Alice

Alice's world shattered when her mother passed away suddenly. No longer able to find joy in the reality around her, she sought solace in the depths of her dreams. But her dream world is not just a sanctuary - it's a risky escape that could lead to her losing herself completely. Will she find the strength to confront her grief and face the challenges of life head-on, or will she succumb to the tempting allure of her dream world? Only time will tell.

  • Donovan Wardroper
    Director
  • Donovan Wardroper
    Writer
  • Sam Harrison
    Producer
  • Tom van Dijk
    Producer
  • Lara Nadine
    Key Cast
    "Alice"
  • Adam Galbraith
    Key Cast
    "Chris"
  • Pauline McVay
    Key Cast
    "Jane"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 5 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 28, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,065 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    MPEG-4
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Portsmouth
Director Biography - Donovan Wardroper

Based in Portsmouth, I am a filmmaker specialising in directing and scriptwriting. Originally from Kent, I began writing scripts and developing them into short films using a pocket camcorder. Over time this evolved into a keen passion for film leading to an A-level in film studies at Highworth Grammar School. After earning a silver arts award at the BFI youth academy, I studied Film Production at Portsmouth University and began making short films. I wrote and directed my latest film, Alice, a drama about grief and addiction.

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Director Statement

With Alice, the underlying theme is grief, so I wanted to focus on the reality of someone grieving. I explored how people deal with it differently. My vision for our film was to show our teenage protagonist’s mental deterioration through an uneventful, mundane routine. This will push her to a climactic ending. I aimed to create a film that felt authentic and human but also subverted these negative habits by showcasing their harmful effects on the characters. Through this approach, I aimed to deliver a powerful message to the audience, encouraging them not to follow the same self-destructive path as the characters in Alice. Ultimately, I hope this film will educate and inspire people to find healthier, more positive ways to cope with grief.