Reviews
'The script is strongly visual, emotional and stylish with a gripping parent-child drama holding it together, told in a unique way that must be seen to be experienced.' - New York International Screenplay Awards
Screenplay Awards
FINALIST - Creative World Awards Screenwriting Competition
FINALIST - Circus Road Screenplay Contest
FINALIST - California Women's Film Festival
SEMI FINALIST - Diverse Voices by WeScreenplay
SEMI FINALIST - Screencraft Film Fund
SEMI FINALIST - 21st Indie SF IndieFest Screenplay Competition
QUARTER FINALIST - Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition
OFFICIAL SELCTION - Script Summit Screenplay Competition
Cherry Blossoms in March
Cherry Blossoms in March is a mother/daughter story based on the life of Jessica Tirshman and her experience of Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic lung disease. The film takes inspiration from a poem Jessica wrote entitled "Spontaneous Combustion" about her near death experience and double lung transplant. Written and directed by Jessica's sister Riley Rheyan, the film explores Jessica's art and poetry by bringing them to life through animation.
Cast: Cassie Collis, Mattie Shisko, Curtis Lum
Writer/Director: Riley Rheyan
Director of Photography: Ryan Luth
Festivals & Awards
GRAND JURY AWARD NARRATIVE SHORT - Awareness Festival
BEST DRAMA - 4Theatre Selection
BEST ACTRESS - 4Theatre Selection
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - 4Theatre Selection
BEST DRAMA - 8 & HalFilm Awards
BEST FOREIGN SHORT - London Independent Film Awards
BEST ACTRESS - Monthly Indie Shorts
BEST VFX - Liverpool Indie Awards
FINALIST - Directors Cut International Film Festival
WINNER - New Wave Short Film Festival
AWARD OF DISTINCTION - Canada Shorts Film Festival
CATEGORY AWARD NOMINEE - AltFF Alternative Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Hollywood First Time Filmmakers Showcase by LiftOff
OFFICIAL SELECTION - New York Lift Off Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Pinewood First Time Filmmaker Sessions by LiftOff
OFFICIAL SELECTION - IndieFlicks Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - New West Film Fest
HONORABLE MENTION - Best Indie Film Awards
HONORABLE MENTION - The Women's Independent Film & Television Festival
Stills from the Film
Fundraising & Awareness
All profits from the film's screenings, festival wins, merchandise sales, and donations will be given to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and Claire’s Place Foundation with the goal of raising $24,000. This film was made to raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis and shine a light on one girl close to our hearts.
Many thanks, The CBiM Family
Claire’s Place Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Named in honor of Claire Wineland who lived with CF her entire life and passed away at the age of 21. Claire was an activist, author, TEDx Speaker, social media star and received numerous awards. The foundation provides grants to families affected by CF, offering both emotional and financial support. Today, Claire’s Place Foundation continues to carry on Claire’s legacy.
Since being founded by parents in 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has grown into a leading organization with a central role engaging people living with cystic fibrosis, parent, caregivers, volunteers, researchers, healthcare professionals, government and donors. We work together to change lives for children and adults living with cystic fibrosis through treatments, research, information and support.