Experiencing Interruptions?

Heaven To Know You

After a traumatic childhood at the hands of her abusive mother and a difficult start to adult life, Lara relocates to NYC to start over, leaving behind a childhood of imaginary friends but also her dreams of song and dance.

Her troubles with alcohol and social angst soon resurface getting in the way of both her personal and her professional life, till one day hope comes along in the form of love.

She slowly lets him in after pushing him away but, despite attending therapy, her grip on reality loosens, casting doubt on both her sanity and his existence.
Still, Lara falls in love with him as he awakens her to a joy of life till then completely absent.
But, can you really live inside a Dream?

  • PHILIP H J GAY
    Director
  • KATI NESCHER
    Key Cast
    "LARA"
  • MAXIME FORGO
    Key Cast
    "HOPE"
  • PHILIP H J GAY
    Writer
  • KATI NESCHER
    Writer
  • PHILIP H J GAY
    Producer
  • TAMOUNA GUGULASHVILI
    Editor
  • PHILIP H J GAY
    Cinematography
  • MATHIEU BURGESS
    Sound Design
  • JULIEN SOULOUMIAC
    Color Grader
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    À La Rencontre Du Paradis
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    DRAMA, EXPERIMENTAL, UNDERGROUND, ROMANCE
  • Runtime:
    38 minutes 32 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 15, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    9,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    France, United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • TiSFF * THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL SHORTS
    Thessaloniki
    Greece
    October 11, 2025
    Winner of the Cinematic Achievement Award
  • BRIGHTON ROCKS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
    Brighton
    United Kingdom
    June 22, 2025
    Winner of best film
  • NewFILMMAKERS NY
    NEW YORK
    United States
    Nominated for Best Short Film
  • FOLKESTONE FILM FESTIVAL
    Folkestone
    United Kingdom
    November 3, 2025
    Best director (International Short)
  • RAMSGATE INTERNATIONAL FILM AND TV FESTIVAL
    RAMSGATE
    United Kingdom
    March 28, 2026
    Nominated for Best Short Film
  • CINEMA ON THE BAYOU
    LAFAYETTE
    United States
    January 28, 2026
    Nominated for Best Narrative Short
  • LITTLE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
    LONDON
    United Kingdom
    April 25, 2026
    Nominee Best Short Film Mental Health Experience
  • BIG FRIDGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
    LONDON
    United Kingdom
    September 7, 2025
    Finalist best Cinematography
  • CROSSING THE SCREEN
    EASTBOURNE
    United Kingdom
    May 8, 2026
    Nominee for best Innovative Narrative Production
  • MILTON KEYNES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
    MILTON KEYNES
    United Kingdom
    October 11, 2025
    Philip HJ Gay - Best Cinematography
  • MILTON KEYNES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
    MILTON KEYNES
    United Kingdom
    October 11, 2025
    Kati Nescher - Best Actress
Director Biography - PHILIP H J GAY

Philip H J Gay was born in Gloucester, UK but grew up between England and France.
He studied Film and English Literature at University of North London before embarking on a career as a photographer.

In 2021 Philip directed his first music videos and began writing scripts for fiction.
In June 2025 Philip's first fiction film 'Heaven to Know You' , which he co-wrote with actress Kati Nescher, won best film at Brighton Rocks Film Festival and won a cinematic Achievement award at Thessaloniki International Short Film Festival 2025.

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Director Statement

This is my first fiction film as Director.
It's also my first fiction film as co-writer.