Experiencing Interruptions?

TRACE

Set in a punk dystopian London, where memories have become commodities and are highly valued on the black market, a killing spree targets memory dealers. To save his estranged daughter Kyla, Daniel, a long-retired personal investigator for the mob, is forced back into the dangerous underworld he hoped to leave behind for good. Daniel must now dive into the memories of others to uncover clues from the past and secure Kyla’s future safety. In a universe so bleak that good memories can no longer be made, but instead are extracted by force and sold to the highest bidder, who can he trust?

  • Jack Murphy
    Director
    Show Me The End of Time,
  • Ben Wolfin
    Writer
    Let Me Ride, Show Me the End of Time
  • Jack Murphy
    Producer
    Show Me The End of Time, Everybody Knows
  • Edgar Vazquez
    Producer
    Let Me Ride
  • Lachlan Macnab
    Producer
    Blinded, Asylum
  • Daniel Weir
    Key Cast
    "Daniel"
    T2 Trainspotting
  • Georgia Hendry
    Key Cast
    "Kyla"
  • Ellis Wells
    Key Cast
    "Phil"
    Last Chancers
  • Carlo Spano
    Key Cast
    "Concierge"
    Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator
  • Marlon Kameka
    Key Cast
    "Man in Suit"
    The Black Cop
  • Matt Mcclure
    Key Cast
    "Kai"
    Penny Dreadful
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi, Thriller, Neo-Noir, Crime Drama
  • Runtime:
    30 minutes 34 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 20, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is an aspiring film director. After finishing high school, Jack took a gap year to work in the industry, gaining experience in multiple departments as a trainee on studio productions such as Wonder Woman 1984, No Time to Die, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. During his time on No Time to Die, a brief conversation with 2nd Unit Director Alexander Witt inspired Jack to pursue a career in directing. Consequently, he enrolled at the London Film Academy, graduating in 2021. Known for his focus on dystopian sci-fi, Jack also aspires to explore the period adventure genre. Currently, he works in the Production department for a high-end TV project, continuing to refine his craft and pursue his directorial ambitions.

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Director Statement

Trace is a gripping Sci-Fi Thriller unfolding in a world where memories are transformed into a tangible drug known as "Proxy." These memories stimulate the Central Nervous System, offering a heightened sensory experience akin to a drug-induced high. The film delves into the deeper theme of sentimentality, portraying a society addicted to reliving the past, even if it's not their own. Father and daughter, Daniel and Kyla, exemplify this sentimentality, once sharing a loving past until Daniel's involvement with organised crime led to Kyla following in his steps, straining their relationship to breaking point. Throughout the film, I’ve used lighting and music to portray this underlying sentimentality.

Trace’s narrative explores the evolution of the father-daughter dynamic as they move from conflict to understanding and acceptance. The film's passion lies in depicting the transformation of their relationship amid a sci-fi world that addresses contemporary concerns about cyber security and data privacy theft. I merge my love for murder mysteries, influenced by Agatha Christie, and family Cluedo games into this unique project. Confident in its collaborative creation, Trace is a captivating film that leaves audiences yearning for more from this darkly colourful universe.