Experiencing Interruptions?

Bottled Up

Ella, a work-obsessed professional, is prompted by a message in a bottle to confront her isolation and embrace change.

  • Sekai Smart-Macaulay
    Director
  • Sekai Smart-Macaulay
    Director of Photography
  • Sekai Smart-Macaulay
    Writer
  • Bertina Macaulay
    Executive Producer
  • Peter Henry
    Producer
  • Zoë Danièle Chin Sang
    Key Cast
    "Ella"
  • Analeice Dixon
    Key Cast
    "Maya"
  • Tarik Alexander
    Key Cast
    "Jonathon"
  • Darron-Ray Donaldson
    Key Cast
    "Mr. Kairos"
  • Joseph Fenton
    Sound Mixing/Design
  • Selah Mchail
    Steadicam/Camera Operator
  • Tiana Edwards
    Makeup Artist
  • Tonijean Mustafa
    Colorist
  • Jadon Sculley
    Camera Assistant
  • Tivona Newman
    Casting Director
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Jamaica
  • Country of Filming:
    Jamaica
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:28:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of the West Indies Mona
Director Biography - Sekai Smart-Macaulay

Hi, I'm Sekai Smart-Macaulay. I've been making skits and filming all sorts of videos since as early as I could remember. My teens were spent in front of the camera, acting, which only deepened my fascination with the filmmaking process.

I took this passion to film school, where I didn't just hit the books, but I started working on set too. Starting out as a production assistant, I worked my way around, diving into roles like 2nd AC, DIT Assist and 1stAD. I've been lucky to contribute to some incredible projects, including series' like "Black Cake","Get Millie Black", "Champion" and the Bob Marley biopic—"One Love".

For me, filmmaking is about creating those immersive shots, combined with a story that grips you from start to finish. That's the kind of work I strive to create.

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Director Statement

I wanted to show how being open to change can truly change the quality of our lives. Ella's story is about how focusing too much on work and routine can make us feel isolated and distant from the people we care about. The film highlights how reconciliation happens when we embrace change and allow ourselves to be vulnerable. Ella's story is a reminder that no matter how stuck we are in our habits, there's always an opportunity to redirect our path and reconnect with what truly matters.