Rise Up

Rise Up is a series of 5 short stories inspired by environmentalist Jonathon Porritt’s ideas on the future.

Set over 5 years, each story follows a different character as they journey out of the chaos of 2020 and discover their voice, passions and activism.

We see Lahari confronting air pollution in Mumbai, Erin experiencing coastal erosion in Norfolk, Jamal seeking access to better food for himself and his friends, Jay finding their place in local politics and Tyler becoming an ally and amplifier.

Rise Up explores how world events helped to shape their journeys forcing them to take action, be innovative, resilient and responsible.

This film is a hope-filled call to action for anyone who believes we are not inexorably doomed and can imagine a better future.

The film has been created for a target audience of 16-18 year olds whose life choice are being made this year- being asked to choose college, careers, and embrace adulthood at a time when the future could not be more uncertain. Each of the five episodes is intended to show students how the power to make choices is open to them- that they have agency.

Designed to be shared amongst students between the smartboard and the smartphone, for the especial circumstances of a disrupted schooling and environment, ‘Rise Up’ is both a call to arms, and the beginning of a conversation.

  • Sophie Austin
    Director
  • Beth Flintoff
    Writer
  • Becky Burchell
    Producer
  • Priya Kansara
    Key Cast
    "Lahari"
  • Venice Van-Someran
    Key Cast
    "Erin"
  • Shem Hamilton
    Key Cast
    "Jamal"
  • Frewyn Thursfield
    Key Cast
    "Jay"
  • Jon Gutierrez
    Key Cast
    "Tyler"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    28 minutes 11 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    28,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Mixed
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Kinosaray Positive Film Festival
    Obyrok
    Ukraine
    June 26, 2021
    Official Selection
  • Bolton International Film Festival
    Bolton
    United Kingdom
    October 3, 2021
    Official Selection
  • International Migration & Environmental Film Festival
    Brandon
    Canada
    October 9, 2021
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Sophie Austin

Sophie Austin is a director, writer and producer based in London.
She is Creative Director at SHH Productions, a female led film production company, Creative Associate at international arts organisation Dash Arts and Writer in Residence at Lesnes Abbey Woods.

Sophie was founder and Artistic Director of Teatro Vivo, a critically acclaimed theatre company and specialises in large scale, site-specific and immersive theatre.

Sophie's work is currently focused on telling urgent and hope filled stories across a range of mediums in order to bond us to the environment and allow us to embrace our connections to the natural world.

"I believe we are not yet inexorably doomed.
I believe young people will have a huge part to play in making a better future possible.
But it is not solely on their shoulders and storytellers like me need to make work that inspires and reflects what might be possible."

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Creating these films during a global pandemic seemed like the only sensible thing to do.
I am so proud of what we have made and the message these stories carry.
I want these films to speak directly to young people, to offer hope, inspiration and a starting point for a conversation.
As an artist I feel it is my place to tell stories that provoke, challenge and offer ideas and new ways to see the future.
I believe we are not yet inexorably doomed.
I believe young people will have a huge part to play in making a better future possible.
But it is not solely on their shoulders and storytellers like me need to make work that inspires and reflects what might be possible.
My hope is that these films have a global reach and spark conversations for all who see them.
They can be enjoyed all together or can be viewed in episodes enabling conversation in between.