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The Rounds

Alan and his son, Jake, meet for their traditional Christmas Eve pint, but the holiday spirit is lacking. A disagreement over whether to get another round sparks a tense confrontation that almost ends their night early. Afterwards, Alan recounts attempting to buy his first-ever round on a chaotic Christmas Day in 1978. This supposedly funny story ends up unearthing painful truths that help the pair reshape their strained relationship.

  • Asa Gartland
    Director
    Hold... Please!, Is That All There Is?
  • Asa Gartland
    Writer
    Hold... Please!, Is That All There Is?
  • Isabelle Kirk
    Producer
  • Jake Sharp
    Key Cast
    "Jake"
    Hold... Please!
  • Richard Hawley
    Key Cast
    "Alan"
    Coronation Street, Love Actually
  • Gordon Rennie
    Key Cast
    "Stan"
  • Tom Donoghue
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy, Dramedy
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 6, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Arri Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - London Film School
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Asa Gartland

Asa Gartland is a writer, director, producer, and a graduate of the London Film School. A Yorkshire native, his approach to filmmaking is shaped by the region’s humour: unpretentious, honest, and grounded in real life. His work often finds the sweet spot between drama and comedy, exploring the pain and absurdity of life through a comedic lens. His films have won awards in the UK and beyond, screening at several BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying festivals. His last short, 'Hold… Please!' was shortlisted for the Young Director Award (YDA) held during the Cannes Lions Festival week.

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Director Statement

The Rounds is inspired by a true story from my father’s Christmas Day in the mid-70s. In my family, the tradition of ‘buying a round’ wasn’t just a gesture - it was a rite of passage, a point of pride and honour passed down through the generations.

Reflecting on this, I realised that what seemed like a simple tradition acts as a Trojan Horse for a host of other attitudes and behaviours inherited through the family tree. It made me question what role we play in choosing what to carry forward and what to leave behind.

The film examines generational patterns, family legacies, and how our stories shape us. Set in a social club, it mirrors the tale my father shared with me, blending humour with emotional depth to explore universal themes of family, identity, and connection. I wanted to capture the tension and humour of these generational moments with a style that balances realism and heightened absurdity - a tone that feels true to the world I know.