Private Project

The ELFidemic

Mattie Moto spills the tea on the dramatic rise of disposable vapes in the UK and their questionable health effects, plus comedic and thought-provoking interviews with their users.

  • Harry Stoneman
    Director
  • Harry Stoneman
    Writer
  • Luke Sedge
    Producer
  • Mattie Moto
    Presenter
  • Harry Stoneman
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    comedy, documentary, camp
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 5 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 31, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    150 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Harry Stoneman
  • WILDsound Daily Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Harry Stoneman

Harry Stoneman is a 20 year old queer student born and raised in Portsmouth and studying filmmaking at Screen and Film School Brighton.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

For the last roughly four years, I have experienced and observed a surge in popularity of disposable vapes among young people. Drawn in by the allure of brands like 'Elf Bar'—with their enticing flavours, sleek designs, and simplicity—I was quickly hooked and soon found myself grappling with potential health concerns and a seemingly insurmountable nicotine addiction. Witnessing friends facing the battle, I recognized the gravity of this issue, masked by attractive packaging and the questionable concept that vaping is far more safer alternative to smoking.

Motivated to shed some light on this ‘ELFidemic’, I embarked on creating an educational yet humorous documentary at my film school in Brighton for 'documentary term'. Through a comedic script and a vibrant aesthetic mirroring 'Elf Bar's' branding, I aim to symbolise the deceptive nature of these disposable vapes through this film.

Writing, directing and editing my debut documentary proved to be an amazing journey. I collaborated with a fantastic presenter, a trusting and hard working crew, and insightful interviewees. Exploring the potential health hazards associated with disposable vapes and the inescapable grip of addiction among its users opened my eyes to the seriousness of this issue. I hope this film will spark a similar revelation for others, especially within my generation."