The Birthmark
Story and screenplay development
2024
This work began as a way to understand a recent, profound shift in my relationship with my mother. The process became a means of navigating our evolving bond through societal expectations. I explored motherhood by merging traditional beliefs with contemporary perspectives, drawing from Thai spiritual traditions where female figures—Mae Phra Thorani, Mae Khongkha, Mae Posop, and Mae Sue—embody protection and care.
I reimagine Mae Sue, a guardian spirit from Thai folklore believed to watch over newborns, through fantasy storytelling, integrating internet memes as key elements. Traditionally, Mae Sue is a celestial being assigned to protect each child, reflecting deeply ingrained notions of care, duty, and femininity. In my interpretation, she becomes a lens to examine motherhood, questioning its myths and expectations in Thai society.
Sypnosis
A woman from a rural village named Nongkran was born during the reign of King Rama III. Nongkran died of cholera, which caused her to be separated from her infant daughter, Abigail. Nongkran was then reincarnated as an angel in the Heavenly Realm. One day, Nongkran dreamed of a child from the present day, whom she believed to be Abigail, as the child had the same hippopotamus shaped birthmark under her eye. This prompted Nongkran to abandon the luxury life in heaven and transformed into Mae Sue spirit. A conflict arose between Nongkran and the human mother, who gave birth to Abigail, as well as with Abigail herself, over the role of being the ‘perfect’ mother.
Full screenplay and storyboard available upon request.
Excerpt from Storyboard
Nongkran gave birth to Abigail.Abigail had a Moodeng shaped birthmark under her eye.Abigail was taken away from Nongkran due to a cholera infection.Nongkran died from cholera.Nongkran was reborn as an angel in the Heavenly Realm.Nongkran applied to work at Mae Sue company under God Vessavana.Nongkran completed her Mae Sue training course.Nongkran descended to care for little Abigail in the Mortal Realm.Abigail frequently clashed with her mother.Nongkran tried to murder Abigail to take her back to the Heavenly Realm.
Abigail sat on the rooftop of the mall pondering about her life and her relationship with her mother.Nongkran and Abigail lived together again in the Heavenly Realm.