Private Project

Caught Up Film

A 17 year old student is pulled into a dangerous world after doing a favour for an older figure. But when a reckless mistake leaves him owing money he can’t repay, the consequences begin to spiral beyond his control, putting both him and his family at risk.

  • Aeman Ali Afzal
    Director
  • Ali Afzal
    Director
  • Aeman Ali Afzal
    Writer
  • Aeman Ali Afzal
    Producer
  • Ali Afzal
    Producer
  • Shaan Shah
    Key Cast
    "Rizwan"
  • Nohail Mohammed
    Key Cast
    "Qasim"
  • Leah Baskaran
    Key Cast
    "Parveen (mum)"
  • Nicole Evans
    Key Cast
    "PC Jones"
  • Richard Waller
    Key Cast
    "Mr Wall"
  • Abu Bakr Saghir
    Key Cast
    "Aaron"
  • Akhlaq Ahmad
    Key Cast
    "Uncle Zed"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, crime
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 24, 2026
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Aeman Ali Afzal, Ali Afzal

Aeman Ali Afzal - Director Biography
Aeman Ali Afzal is a British filmmaker, cinematographer and founder of This Is TAE, a production company based in Lancashire, UK. Working across commercial, branded and narrative filmmaking, his work focuses on grounded storytelling, cinematic realism and socially impactful narratives.

Beginning his career with a second-hand camera and a passion for visual storytelling, Aeman has gone on to direct and produce projects for brands, councils and organisations across the UK, while building a distinctive visual style rooted in authenticity and emotion.

Caught Up marks one of his most personal narrative projects to date, exploring themes of youth exploitation, manipulation and consequence through a raw, character driven lens inspired by real accounts from Lancashire communities.

Ali Afzal - Director Biography
Ali Afzal is a British actor and filmmaker whose work spans independent cinema, television and socially driven storytelling. Alongside his filmmaking work with This Is TAE, Ali has built an acting career appearing in productions including We Are Lady Parts and other UK independent film and television projects.

With a background in performance as well as filmmaking, Ali brings a strong focus on character, realism and emotional authenticity to his work both in front of and behind the camera. His passion lies in telling grounded stories that reflect real communities, cultures and lived experiences.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As filmmakers from Lancashire, we wanted Caught Up Film to feel honest, grounded and uncomfortably real. The story was inspired by real accounts of youth exploitation and the growing pressures facing young people within our communities today. Rather than sensationalising crime, our aim was to explore how easily vulnerable young people can be manipulated, groomed and pulled into situations far beyond their control.

At the centre of the film is not just Rizwan’s downfall, but the emotional impact these situations have on families, particularly parents who often don’t realise what is happening until it is too late. We wanted the film to feel intimate and human, focusing on a well behaved young boy who gets caught up in fear, pressure, shame and consequence rather than glamour or violence.

Visually, we approached the film with a naturalistic and cinematic style inspired by British social realism, using grounded performances, real locations and restrained storytelling to immerse the audience in Rizwan’s world.

Through Caught Up Film, we hope to encourage conversation, raise awareness and create something that resonates emotionally with audiences long after the film ends.