Drowning: The Art of Survival

Drowning: The Art of Survival is a cinematic documentary exploring the profound ways art and spirituality help individuals heal from trauma. Set against the diverse landscapes of Thailand and the UK, the film follows the personal journeys of people who have found solace and strength in creative expression. Through intimate interviews and breathtaking visuals, Drowning delves into the transformative power of artistic and spiritual practices in overcoming life's most difficult challenges, showing how creativity can serve as a lifeline in the face of emotional turmoil.

  • Nathaniel Lloyd Richards
    Director
    Ode To Black Women.
  • Nathaniel Lloyd Richards
    Producer
    Ode To Black Women.
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Documentary, Independent film, Independent documentary, Art film
  • Runtime:
    1 hour
  • Completion Date:
    March 31, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Thailand, United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    3:2
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Nathaniel Lloyd Richards

Nathaniel Lloyd Richards is an award-winning poet, filmmaker, and creative with a deep commitment to telling stories that explore themes of resilience, identity, and healing. Drawing from his Caribbean heritage and diverse experiences across Europe and Asia, Nathaniel's work blends cinematic storytelling with intimate, personal narratives. His short documentary 'Ode to Black Women.' celebrates the strength and triumphs of Black women, showcasing his unique ability to capture powerful, emotional stories through a cinematic lens. With a background in both creative and social issues, Nathaniel has a distinct ability to connect with audiences on an emotional and intellectual level, amplifying voices often overlooked in mainstream media.

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Director Statement

Drowning: The Art of Survival is a deeply personal exploration of how art and spirituality can serve as lifelines in the aftermath of trauma. As a filmmaker, I’ve always been drawn to stories that speak to the resilience of the human spirit, and this film is no exception. Through intimate conversations with individuals who have faced immense hardships, I wanted to capture not just their struggles, but their triumphs—the moments where creativity and spirituality gave them the strength to rise above.

Filming across Thailand and the UK allowed me to explore not only the emotional depth of these personal stories but also the diverse landscapes that mirror the varied paths of healing. For me, the visual language of the film became as important as the stories themselves—each frame an attempt to translate the rawness of pain and the beauty of survival into something cinematic and tangible.

This film is about finding light in the darkest places, and it’s my hope that Drowning will resonate with anyone who has ever felt submerged by their circumstances, reminding them that there is always a way to surface.