I Long for You to See Me

An attendant at an art gallery spends her days watching visitors drift through the rooms she looks after, until one young woman stops her in her tracks. The attendant suspects that this stranger may be the child she placed for adoption long ago. Unable to introduce herself and unable to let the moment pass, she begins to follow the young woman, drawn by a longing she has carried quietly for most of her life. Written, directed and produced by Anthony Mullins and Kris Kneen, this Australian short keeps its storytelling spare, relying on glances, hesitation and silence. Helen O'Leary leads the cast, with Sidney Shorten and Grace Royle. In about thirteen minutes, I Long for You to See Me reflects on motherhood, regret and the deep wish to be recognized by someone who may not know you exist.