"A Mess of Memories” emerged from deep reflection on my journey of healing —messy, tangled, yet transformative (and continuously evolving). I often ponder: will I recognize myself without the familiar shadows of trauma, fears, and mental health struggles?" I aspire for this film to inspire individuals to recognize their healing journey, acknowledge their deservingness of healing, and realize that it is never too late to embark on that path. In every film I feel called to do, my goal is for it to authentically portray everyday Black people living fully and with complexity. This work is intended to be richly imbued with Southern Black culture because, as a Southerner myself, I aim to expand the representation of our stories on screen because the south in fact does have something to say. This rich tapestry of family drama, interweaving comedy, emotional confrontations, and introspective surreal moments allows for a profound exploration of human relationships and personal growth, revealing the complexity of our shared experiences. - Ebony Blanding (writer/director)