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Conscription

A prime minister's fascist call for conscription during a speech backfires, leading to dire consequences.

  • Henry Williams
    Director
  • Henry Williams
    Writer
  • Henry Williams
    Producer
  • Ashton Spear
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 24, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    50 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Serbest International Film Festival
    Kishinev, Republic of Moldova
    Ukraine
    September 10, 2024
    World Premiere
    Quarter Finalist
Director Biography - Henry Williams

Henry Williams began his career working as a runner for a post-production house in Soho before transitioning to writing and directing low-budget short films.

His filmmaking is characterised by a focus on narrative storytelling with a cinematic style, often exploring themes of paranoia, isolation, and disguise.

In addition to his passion projects, he has produced a handful of commercials for Nike and Red Bull Racing as part of his day job as a post producer.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker, it is my role to explore the world through diverse viewpoints and uncover underlying themes, often through the creative use of cinematic techniques.

With my latest short film "Conscription", we take a sociopolitical lens and delve into a tale of deception, fascism and corruption. The plot centres around a tyrannical prime minister who attempts to wield control over the people during a call for conscription.

By positioning the prime minister as a manipulative puppet master, I aim to uncover the underlying societal anxieties that arise from the erosion of personal freedoms during a time of heightened tension and the consequences that follow.

The unconventional camerawork is a deliberate visual language designed to immerse the audience in the characters subjective experiences. Through techniques like low-angle and high-angle shots, the cinematography directly reflects the power dynamics and emotional states of the protagonist, as exemplified by the opening shot's barrier of glass.

Ultimately, I hope to offer festival audiences a thought-provoking exploration of moral corruption and highlight the dangers of unchecked power in this thrilling and dark short film.