Private Project

Him Then Us

One year after the sudden loss of their closest friend, three young men embark on a journey to the North of England, determined to plant a tree in his memory. What begins as a heartfelt tribute soon unravels into a raw exploration of grief, as long-buried emotions force the group of friends to confront their pain they have spent months hiding from each other.

  • Elika Norowzian
    Director
  • George Hervey
    Writer
  • Elika Norowzian
    Co-Writer
  • Elika Norowzian
    Producer
  • George Hervey
    Producer
  • Louis Cunningham- Reid
    Producer
  • Sarah Tehranian
    Director of Photography
  • Harvey Almond
    Key Cast
    "Beau"
  • Joshua Betesh
    Key Cast
    "Sam"
  • Jay Lafayette Valentine
    Key Cast
    "Ant"
  • Gary Coogan
    Editor
  • Nick Dalby
    Colourist
  • Freddie Graham
    Sound Designer
  • Jessica Lee
    First Assistant Director
  • TC Thomas
    Gaffer
  • Charlotte Whiteside
    First Assistant Camera
  • Benjy Giddings
    Sound Mixer
  • Ali Zolfaghari
    Sound Recordist
  • Chiara Fulgoni
    Spark
  • Gabriel Plant
    Associate Producer
  • Thomas Bewes
    Associate Producer
  • Theo Elwell
    Composer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 20, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    13,500 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Elika Norowzian

Elika grew up in London within a Persian immigrant family, where stories and cultural heritage shaped her creative work. This upbringing, rich in textures, colors, and memories of places never seen, deeply influences her filmmaking.

She pursued a Bachelor's in Fine Art and History of Art in the North of England, experimenting with kinetic art installations and short films and later studying film at Les Beaux-Arts de Marseille.

Since studying she has made a series of varying films and music videos in France and England. 'Him Then Us' marks her largest narrative project to date and her wide screen debut as a director.

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Director Statement

This film came from loss and I wanted it to stand as a capsule of time for others who are experiencing grief. I was witnessing the beautiful facets of platonic friendship unfold, showing how in friendship love is not obligated and care is given willingly. It's through these relationships that we hold one another up. So when making this film it was important to find the right actors to embody this energy of community but also one of youthful revelry. We have dark and light, cities and mountains, clothes, no clothes, tears and laughter. The dualities in this film are all there when learning how to grieve and learning how to remember.