Hooked
Journey with Glen, a resilient filmmaker, as he navigates the haunting past of heroin addiction in his family. Through intimate interactions with figures from his past and stark archival footage, Glen seeks understanding, healing, and redemption, not only for himself but to offer a beacon of hope to others entrapped in the harrowing world of substance abuse.
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Glen FulthorpeDirector
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Glen FulthorpeProducer
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Domantas JakubauskasProducer
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Louis JousselmeProducer
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Domantas JakubauskasSound Recordist
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Glen FulthorpeWriter
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Bettina ZironiEditor
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Carrie PennComposer
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Tom MossSound Designer
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Carmen BoettcherProduction Manager
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Project Type:Documentary, Short, Student
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Runtime:28 minutes 12 seconds
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Completion Date:May 22, 2024
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Production Budget:1,056 GBP
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Country of Origin:United Kingdom
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Country of Filming:United Kingdom
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - National Film and Television School
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
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Slamdance Film FestivalLos Angeles
United States
February 22, 2025
North American Premiere
Documentary Short Grand Jury Prize -
Montecatini International Short Film FestivalMontecatini Terme
Italy
November 5, 2025 -
Lisboa Indie Film Festival • LISBIFFLisbon
Portugal
June 14, 2025 -
Chicago Underground Film FestivalChicago
United States
September 17, 2025 -
Golden Bridge İstanbul Short Film Festival
March 9, 2025 -
The Grierson Trust British Documentary AwardsLondon
United Kingdom
Best Student Documentary Nominee
Glen Fulthorpe is a filmmaker with 20 years of experience, having begun his filmmaking journey at 15. His passion for storytelling and visual artistry has made him a versatile director with a keen eye for self-shooting and producing. Glen's talent was recognised early in his career when he won the Best New Screenplay award at the 2011 Newport International Film Festival. Drawing from his experiences growing up in a Slough council estate, Glen brings a unique perspective to his work, often exploring themes of redemption and personal growth. His latest documentary, “No Two Ways," is inspired by his journey of making his late mother proud despite challenging circumstances. Glen's approach to filmmaking is characterised by a blend of observational and investigatory styles, enabling him to capture the raw emotions and complexities of human experiences within his compelling narratives.
The genesis of this documentary stemmed from a deeply personal quest during my time at the National Film and Television School. Our "Question" unit provided the perfect opportunity to delve into the unanswered questions surrounding my father's heroin overdose in 2006. As I embarked on this journey, I was at a crossroads as a filmmaker and a new father.
Becoming a parent myself brought a new perspective to this project. It made me confront my insecurities about parenting and the lingering resentment I held towards my father. His inability to overcome his addiction, for my sake, had left me feeling inadequate. This project broke that cycle, reinforcing my commitment to always keeping my promises to my children.
The process of creating this film was fraught with emotional and practical challenges. Sifting through 100 hours of old mini DV tapes was like peering through a window into my past, stirring up a complex mix of nostalgia and pain. It required persistence and determination not to give up when faced with the raw emotions this footage evoked.
Revisiting the 2006 archive footage was a transformative experience. It allowed me to see events I had missed or forgotten, providing new insights into the circumstances surrounding my father's death. This retrospective journey was difficult but necessary, enabling me to move forward by first looking back.
This documentary will resonate with audiences emotionally, offering them a glimpse into my world while inspiring reflection on their familial responsibilities and futures. I want viewers to see the potential for growth and healing from confronting painful truths.
Making this film has profoundly changed me as a filmmaker and person. It honed my storytelling skills, particularly weaving diverse materials like stills, archive footage, and new shots. On a personal level, it reinforced the importance of self-care and keeping promises to my children. Most significantly, it led me to the realisation that I need to forgive my father and accept what happened, allowing me to move past the anger and frustration that has long affected me.
This documentary is not just a story about my father's overdose; it's a testament to the power of confronting our past, the complexity of family relationships, and the possibility of breaking cycles of trauma through understanding and forgiveness.