Rosedale, Md (WUSA9) — ROSEDALE, MD -- The stories of three mothers rediscovering their dreams is the focus of Brenda Hayes first documentary: Backburner Dreams.
The documentary follows the women over nine months as they chase their passions they've put on hold to raise families or simply pay the bills.
“We have this idea we have to earn who we are, I'm married now and I have kids so they come first,” said Carla who is featured in the documentary.
Carla wants to sing, Melanie – act, and Stephanie - dance ballet.
“But at times I feel a little guilty because I have kids and this is pretty much their time for their dreams, not my dream,” she said in the documentary just before she breaks down crying and said, “I’m sorry.”
“To me that says that's always there in people's hearts this hidden passion that is painful seemingly because you can't fulfill,” said filmmaker Brenda Hayes.
It is an emotional and difficult journey. After all, the women in the film are still working full time jobs and raising families; but it's a road the filmmaker herself has traveled.
After auditing a film class at Howard University, Hayes cashed in her retirement to fund the documentary.
“I never knew my mother and my grandmother’s dreams,” Hayes recalled. “They moved here from Louisiana to make a better life for their children – the chase the American dream, not their personal dreams. I am 62 years old and I feel renewed. I feel rejuvenated. This has given me not a new life but my life has been resurrected in so many ways.”
She hopes with her first documentary will inspire women to renew themselves and finally take those dreams off the back burner.
“Imagine what it would be like if we lived in a society where we can be our whole selves,” Hayes said. “I think that's powerful to me.”
Backburner Dreams was screened on Mother’s Day at Bus Boys and Poets.
Hayes is seeking other venues like colleges, universities, and women oriented organizations to continue to show her film.
If you’re interested watch the trailer and contact the film maker at bhayesfilms@gmail.com.
