Unexpected Messages Bring Strength in Touching Breast Cancer Awareness Film

​Common People Studio has released MAMA, a moving short film written and directed by Denise Moreno, in support of breast cancer charity Pink Ribbon Foundation, to coincide with World Cancer Day.

Following a special cinema run throughout January and into February, delivered in partnership with DCM Studios, the film launched across social channels on 4th February. The limited theatrical release saw MAMA play on cinema screens nationwide, allowing audiences to experience the film as it was originally intended.

With the support of Pink Ribbon Foundation, the film has now found its home as part of a wider conversation around breast cancer awareness, recovery, and life after treatment.

MAMA tells the story of a young woman, played by real-life cancer survivor Lucia Vioque, who feels anxious about re-entering the world following a mastectomy. As she prepares to leave her home, she discovers a recorded message on her phone from her daughter — a small, intimate moment that shifts her perspective and captures the quiet strength found in connection and love.

The film was shot on 16mm film in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, crafted specifically for cinema exhibition. Its restrained, cinematic approach has resonated deeply with audiences, with cinema-goers sharing emotional responses following screenings.

By partnering with Pink Ribbon Foundation, MAMA aims to highlight the lived experiences of those affected by breast cancer, celebrating resilience while acknowledging vulnerability. The film’s release on World Cancer Day reinforces its commitment to raising awareness and supporting meaningful change through storytelling.

MAMA is now available to view on social platforms following its theatrical run.

Director Denise Moreno said, “When I was little, I loved the ritual of helping my mother get dressed to go out with her friends. To me, she was the most beautiful person in the world. I wanted to capture that feeling in a film.

"Several women ,and one man, in my family have had breast cancer, and I had always wanted to make a film that raised awareness around this issue, but in an empowering and uplifting way.

"I especially wanted to shine a light on the fact that younger women are also affected by breast cancer, which led me to collaborate with Lucia Vioque, who was misdiagnosed at the age of 27 and, now 31, has undergone a double mastectomy without reconstruction.

"MAMA explores how breast cancer can redefine a woman's sense of femininity, reclaiming an alternative beauty. It’s a love letter to mothers and daughters, and to a child’s gaze, to their way of seeing, untouched by societal expectations."

Lucia Vioque said, “After walking through one of the hardest paths, doing the work of recognising myself again in the mirror, and giving another insight into the established rules of female beauty, I'm going to show the world that you can have scars instead of breasts and be the most beautiful person on the planet.”

​Tony Roberts, EP at Common People said, “When Denise first shared the script, it was immediately clear that this was a very special project and one we were determined to make. MAMA is not simply a creative short film, but a story with genuine relevance for many people. While it was difficult to hold the film back for so long, we knew that releasing it at the right moment, and with the right partners, was essential to ensure it was truly seen. With the support of Pink Ribbon Foundation and DCM Studios, the film has resonated deeply with audiences, and we are incredibly proud of the response it has received.”