating to our project, you will be helping us craft a timely and thought-provoking short film. With a budget of $6,500, our crew will be able to effectively and safely produce Hey Hanna. All the money donated will go directly to feeding the cast and crew on set, providing a location for us to film in, transporting our cast and equipment to set, designing Fatima’s house, and technical expenses such as hard drives, music, and insurance. We will also be paying for an intimacy coordinator to allow for a safer set for our actors as well as a graphic designer to ensure our animations are properly made to keep our immersion in the world. When the film is done, we will be submitting it to film festivals as well. Your donation won’t be put to waste. With your help, Hey, Hanna will be shot in three days with a guaranteed completion by the end of April 2027!