OFFICIAL SELECTION

“CALL ME NORMA” Written by REBEKAH SCHEFFELMAIER (Canada)

BIO:

Rebekah, a first-time screenwriter, has been immersed in the world of acting and singing since the age of seven. Her passion for theater and film runs deep in her DNA. It wasn't until she realized the importance of storytelling that she began to write, trusting her gut and following her creative instincts. In just her first year, Rebekah has already become a 14 time award-winning screenwriter with her short screenplay “Call Me Norma”. She also just finished her first feature film as a screenwriter, “The Last Trial”, which is based on the story of Louis Riel and Charles Nolin, which is already making headway with Film festivals and production companies. She hopes this journey will open doors for more stories to be told and shared with the world.

“CALL ME NORMA” Written by REBEKAH SCHEFFELMAIER

LLOGLINE: (GENRE: Biopic drama), Short Script

Haunted by her reflection, Marilyn Monroe confronts her inner shadow, Norma Jean.

SYNOPSIS:

Call Me Norma delves into the inner turmoil of Marilyn Monroe as she confronts her alter ego, Norma, in the final days of her life. Marilyn struggles with loneliness, exploitation, and the haunting presence of Norma, who appears only in mirrors and reflections. As Marilyn turns to pills to cope, the battle between her public persona and her private anguish intensifies.

Through poignant and eerie moments, Marilyn acknowledges the depths of her suffering and the exploitation she has endured throughout her career. In the end, she embraces her true self—Norma—and finds peace, leaving behind the chaos of her life.

Call Me Norma is a haunting exploration of fame, identity, and the psychological toll of being a public icon, revealing the vulnerability behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures.

STORY OUTLINE:

Call Me Norma explores the intense and emotional inner world of Marilyn Monroe, a Hollywood icon whose life was both glamorous and tragic. At the heart of the film is the haunting presence of Norma Jean, the woman she was before the fame, who appears as a reflection of Marilyn’s doubts, fears, and inner struggles. The story captures Marilyn's battle to maintain her public persona while grappling with private demons, self-doubt, and addiction.

As the film opens, we find Marilyn at a breaking point, torn between her image as a glamorous movie star and the deep-rooted insecurities that threaten to consume her. Norma appears throughout the film as a taunting, often sinister version of Marilyn’s inner voice, pushing her to confront her past and her fractured identity. Marilyn’s fame, once a source of joy, has now become a prison that isolates her, while Norma represents the person she used to be and the raw emotions she’s been hiding.

Through a series of emotionally charged and intimate moments, we witness Marilyn's internal battle play out against the backdrop of her public life. On set, she tries to remain composed and professional, but behind closed doors, Marilyn's vulnerability is laid bare as Norma’s voice grows louder, criticizing her decisions and mocking her attempts to keep up the facade.

The film toggles between scenes of Marilyn’s professional duties—where she must perform to perfection—and her private moments, where she crumbles under the pressure.

In the climax, Marilyn faces off against Norma in a powerful and symbolic moment. The mirror that has been a constant companion throughout the film becomes the battleground for her psyche. Marilyn shatters it in a fit of desperation, symbolizing her fractured mind and the intense desire to break free from the expectations placed on her. As the tension builds, Marilyn must decide if she will let Norma take over or if she will find the strength to embrace both sides of herself.