Thread : Just A Maid

Indie Short Film - 2025

Status: In Festival Run

Produced by 8B8 Entertainment and Distributed by Monkey Gruffo Productions 

Tagline:

A teenage girl reads journals from 1889 and envisions herself as the writer; Ammy, following the love story with her lady; Mia.

Director's Statement: (Sequel) 

In this sequel, originally a trilogy, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Britain and the present day, I explore the intertwining destinies of characters through the discovery of 1800s journals. A red thread serves as a symbolic reminder of their enduring connection, navigating societal constraints, inspired by Chinese mythology.

The red thread, deeply rooted in East Asian beliefs, represents the unbreakable bond between Mia and Ammy. Originating from Chinese legend, it signifies the concept that destined individuals are connected by an invisible thread, emphasising fate's power. This idea transcends lives, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings. The inspiration for the red thread comes from the Korean TV series "Tomorrow," where it explores love, fate, and the transformative power of destiny.

The apple inspiration came from the idea of number 28, in by "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," becomes a significant symbol in the film's storyline. Although the third film is canceled, the emphasis on apples and their special memories for Mia and Ammy remains integral in the first film and the second film

As a director, I aim to showcase diverse perspectives in relationships, particularly within the challenges of same-sex dynamics during the 1800s. Drawing from personal experiences, this sequel reflects my creative and cathartic journey to self-acceptance. Celebrating the diversity of modern relationships, the films focus on the beauty and authenticity of same-sex connections. By centring on a same-sex relationship, we aim to provide identification and validation, promoting pride, acceptance, and understanding. 

As an Indian who grew up in the UK from the age of 10, I felt a stronger connection to British culture for this specific story, given the more accepting attitude towards LGBTQ+ in Britain compared to India. Adapting to the UK culture, I made the decision to set the film in Britain, aligning with my personal experiences and the story's themes.

Director's Statement:

As both the writer and director, I decided to tell the story from different point of view, mainly focusing on Ammy's perspective and the more somber side of her relationship with Mia. Ammy, who works as a maid, tends to overthink everything, showing the insecurities that can come with relationships. This film digs into the less happy aspects of their connection, portraying Ammy as quite different from Mia.

To highlight the difference in viewpoints, I choose to used two different costume styles for the two perspectives. Ammy in the present sees herself as Ammy in the past, imagining herself as the shy and insecure character from the past who wrote the journal, while Mia is depicted as bossy, elegant, and of a higher status in the 1889 setting. This film is set 1 year later compared to 'Thread: My Rose', to place emphasis on their one year long relationship. 

I decided to intentionally mix things up by bringing in elements from the third film and blending them into the end of this film. This choice challenges the usual way of telling this sequel story, adding more layers to it compared to the first film.

In the second film, there's a small hint about a ball rehearsal between Ammy and Mia. This rehearsal is later shown in the music video 'Thread of Fate,' where Mia goes to a ball and meets Edward, her fiancé. Although briefly mentioned in the second film, Edward becomes a more important character in the third film. The rehearsal gives a sneak peek into Mia's dance with Edward, hinting at the complexities of their relationship explored further in the third part.

By weaving these story threads together, I am giving a glimpse into what could happen in the third film, letting viewers anticipate the unfolding lives of the characters. 

Synopsis:

In the summer of 2023, in a vintage bookstore, 18-year-old Ammy opens an old green journal that transports her back to the year 1889, where she relives her forbidden love story with Mia. Ammy, a maid, and Mia, her lover, share moments of joy and intimacy in the forest, a swing under a big tree, and a ball dance rehearsal. However, Ammy's feelings of longing and unrequited love become apparent as Mia appears distant and indifferent at times.

As their relationship unfolds, Mia's acceptance of a marriage proposal from a suitor devastates Ammy. The discovery of Mia's journal, with entries expressing conflicting emotions, deepens the emotional turmoil. The red thread symbolising their connection slowly unravels, mirroring the breakdown of their bond.

Genre:

Romance, Historical Drama, Coming-Of-Age and Fantasy.

The Cast:

Amelia Jany as Mia Smith 
Katy Harper-Galloway as Ammy Rose

The Crew:

Writer and Director : Melfin Pereira 🍀
Producer : Pranati Wadhwa
Director of Photography : Marc Nickl 
Production Designer : Han Carbery
Costume and Makeup : Nikki Tangen
Sound Recordist : Donna Ann Cyril
Narration Sound Recordist : Enrique Kisten
Composer : Peter Twigg
Editor : Juliano Hassoun
Sound Designer : Marco Chan
Sound Engineer : Fyza Begum-Khan

1st Assistant Director : Richard Sobieski
Assistant Camera : Qinglong Liu
Gaffer / Grip : Kurush N. Dhondy
Boom Operators : Enrique Kisten
Colourist : Marc Nickl
Casting Director : Samuel James Thomson
Production Assistant : Samuel Goulding 
Unit 2 Sound Recordist : Samuel Goulding 
Unit 2 Assistant Camera : Kurush N. Dhondy 

Shoot Date: 

10th - 14th July 2023 (1800s)
30th August 2023 (2020s)

Completion Date:

4th July 2024

Release Date:

14th June 2025

Budget:

£1,500

Social Media Presence : 
IMDb : N/AInstagramMovie Database
Awards: N/A

Nominee :

N/A

Awards: N/A

Behind The Scenes: