elephant

elephant is a short film about Nicole, a woman in her late 30s who appears to have it all; a caring husband, two children and a good job. But Nicole is suffering from a crippling depression that, due to the stigma attached to mental illness, she is trying to keep secret. Set over 24 hours, elephant shows how a series of otherwise minor events, coupled with Nicole’s dissociation from family and friends, lead her to a state of utter desperation.

  • Gladys San Juan
    Director
  • Noella Mingo
    Writer
  • Kara Lockett
    Producer
    120 Days
  • Damian Paul Daniel
    Producer
    Against the Tides, Pie
  • Noella Mingo
    Producer
    Pie
  • Madeline Appiah
    Key Cast
    "Nicole"
    In the long run
  • Jude Owusu
    Key Cast
    "Danny"
    The merry wives of windsor
  • Reya Brown
    Key Cast
    "Jasmine"
  • Seyi Andes-Pelumi
    Key Cast
    "Ethan"
    Branded
  • Ivy Davis
    Key Cast
    "Nicole's Mum"
    Eastenders
  • Damian Paul Daniel
    Cinematography
    Against the Tides, They've gotta have us
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 13, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Super 16mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Gladys San Juan

elephant is Gladys' drama directorial debut. Previously she has directed music videos and co-produced award-winning shorts including fan film, The Hunt For Gollum. She has worked as script supervisor on projects including BAFTA winning short, Operator and was assistant script supervisor on Star Wars Episode 7. She has written and produced supernatural thriller, Ghost in The Machine which is currently on the festival circuit.

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Director Statement

I have been committed to elephant since first reading Noella's script more than five years ago. Having suffered with depression myself, I'm well aware of its devastating effect on the sufferer as well as family and friends. During my research for the film, I was shocked to discover how many people suffered their depression in silence, unable to ask for or accept help. I believe that by highlighting the hidden pain of depression, the intimate story and powerful performances in elephant, will start an important conversation about how society supports those with mental health issues and encourage sufferers to seek the help they need.