rosie marden
freelance director and editor
2025–2026
10 Before The World Hits came from my own experience growing up alongside my younger sister, whose sense of wonder I secretly envied. While she moved through the world with curiosity and optimism, I often felt consumed by self-consciousness and the pressure of being “good enough.” Through Nancy and Edie’s relationship, I wanted to explore the moment in adolescence when we begin to lose our ability to fully see and appreciate the world around us.
I think this story feels especially relevant now, as so many people live overwhelmed by comparison, anxiety, and constant digital stimulation. Nancy’s attachment to her phone reflects a wider fear of disconnection, while Edie represents a quieter, more present way of experiencing the world.
From the beginning, I wanted the film to feel intimate, naturalistic, and grounded in memory. Working with children was essential to the authenticity of the story, and casting real sisters allowed their dynamic to feel instinctive and emotionally truthful. Many of the games, locations, and moments in the film are drawn directly from my own childhood, helping create a world that feels both ordinary and quietly magical.
At its core, 10 Before The World Hits is about presence. It’s about learning to slow down enough to notice the beauty that already exists around us. I hope audiences leave the film reflecting on how easily we can become consumed by noise, pressure, and distraction, and how much happiness we risk missing when we stop paying attention.