Experiencing Interruptions?

A Swan's Song

"A Swan’s Song, brings awareness to how bipolar disorder can affect our lives and those we love." -FILM THREAT

"WOW, this was powerful and the acting was excellent." -33rd Annual IMPA Awards

*World Premiere* at the 13th Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, April 28, 2024

"A Swan's Song" is co-directed by Jen Hogue and Rob Underhill.

Jen Hogue is a first time film director and filmmaker.

Nominated at the 33rd Iowa Motion Picture Award Film Festival for BEST DIRECTOR, BEST ACTRESS, BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

"A Swan's Song", spotlights the urgency for mental health awareness and support. We hope this film will help inspire tough conversations that lead to positive social change, as well as encourage those suffering with mental illness to seek help.

"A Swan's Song" was filmed in Dubuque, IA and East Dubuque, IL, including East Dubuque High School and local restaurants with mainly local crew and talent.

LOGLINE:
In A Swan's Song, Julie suffers from bipolar disorder and everything unravels as she fights to get her son back after losing custody.

SYNOPSIS:
Julie has bipolar disorder. She fights to get her son back after having a restraining order placed on her following an act of violence on her partner. When the case is brought before a court, she loses her right to be with her son without supervision by the state. We watch as her life unravels. This film spotlights the urgency for mental health awareness and support, as well as suicide prevention. We hope this film will inspire positive social change and encourage those suffering with mental health issues to seek help.

  • Rob Underhill
    Director
  • Jen Hogue
    Director
  • Jen Hogue
    Writer
  • Rob Underhill
    Producer
  • Jen Hogue
    Producer
  • Chrissy Hogue Bartels
    Producer
  • Jen Hogue
    Key Cast
    "Julie"
  • Chrissy Hogue Bartels
    Key Cast
    "Katie"
  • Jody McGill
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Murphy"
  • Rob Underhill
    Editor
  • Rob Underhill
    Director of Photography
  • Michael Gaffney
    Score Composer
  • Genres:
    Drama, Social Issues
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Student Project:
    No
  • 13th Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
    Dubuque, Iowa
    United States
    April 26, 2024
    World Premiere
    Official Selection sponsored by state Rep. Chuck Isenhart
  • 33rd Iowa Motion Picture Award Film Festival
    Forest City, Iowa
    United States
    May 4, 2024
    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS & Nominated BEST DIRECTOR, BEST ACTRESS
Director Biography - Rob Underhill, Jen Hogue

A SWAN'S SONG is co-Directed by Jen Hogue and Rob Underhill.

JEN HOGUE is a first time film director / filmmaker. She was raised in Queens, NY. She attended the "Fame" Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts where she studied acting. Jen has been performing since she was a child, having been raised by her father, a playwright in New York City. Her work ranges from theatre, commercial, and film. She began screenwriting, directing, and producing with her film, “A Swan’s Song". She currently lives in Illinois with her two children, Luca and Scarlette.

ROB UNDERHILL is a film & media director, producer, cinematographer, editor, writer. His feature films & more than 50 short-films have received over 150 awards, showcased at hundreds of screening engagements worldwide, including CANNES & Academy-qualifying film festivals like ST. LOUIS & SEATTLE.
Rob’s work has received rave reviews from top film critics, earned endorsements from major public figures like UN Ambassador Andrew Young & former NC Governor Beverly Perdue, & has been featured on the NPR programs, THE STATE OF THINGS with Frank Stasio & THE STORY with Dick Gordon.
Rob earned a BA in English from NCSU & was honored to accept the invitation to serve as featured speaker at the 2015 NCSU English department graduation commencement.
His work has aired on the ASPiRE network, ShortsHD, & other national & international outlets. Carolina STYLE Magazine recognized Rob as one of 25 "Most Stylish People" influencing positive change in the Carolinas. He is a RAWards Indie Art Award recipient for Best Regional Filmmaker. In 2022, he received the QUSAR award for lifetime achievement in filmmaking by the 10th Raleigh Film and Art Festival.

Add Director Biography