Private Project

CELL MATE

Burdened by economic hardship, a young father takes a side job with a gang to support his family. As the gang disbands, he finds himself ensnared in the consequences of their choices, confronting the quiet tragedies of loyalty, regret, and the cycle of young men swallowed by the prison system.

  • Sonny Huddart
    Director
  • Sonny Huddart
    Writer
  • caine cooper
    Writer
  • Cameron Lalor
    Producer
  • rhys floyd
    Key Cast
  • lotta boo wild
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 28, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 GBP
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    3:4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Sonny Huddart

Sonny Huddart is a film director from Manchester. Born into a working-class background, Sonny's perspective is deeply influenced by the grit, resilience, and authentic stories of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from directors like Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, he focuses heavily on capturing the fine details and raw complexities of ordinary people, using his lens to explore the profound potency of simple, effective storytelling.

Sonny is most well-known for directing Cell Mate, Wives' Tale and Johnny boy. Already turning heads with his ability to craft intimate and resonant narratives, Sonny is anticipating to become an up-and-coming talent in the film industry, with an ambition to redefine contemporary cinema through stories that speak to the heart of the human condition.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In Greater Manchester, young men from deprived areas face a heightened risk of falling into cycles of crime and incarceration. High-crime neighborhoods, often linked to socioeconomic disadvantage, underscore the systemic barriers trapping many working-class people.
As a writer and director, my work often explores themes of hope and redemption - Cell Mate deviates from this, taking a raw, unflinching look at the extended impact of imprisonment on young men and their families. In this story, hope is gone, and redemption impossible.

Growing up working-class, I have experienced the social systems that shape us. With Cell Mate, I wanted to delve into the often-overlooked impact of prison sentences on young men and their families. The justice system can be unforgiving, and the collateral of incarceration often extends far beyond the individual, affecting relationships, futures, and entire communities. This is a reality I’ve observed closely, and one I felt compelled to bring to the screen.
The film is structured as a chamber piece, which poses unique challenges in achieving dynamic and engaging visuals. To address this, I worked closely with director of photography Antony Woolmer and producer Cameron Lalor to craft a modern noir aesthetic. By combining the striking visual style of classic 1940s noir with contemporary sound design and music, we created an atmosphere that captures both the tension and emotional depth of the story.
Working with Rhys Floyd and Lotta Boo Wild was a highlight of the project. Their nuanced performances brought the characters to life in ways that felt both authentic and profoundly moving. By blending their talent with a collaborative approach, we were able to spotlight on the complexities of the justice system and its far-reaching consequences. With Cell Mate, I aimed to create a film that sparks reflection on the human cost of incarceration, leaving audiences with more questions than answers."