Director’s Statement:
Reaching adulthood as the world blows up in a series of ongoing crises does a lot to cement how you feel about the world. The uncertain despondency, the hope that things will get better—and the need to push through it all to survive. The world of Fleeting Hope is ours. One stuck in a post-Covid poly-crisis, filled with humans caught up in the connections of a vast network, its people exploited and despondent, most feeling lonelier and more isolated by the day.
However history progresses, I wanted this film to capture the pre-apocalyptic uncertainty bubbling away under the surface. All that meant was capturing a feeling.
That feeling is found in the story of David, a man in his forties, and Maya, his 8-year-old daughter. They were played by two brilliant actors, Tim Prior and Maya Winters, who defined their roles beautifully. David is a product of the present, living a lonely life in the post-lockdown hangover, caught in the confusing in-between of precarious working conditions and the chance to see his daughter. If not for Maya, he would be a completely empty soul, wandering the streets of Severn Beach with nothing.
I found Severn Beach in the early stages of this film’s development. I was looking for somewhere interesting to go and found it on a map. A tiny village nestled between Avonmouth and the Prince of Wales Bridge. When I arrived, I knew it was the place to set Fleeting Hope—a forgotten place, overwhelmed and destroyed by a concrete behemoth.
The story that takes place there had been rattling around my head for a lot longer—one of a father, his daughter, and a pair of fairy wings. It was a joy to bring it to life at what feels like such a pertinent moment, and it wouldn’t have been possible without such a brilliant team. Every single crew member made their mark on this film’s style, and there’s no doubt we share its authorship.
Making this film was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was amazing to work with such talented people. As we begin to share what we’ve made, I’m excited to hear what different people discern from our story.
Robert Waite, Writer/Director
Producer's Statement
Fleeting Hope is a poignant and thought-provoking short film that explores the delicate dynamics between a single father and his daughter over the course of a fateful weekend. It tells a deeply human story that delves into the complexities of parenthood, the fragility of relationships, and the bittersweet nature of hope.
It is a film that firmly exists in the here and now, indirectly dealing with the pandemic's impact on so many, pushing already strained relationships to the absolute breaking point. Leaving many feeling isolated and helpless. It tells a story of the forgotten, reminding us of the other, the single parent struggling to keep up.
While the film may not be very uplifting, it is not meant as a pessimistic portrayal of parenthood but rather a realistic look at the human experience. We wanted to make a film that helps people appreciate the little things, the small moments of hope in an otherwise bleak world. Helping us to better deal with trying times in our own lives.
Our talented cast and crew have poured their hearts and souls into bringing this story to life, working collaboratively to capture authentic characters, emphasising performance overall, and allowing us to capture those little perfect moments that make an incredibly moving film.
We hope that Fleeting Hope will resonate with audiences and create meaningful discussions about our relationships with each other. shedding light on the struggles and challenges faced by single parents across the world, helping us all be a little more hopeful in these strange times.
Jonny Barnes, Producer/Assistant Director
