Private Project

Gridlock

In his first year at university, Alex decides to seek support for his mental health. But getting the help he needs proves to be far more difficult than first expected.

A story of bravery and resilience, this short film shares an insight into the experience that many young people silently endure.

  • Hugo Kilner
    Director
  • Hugo Kilner
    Writer
  • Hugo Kilner
    Producer
  • Sam Bateman
    Producer
  • Finlay Ross
    Producer
  • Brandon Regan
    Key Cast
    "Alex"
  • Georgina McKay
    Key Cast
    "Receptionist #1"
  • Kiran Palmer de Juan
    Key Cast
    "Harry"
  • Niamh Walton
    Key Cast
    "Student Wellbeing Representative"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Medical
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 38 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 21, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    150 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Exeter
Director Biography - Hugo Kilner

I am a Film and Television Studies student at the University of Exeter, living in Manchester, United Kingdom. Having made a handful of micro short films, I decided to assemble a team of fellow students, from differing disciplines and year groups, to come together and create the short film ‘Gridlock’.

I try to learn as much as possible about the independent filmmaking process and the amazing experience I have had has motivated me to begin working on my next project, which will also contribute to my university dissertation.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When coming towards the end of my first year at university, I began to develop the idea for what would eventually become our short film ‘Gridlock’. The idea originated from my experience interacting with other students and hearing about some of the difficulties they had faced when adjusting to this new chapter in their lives.

Eventually, this evolved into a story concerning the struggle to find help when one is silently struggling. As a person of mixed-heritage, it has always been important to me that under-represented stories are told, and the experience of Alex in our film is one I believe deserves to be depicted.

This film was completely self-funded by me and my fellow producers. I was blown away by the level of commitment from all of our cast and crew and the making of this film would not have been possible without their dedication.