Late last year I got to pen some thoughts about embodied practices as healing modalities for @sos.senseofself ‘s The Dip magazine, and this week it’s out in print. Loved chatting to my friend @manojdias_ to get his professional insights on how somatic therapies are gaining popularity, why they’re increasingly backed by science the way traditional medicine is, & how surprisingly simple they are to access as an aid.
2026 for me marks 10 years of living with chronic conditions and pain. Tens of thousands of dollars spent, a resentful amount of medications tried (& failed), 20+ specialists consulted, and consulted again, and again, and again. Yet the pillars I recursively lean on when nothing else seems to work or make sense, have been breath & movement.
If you too live with fibromyalgia/illness/invisible disorders that people don’t see — it’s not in your head! And coming back to your body, even though it’s a complex vessel to exist in when you’re in pain, can be a nice place to start.
Some recs for starting 🫂 Online — Manoj’s @op_e___n app has been an anchor for me everyday for a few years now. Offline — if you’re in Melbourne, @dance___remedy is a safe and freeing space created by the safest of hands @zoeemoves .
Ryan back in December, somewhere between 6pm-6am. Our third film set over one night. Still figuring out if I can write a story about a girl living her life during the day.
@screenaustralia 💛💛💛
From the first vomit draft in my lil old apartment over four years ago, to the most fulfilling short film experience, to this crazy team. Life’s a trip!
So happy that Punctum will have its world premiere at @melbfilmfest as part of the Accelerator Shorts program this August at @acmionline .
Co-written with the incredible @madisonrgriffiths , the film tracks a woman’s restlessness the night following her abortion, and the nuance and complexity that comes with exercising choice.
Shorts are so often made on nothing but the time and generosity of the people who make them. Thanks to our insanely talented crew and shout outs to my friends who blindly supported me by agreeing to riff lines and cook healthy meals to feed everybody! I love being a part of making films and hope I get to do it forever.
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Cast - Jessica Sofarnos (@jsofarnos ), Claudia Phillips (@clordhavemercy ), and John Hewison (@local_man_milks_god )
Director - Jessica Sofarnos (@jsofarnos )
Writers - Jessica Sofarnos (@jsofarnos ) and Madison Griffiths (@madisonrgriffiths )
Producer - Jessica Sofarnos (@jsofarnos )
DOP - Ryan Bell (@r.yanbell )
1st AD - Grace Moore (@grace_mo0re )
Sound recordist, design & mix - Hayden Guildford (@sound_department_ )
Production & costume design - Anna Ross (@dolce_rosso_ )
1st AC - Sarah Ruhullah (@sarahruhullah )
Music - Madison Griffiths (@madisonrgriffiths ) and Yehudi Saling
Gaffer - Francis Healy Wood (@to_be_perfectly.frank )
On set producer - Claudia Nankervis (@claudn )
Editor - Camilla Hayman (@camillahayman )
Colour - Ted Deacey (@teddeacey )
Graphic design - Alex Buccheri (@ossobucci )
BTS - Jayme Calderwood Zohdi (@messi.studio.co )
Trailer - Emily Robb (@emilyrobb_cuts )
Special thanks - Rose Pearce, Matthew Chuang (@mattscope ), Marcus Cropp (@marcusjgc ) and Romaine Tartaglione (@romitartaglione )
Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants (@cityofmelbourne )