Experiencing Interruptions?

Hedgehog

Josie wants to be like any other teenager. Poised between adolescence and adulthood she finds herself isolated, living with the challenges of NF1, a protective father and a fascination with a medieval king. When new girl Ash shows up at drama class, Josie seizes the chance to change her story.

  • Adam Smethurst
    Director
    Twelfth Night (Shanty Productions, 2018)
  • Adam Smethurst
    Writer
  • Tansy Smethurst
    Key Cast
    "Josie"
  • Jenaï Gnoan
    Key Cast
    "Ash"
  • Rakie Ayola
    Executive Producer
    Diamond Sky (Fortune's Cap Productions, post-production), The Pact Series 2 (BBC ONE, 2022), Twelfth Night (Shanty Productions, 2018)
  • Adam Smethurst
    Executive Producer
    Twelfth Night (Shanty Productions, 2018)
  • Tess Lina
    Composer
  • Sahil Kotwani
    Director of Photography
  • Ruari Chambers
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 41 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 15, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    12,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Red Komodo
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • London Independent Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    April 21, 2024
    World Premiere
    Best UK Short: Jury Award Winner
  • Mansfield Town Film Festival
    Mansfield
    United Kingdom
    July 27, 2024
    Disabled & Neurodiverse Voices Award Nominee
  • Sunrise Film Festival
    Lowestoft
    United Kingdom
    August 1, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Greenwich Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    September 21, 2024
    Emerging Actor Award Nominee, Best London Film Award Nominee
  • I Will Tell International Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    September 28, 2024
    Best Actress in a Short Film Award Nominee, Best Supporting Actress in a Short Film Award Nominee
  • Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series
    Online
    October 5, 2024
  • London Breeze Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    October 26, 2024
Director Biography - Adam Smethurst

Adam Smethurst is a filmmaker, writer and actor. After many years appearing on stage and television in the UK he completed an MA Screenwriting at UAL. He made several corporate films before adapting and directing William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (2018) starring Sheila Atim (The Woman King). In 2023 he completed his first short story before directing Hedgehog. Adam co-founded Shanty Productions with his wife, actress Rakie Ayola, and they are currently developing projects for both film and television.

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Director Statement

This is a very personal film. In 2012 our eldest daughter Tansy (who plays the lead character Josie in Hedgehog) was diagnosed with NF1 (Neurofibromatosis type 1) - a genetic disorder without cure - and in 2013 she suffered a severe brain injury that left her with working memory impairment. Hedgehog is a tribute to her courage and resilience in the face of enormous physical and psychological challenges.
The film was conceived during the many long journeys Tansy and Adam shared each day, to and from her specialist school. Our aim was to develop a compelling story placing a character with NF1 at it's heart.
A shared love of Shakespeare gave us an unusual opportunity, through the character of Richard III, to examine NF1, neurodiversity and the associated themes of self-image, isolation and dependence.
We have a long and close relationship with the Childhood Tumour Trust (CTT) and their support has been invaluable.
Hedgehog is dedicated to all the young people and families living with NF1.

Rakie Ayola - Exec Producer
Adam Smethurst - Director