Interview: Victoria Mapplebeck on Making An Autobiographical Film and The Inspiration Behind Motherboard

The People’s Movies sat down with director Victoria Mapplebeck to talk about her newest documentary, Motherboard, coming out on August 15 2025. The film is a powerful reflection on the past twenty years of her life, with many painful moments that are well balanced with the humour that characterises her and Jim.

Motherboard starts when Victoria Mapplebeck is pregnant with her son Jim. In the next twenty years of their lives, the audience sees her going through the challenges and joys of single motherhood, the precarious nature of the film industry (especially for women), and the reality of her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

In this interview, Victoria Mapplebeck talks about editing such an ambitious film as Motherboard and finding the humour in some very trying and tragic circumstances. Despite the sad events, the documentary manages to find the comedy in her misfortunes. When talking about the bond that unites her and her son Jim, she discusses the challenges of showing some very personal moments in their lives, as well as the way Jim was involved in the final product.

Check out the full interview below:

Motherboard is in UK cinemas now.

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About the Author

Clotilde Chinnici

Author

Clotilde’s love for film began at a very young age with the Disney cartoons she would watch over and over. However, her passion for films truly sparked with franchises like Hunger Games and Harry Potter. After graduating with a BA in Film from King’s College London, Clotilde started working in film production and entertainment journalism while developing a deeper understanding of film movements and trends. Although most of her time is occupied by watching films, writing and talking about them to anyone who will listen, Clotilde enjoys reading and baking in her free time.

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