Director's Statement :

As the original production designer for this film, I sort of found myself slipping into the director's shoes when Byron hit a snag finding a co-director. Initially, I thought my role in production design was going to be the main gig, but as I got more invested in the project, I ended up taking on the directorial duties with a bit of a "why not?" attitude.

So, diving into directing for the first time after university, especially with a script that wasn't my own, I knew I had to bring my A-game. Understanding every little nuance, idea, and inspiration behind the script was key, and working closely with Byron was vital to making sure we nailed every aspect of the story.

The story revolving around a bench brought some creative challenges to the table. I wanted to give it this 360-degree treatment, breaking the rules a bit to show different vibes on different days. Figuring out how to pull off this idea during prep was a bit of a puzzle, but teaming up with the director of photography, we found some pretty cool solutions that added depth to the narrative.

Then, there was this unexpected moment during shooting when we bumped into the family who the bench memorialised, on the anniversary of their loved one's passing. It was one of those unplanned things that ended up making the film even richer. We decided to keep the flowers that the family has left for their loved one on the bench as a sign of respect, and that small gesture ended up weaving seamlessly into the storyline, adding a whole new layer of authenticity.

Overall, this film really showed the power of collaboration and rolling with the punches. It was all about solving creative problems together and embracing those unexpected moments that ended up making the story hit home even harder, exploring themes of loss and realness in a really poignant way. It was my first time directing this emotional film which I think helped me alot in understanding human emotions and actions.

Awards: N/A

Synopsis:

In the bustling streets of London, James, a worn-out financial professional, stumbles into an unexpected encounter with Jim, an elderly man. Their initial interaction is awkward, with James preoccupied by work stress and Jim offering words of wisdom. Despite the generational gap, their lives intersect again in the park, revealing deeper layers of connection.

As the weeks pass, Jim becomes a guide for James, sharing his own life experiences and the importance of embracing one's true self. James, grappling with the loss of his grandad, discovers the healing power of connection and creativity. Through conversations about love, loss, and the pursuit of passion, Jim encourages James to let go of guilt and grief, inspiring a transformation in his perspective.

In the end, James finds hope and inspiration to embrace life's uncertainties, symbolised by a chance encounter with a young artist in the park, reminding him that the pursuit of love and art can lead to the most beautiful places.

Genre:

Drama

The Cast:

Byron Donovan as James
Tony as Jim

Amelia Jany as Future Wife/Artist in the park

The Crew:

Writer and Director : Byron Donovan
Co - Director : Melfin Pereira 🍀
Producer : Byron Donovan
Director of Photography : Qinglong Liu
Production Designer : Melfin Pereira 🌸
Sound Recordist : Samuel Goulding 
Sound Designer and Composer : N/A
Editor :  Jack Ford
Assistant Camera : Marc Nickl
Colourist :  N/A

Shoot Date: 

7th August 2023

Completion Date:

N/A

Release Date:

N/A

Social Media Presence : 

IMDb : N/AInstagram : N/A

Nominee :

N/A