Selena Gomez, along with Wondermind – the mental health creative platform she co-founded – has officially announced their first project, Baggage Claim, a film adaptation of the short story by Julianna Baggott. This project marks a significant milestone for Wondermind as they step into the world of scripted TV production for the first time. With Yvonne Hana Yi, known for her work on Mr & Mrs Smith, attached as the writer, the film promises to deliver a compelling psychological narrative that combines art with important mental health issues.
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The Story of Baggage Claim
Baggage Claim follows Bethany, a thirtysomething woman who feels stuck in life. She works in the baggage claim department, a musty basement where people’s unhappy memories are stored after an expensive procedure designed to offer peace of mind. These memories are stored as scents in vials and can be reclaimed for up to thirty days. This process is intended to help individuals free themselves from painful past memories.
Bethany, a “huffer” addicted to inhaling other people’s baggage, leads a monotonous life until she finds herself falling in love with the memories of someone else. The story delves into Bethany’s journey as she navigates complex emotions and the blurred line between the past and present. This project promises to be more than just a psychological thriller – it will explore the impact of memories and how past experiences shape who we are today.
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Wondermind: Selena Gomez’s Groundbreaking Mental Health Platform
Wondermind was co-founded by Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey, and Jonathon Glucksman with the aim of creating a space to discuss and share mental health experiences. Over the years, Selena has built a successful career in the entertainment industry while also becoming a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.
In an interview, Mandy Teefey, CEO of Wondermind, explained that they took their time to find the right project for their first scripted production. When Baggage Claim came across their desk, they knew it was something special. Teefey stated: “We took our time and were very intentional about finding the right project for our first scripted piece. When this came across our desks, we knew it was something special. It felt perfectly aligned with our mission to tell deep stories that bring rich mental health narratives to the forefront.”
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In a press release, Selena Gomez expressed her excitement about Wondermind’s growth and its venture into producing impactful content that tackles important mental health themes. She shared, “This is a major step for Wondermind, and I’m proud to be involved in this project. We believe Baggage Claim is not only an intriguing story but also an important message about self-acceptance and the healing process.”
Julianna Baggott: A New Voice for the Project
Julianna Baggott, the author of Baggage Claim, is a bestselling novelist, short story writer, essayist, and poet with over 20 books to her name. She is also the founder of Mildred’s Moving Picture Show, a production company with over 20 projects in development. Baggott shared her excitement about seeing her story adapted into a film and how Wondermind’s approach to mental health felt so aligned with her own vision.
Throughout her career, Julianna has sold several major projects to prominent studios, including Backwards (sold to Netflix with Shawn Levy attached to direct), The Hider (sold to Universal with Robert Downey Jr.), and Except You (in development with Maximum Effort at Fox). She has earned critical acclaim in both literary and film circles.
A Bright Future for Wondermind and Mental Health Awareness
With the development of Wondermind, Selena Gomez and her team hope to continue creating content that positively influences the community. Speaking about Wondermind’s long-term goals, Mandy Teefey said, “We don’t just want to make films or TV shows. Our mission is to tell stories that help people understand mental health, reduce stigma, and promote healing.”
With projects like Baggage Claim, Wondermind is proving itself to be a platform that not only creates creative stories but also impacts societal awareness about mental health. This project marks a major turning point in Selena Gomez’s career, where she is playing an integral role in producing impactful stories about mental health.
Baggage Claim is more than just an entertaining film; it is a powerful story about healing and self-acceptance. With the involvement of Wondermind, Selena Gomez, and a talented creative team, this project promises to make a significant impact on the film industry and contribute to changing the conversation around mental health in society.
