Filmmaker Statement

Over the past few years, I have been directing short documentaries that followed a traditional arc of someone fighting against their demons and eventually finding peace and positivity. I wanted to play with this familiar structure, by making a short film, were the protagonist with personal issues finds peace in something so extreme and unacceptable, that what starts as an emotional drama slowly becomes a black comedy. Whilst planning the shoot, I felt that this short had to feel real and be played for real. This was important to add layers to the film, so it wasn't just a caricature and when the plot changes, it's still firmly rooted in reality. Initially there are truthful and powerful elements that people can identify/empathise with - mental health issues, isolation, lack of support from the government for PTSD, failing systems, relationship breakdown - so even though it get's ridiculous there is an underlying social commentary, tension and satire running through the short.