In this episode, I talk about Ingmar Bergman’s 1972 film, "Cries and Whispers," a haunting and intimate portrait of a woman dying and the people around her. I begin by sharing about my own mother’s death, how I was with her to the very end, and how this film has taken on a deeper resonance for me now.

Though the episode was recorded before her cancer diagnosis and passing, I was already in the role of caregiver. I reflect on how "Cries and Whispers" captures the loneliness of illness, the coldness we sometimes encounter in the world, and the deep human need for tenderness, love, and presence, especially in the face of pain, death, and the deterioration of the body.

Sources:

• Images by Ingmar Bergman
• Ingmar Bergman website

You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

Note: My mother passed away on June 14th, 2025. Thank you to those who sent her a card or reached out to me. I have removed the Google document that is mentioned in this episode.

This isn’t a film episode. It’s a personal update. My mom has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I’m using this space to speak honestly about what that means for me, and what I’m carrying right now. We've been told that she has six to nine months left. This is a devastating and heartbreaking time for me. Thank you for listening.

Future updates will be provided either through upcoming episodes or on my website blog where I am writing an ongoing diary about being by my mother’s side during this time.

• https://herheadinfilms.com/blog

You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Frédéric Back's 1987 Academy Award-winning animated short film, "The Man Who Planted Trees." Adapted from a book by Jean Giono, it tells the story of a French shepherd who plants trees for decades and revitalizes an entire region. It's a film about how to live, how to care for the earth, and how to make the world a better place through small but meaningful acts.

This has become one of my favorite films of all time because of the way it inspires me to think about what I want to contribute and the kind of person I want to be. I can honestly say that this film changed something inside me. This episode is an attempt to describe how this one little film has made such a profound impact on my life.

You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Delbert Mann's precious 1955 film, "Marty." It tells the story of Marty, a 34-year-old butcher who has struggled all his life to find love. One night, he meets Clara, a woman who can relate to his loneliness. This is a film about the pain of invisibility and the power of connection. It's about what it means to finally feel seen after a lifetime of rejection.

This is a deeply personal episode for me, but it's one that I hope reaches anyone who might need to hear it and to be reminded that they are not alone.

The audio quality is the best I could provide right now. Apologies if it is not up-to-par for some. I did my best.

Note: I am not doing regular or consistent episodes, but I will release an episode when I feel I have something of value to say about a film.

You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Franco Piavoli's luminous 1996 documentary, "Voices Through Time." It captures the daily life of the inhabitants of a small Italian village. From children playing in the woods to lovers kissing in the grass to couples rapturously dancing, Piavoli shows us the human condition in all its richness and beauty.

My episode is a tribute to this life-affirming work of art, and it is a manifesto on what it means to be fully alive and how art saves us and even heals us.

This is my first episode in 3 years. I do not know if I will create more, but I was so deeply moved by this film that I felt compelled to share my thoughts about it. I appreciate all who listen.

The audio quality is the best I could provide right now. Apologies if it is not up-to-par for some. I did my best.

You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.

In this episode, I talk about Robert Eggers's 2015 film, "The Witch." It looks at a New England Puritan family in the 1600s that is exiled from their community. They go to live in a remote area, and terrifying things begin to happen. The eldest daughter is blamed for these events and accused of being a witch. I talk about witch hunts, the feminist aspects of the film, my very personal reaction to the ending, and much more. There are spoilers in this episode. 

Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.

Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.

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Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan

All My Sources

• The Witch blu-ray
• The Burning Times (1990)
• Goddess Remembered (1989)
• Women and Spirituality Trilogy
• Robert Eggers interview with The A.V. Club
• Robert Eggers interview with RogerEbert.com
• Robert Eggers Interview with BFI
• Robert Eggers interview with Wired.com
• Robert Eggers interview with The Verge
• Robert Eggers interview with The Atlantic

In this episode, I talk about Michael Curtiz's 1945 film "Mildred Pierce." Joan Crawford won an Oscar for her performance as the title character, a mother who, in the wake of the end of her marriage, starts her own restaurant business and tries to give a better life to her two daughters--Veda and Kay. But her eldest daughter Veda has an insatiable and destructive desire for material possessions and Mildred will stop at nothing to give Veda all that she wants. This is a magnificent film about motherhood and class mobility. I talk about Joan Crawford's life, why she fascinates me as an actress, and I also delve into "Mommie Dearest." As always, there are spoilers in this episode. 

Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.

Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.

Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan

Full Show Notes: 

• Use the code “CINEMA” to get your first month free at OVID.TV
• My favorite films on OVID
• Painted Landscapes of the Times
• Fresh Kill
• My episode on Michael Haneke's Amour
• Humoresque
• Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star (2002)
• Mommie Dearest
• My episode on Ingmar Bergman's Autumn Sonata
• Johnny Guitar
• Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain
• My episode on Michael Curtiz's Casablanca
• LuLaRich documentary
• My episode on Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake

All My Sources

• Criterion Collection edition of Mildred Pierce
• Karina Longworth's six-part series about Joan Crawford on You Must Remember This