The Women’s Health Stories That Never Get Told

Sarah Hime describes theatre acting as her “first love” but she has always wanted to write, produce and star in her own films. That dream became a reality in 2025 with the premiere of her short film Alice Is Fine at Toronto’s Breakthroughs Film Festival. For Hime, who graduated from U of T Mississauga in 2017, it’s the start of a filmmaking career focused on bringing unseen stories into the spotlight. 

Your first film, Alice Is Fine, explores gender bias in health care. Why did you want to tell that story?
I have endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. For years, my doctor did not take my symptoms seriously and the pain kept getting worse. There’s still so little research into women’s health. After having that experience, I realized it was something I could write about.

What kinds of stories are you drawn to?
I want to make the invisible visible. That was my goal with Alice Is Fine. The short film I’m writing now is about mental health, our inner critical voice and how we talk to ourselves. I’m drawn to stories that aren’t often told – or parts of life people don’t always see.

You began as an actor. Why did you decide to create your own work?
It was always in the back of my mind. A couple of years ago, I attended the Toronto International Film Festival and was inspired by all the actors who had written and produced the films they starred in. At the same time, I was struggling with my health, and I realized I had a story I wanted to tell.

How did UTM prepare you to make your own films? 
The theatre and drama studies program made me a well-rounded actor. I was also on the wardrobe and props crews and learned many skills that I use now as a filmmaker. When I jumped into the real world, I felt ready. My professor David Matheson once said, “You train so that on your worst day, you fall to the level of your training.” I didn’t fully appreciate that until I came into the industry. At UTM, I learned the skills that allow me, even when I’m not feeling my best, to fall back on a certain level of technique, training and preparedness. I still think about that advice.

What’s the biggest challenge facing a young filmmaker today?
I wish people understood how much it costs to make an independent film and how hard it is to find funding. Big studio films have millions of dollars behind them. Independent filmmakers are applying for grants and relying on crowdfunding. If an indie film gets made, it feels like a miracle. 

Dream role?
Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice

Theatre or film?
Film (by a narrow margin!)

Your creative superpower?
Empathy