The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed

Joanna Arnow, whose mid-length film I Hate Myself :) was shown at Unknown Pleasures in 2014, once again examines the murky and often uncomfortable world of dating and sex through autofiction. Ann, played by Arnow herself, feels stuck in all areas of her life. To her dismay, the years have gone by quickly in her long-term casual BDSM relationship, low-level corporate job,and quarrelsome Jewish family. As she begins to feel increasingly alienated, she wrestles with herself and her relationships in this self-deprecating way. “I began making personal films starting with “i hate myself :)”, because I hoped that telling stories with vulnerability and specificity would make them relatable and funny for audiences. In these films, I’ve explored the humour of subjects such as loneliness, sexuality and the challenges of navigating relationships. I particularly like exploring the darker humour that shows the ridiculousness of the ways we all struggle with ourselves.” (Joanna Arnow) (kw)