AN ADVERT FOR ONE NIGHT, 15min,. UK
Directed by Graham Birch
Lisa responds to a newspaper advert to meet Sarah in a hotel room for a night. They meet and have a wonderful night that sadly uncovers that one was badly abused and the other is currently suffering serious mental and physical bullying from a partner. Will this allow them to bond? What will they do?

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My friend was going through an abusive relationship at the time and it was terrifying. He was psychologically destroyed. So I flipped it to the more common female perspective as it is simply not acceptable. Domestic abuse isn't just physical. It's wider than that and destroys people.

I also wanted to highlight the dangers of getting drunk and thinking you are in control of a situation. I want people to watch the film and maybe question if they should go home with that person. Particularly when you are young and at a night club. I always tried not to let my friends go off alone (male or female) as there are people who are simply not good.

I also wanted to create a film of exquisite beauty and use the lighting to enhance everything. You'll notice that the colours change in the film, sometimes suddenly, sometimes from scene to scene. Showing differing emotions and settings.

The actors were incredible and allowed us to really focus on the environment and lighting.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Very quickly! 4 months!

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Powerful Revelations

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Funding! It always is!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was delighted. I felt that they understood my message and how I wanted the feel of the film to be. They were true to what I wanted to achieve and I'm very grateful to the reviewers for taking the time to watch the film and also to vote it as best short

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Since I was very young. However, I only started in 2020 during the pandemic!

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Predator - I apologise but Arnie is my hero. When I was young I was bullied relentlessly and I looked at Arnie as my motivation to get through it.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Networking opportunities would be great.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Very good. I do feel that some festivals don't take some submissions seriously but this festival has been amazing and very open with it's entries.

10. What is your favourite meal?

Steak and Chips. Fillet steak though!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I have 3 feature films and 3 other shorts that I need to get finished! All are powerful. A WW2 film in German occupied France. A Gen Z film about mental health. A thriller about women's mental health.