Director's Statement
I’m so excited to share my film, Match Dot Mom, with you all. I grew up in small-town New Hampshire and came of age in the ’90s—a time when being queer was more often the punchline of a joke than an accepted identity. It wasn’t until I was 26 that I fully discovered my true, queer self, and a slow but powerful wave of freedom began to ripple through my life. Although society was shifting toward acceptance at that time, there was—and still is—so much progress to be made.
For me, that progress starts with the films we create. Growing up with little to no positive sapphic representation, it’s no wonder it took me so long to truly find myself. As queer people, we don’t just need but crave positive, comedic stories. I believe comedy can be just as healing and hopeful as any other genre.
The idea for Match Dot Mom came to me in a blur—one of those moments lying in bed, unsure if I was thinking, dreaming, awake, or asleep. Reflecting on my own experiences with dating apps, I wondered: Who would be the last person I’d want to run into on there? When my mom popped into my mind, I couldn’t help but roll over, turn on the light, and write it down. Now, five years later, I still can’t believe that one silly thought has turned into a film I’m so proud to share with the world.
My greatest hope is that this story helps others find love and acceptance in who they are.
Tara Parian - Writer/Director
Tara is a queer, Los Angeles-based writer and director who spent a decade creating content at BuzzFeed. She has directed numerous comedy sketch videos, is a Webby Award Honoree, and a fellow of Ryan Murphy's prestigious HALF Directing Initiative. Growing up closeted and queer in small-town New Hampshire, Tara is dedicated to producing work that fosters compassion for the sapphic experience through a comedic lens.
Director's Statement
I’m so excited to share my film, Match Dot Mom, with you all. I grew up in small-town New Hampshire and came of age in the ’90s—a time when being queer was more often the punchline of a joke than an accepted identity. It wasn’t until I was 26 that I fully discovered my true, queer self, and a slow but powerful wave of freedom began to ripple through my life. Although society was shifting toward acceptance at that time, there was—and still is—so much progress to be made.
For me, that progress starts with the films we create. Growing up with little to no positive sapphic representation, it’s no wonder it took me so long to truly find myself. As queer people, we don’t just need but crave positive, comedic stories. I believe comedy can be just as healing and hopeful as any other genre.
The idea for Match Dot Mom came to me in a blur—one of those moments lying in bed, unsure if I was thinking, dreaming, awake, or asleep. Reflecting on my own experiences with dating apps, I wondered: Who would be the last person I’d want to run into on there? When my mom popped into my mind, I couldn’t help but roll over, turn on the light, and write it down. Now, five years later, I still can’t believe that one silly thought has turned into a film I’m so proud to share with the world.
My greatest hope is that this story helps others find love and acceptance in who they are.
Tara Parian - Writer/Director
Tara is a queer, Los Angeles-based writer and director who spent a decade creating content at BuzzFeed. She has directed numerous comedy sketch videos, is a Webby Award Honoree, and a fellow of Ryan Murphy's prestigious HALF Directing Initiative. Growing up closeted and queer in small-town New Hampshire, Tara is dedicated to producing work that fosters compassion for the sapphic experience through a comedic lens.
