Experiencing Interruptions?

The Closest Point

'Even in the darkest of times, angels come to reveal truth and love.'

Wong Kar Wai stated that “even at our closest point, we are still 0.01 cm apart from each other”. This seems very close, yet it can be impenetrable. In 'The Closest Point' a couple have to make the hardest decision any parent could face, not only on the life of their premature baby, but what to do with their relationship. Shireen is enveloped in a space that is only for herself and her son Raj. Simon is blinded by his love for Shireen and his need for a family. Then the most magical, unexpected and life affirming event changes their lives.
The film is based on a true story.

  • Dilesh Korya
    Director
  • Ajay Parekh
    Producer
  • Dilesh Korya
    Writer
  • Damian Paul Daniel
    Cinematography
  • Hiral Versani
    Key Cast
    "Shireen"
  • Richard Southgate
    Key Cast
    "Simon"
  • Amanda Ryan
    Key Cast
    "Head Nurse"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 25, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Kingston International Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    June 23, 2024
  • All is Joy Public Screening
    London
    United Kingdom
    August 15, 2024
Distribution Information
  • Dilesh Korya
    Country: United Kingdom
Director Biography - Dilesh Korya

Dilesh Korya is a British Asian filmmaker and editor 5ased in Bristol, with a career that spans 35 years. For over 20 years he has been editing documentaries for BBC and Channel 4. Many have won awards and garnered big audiences and critical praise. Most recently a series he edited, 'Union with David Olusoga' won RTS West Best Factual Series Award. He is currently editing the new 'Empire' series with David Olusoga, for the BBC.

He has made a feature documentary ’Kekee Manzil: House of Art’, which has won numerous awards at various festivals.

Prior to this, Dilesh had made short films. His film ‘Sari’ has been shown at festivals and awarded a number of commendations.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The most remarkable thing is that this a true story. It is my story, from 24 years ago. Some of the dialogue has been altered but the most powerful of thoughts are actual lines that were spoken.
My son, Naveen was born on 13th January 2000. He lived for 3 months. In the last 2 weeks his mother, she and I stayed full time at the hospital. It was a grind, but when you in the midst of such trauma, you aren’t aware of how awful it really is. We were told that he could make it through, so we let the doctors get on with it. In the second week, I was outside the Children’s Hospital, at around 11pm, having a break. Then from the darkness the couple appeared and what happened in the script played out. After the couple went, I returned to the hospital and two days later we decided to end our son’s life.

This story becomes extraordinary because of the couple outside. They take something tragic and raise it into something quite profound and beautiful. What and how I think is best left to the viewer. The truth is, it had a deep effect on me that has stayed with me for a long time.

Our daughter Svenja was born a year later. His mother and I remained together for 12 years.

‘The Closest Point’ is about the spaces between us. That space, could be as thin as a tissue, or as wide as a chasm, it doesn’t matter, as either can create a sense of alienation, a feeling of isolation and loneliness. These spaces, that are always there, sometimes drive us apart. Simon and Shireen are torn apart, driven away from each other-yet, somehow, at the end, however briefly, they connect.