"Wither, a resilient single mother faces the harrowing threat of losing her daughter to medical kidnapping after a serious injury prompts a hospital visit, compelling her to navigate a bureaucratic nightmare while fighting an emotional battle to reconnect with her child and reclaim her parental rights."
I’m thrilled to introduce Wither, my debut feature film, a gripping drama that weaves together psychological thriller elements and surrealism to explore the devastating reality of medical kidnapping. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, the film follows Nia Johnson, a single mother fighting to reunite with her daughter Ayanna, who is taken by Child Protective Services under accusations of medical neglect. As Nia battles the child welfare system, Wither delves into the emotional toll of family separation and the flawed systems that perpetuate it.
​
At the heart of the film is Ayanna, a 6-year-old with dreams of becoming a marine biologist. Separated from her mother, she retreats into a surreal world where ocean creatures— especially orcas and plankton—become metaphors for survival and strength, guiding Ayanna through her internal struggle as she confronts a system determined to strip away her autonomy. These dreamscapes represent both escape and resilience, mirroring Ayanna’s emotional journey in the face of overwhelming adversity.
​
As the clock ticks, the thriller elements intensify—Nia, in a desperate bid to save her daughter, takes the child she nannies, Neal, without permission, risking everything to stop Ayanna’s transfer to a medical foster home. Meanwhile, Ayanna undergoes medical treatments, including vaccinations, without her mother’s knowledge or consent, raising critical questions about parental rights and medical autonomy.
​
Wither is a powerful exploration of the love between mother and child, the psychological weight of medical systems, and the resilience of families facing impossible odds. With 60% of the budget already secured, international distribution in place through Eroïn Films, and fiscal sponsorship from RedSquared Productions, Wither is already positioned for financial success and widespread reach, with the backing of a talented creative team and high- profile collaborators. Production begins in August 2025, and casting is in progress.
​
​