BY MATTHEW BOREHAM
A SHORT FILM ENTIRELY SHOT IN CHERTSEY
In the summer of 2019, I was determined to write and direct a debut fictional short film after meeting some like-minded creatives with an equal passion for movies. Mental health awareness is a subject I am conscious of and wanted to focus on. I believe in the importance of being mindful of the everyday people around us and the understanding of what they might be struggling with. The film ultimately reflects on how a simple act of kindness can be potentially lifesaving.
You can view the 7-minute short film on YouTube by searching for “The Other Side Matt Boreham” or by typing the following link into an internet browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cpP5v8wDLc
The Other Side was filmed exclusively in my hometown of Chertsey, utilising areas like Abbeyfields and Ferry Lane Bridge overlooking the M3. The vastness of greenery and overgrown elements made for an appropriate metaphor for the build-up of negative thoughts the main character was feeling.
Early on, I knew that there would be little to no dialogue in the film, echoing the fact that mental health remains a taboo subject to many. This way we see the result of staying silent and how others suffer the consequences for our lack of awareness.
The one piece of dialogue that is spoken, the only word said in the entire 7 minutes holds some significance for mental health awareness. The use of “hey” and how it should become the simple opening of a conversation amongst people. “Hey, are you okay? Hey, you want to chat? Hey, do you need help?”
When deciding on the locations, the bridge soon became a critical element. It was imperative it be a footbridge. Story-wise, had the bridge been a road, it is likely that a person in a passing car would have pulled over to talk with the troubled young man.
On top of this, I needed the character to appear completely isolated and cut-off from the rest of humanity, and Ferry Lane is only used by the occasional walker. Therefore it was an ideal setting and I believe the loneliness was further established through the choice of framing within the shot.
The idea of someone receiving a smile, a simple gesture of kindness that could keep a stranger on the right track was powerful. Whilst it might come across as unrealistic, sadly this short film was inspired by the true story of a 19-year-old Kevin Hines, who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. His suicide note stated that he would not go through with it if a single person smiled at him that day. No one did.
The Other Side was filmed sometime before the Coronavirus pandemic reached UK shores. Back then, we were able to meet up with friends without limit, we could have a Christmas with the entire family and we could travel mask-free. With countless, shifting restrictions coming into force on a monthly basis, the regular freedoms we once knew get further from view. The effect these limitations can have on the mind is substantial and should not be ignored. Now more than ever, kindness within the community is intrinsic to maintaining health and happiness in its’ individuals.
Miraculously, Kevin Hines survived the fall. He later preached “If you ever see someone visibly upset, even a stranger, you should ask them ‘Hey, are you OK? Is something wrong?’ That can be enough to keep someone alive.”
If this article has affected you or you need to talk to someone, please contact:
CALM – 0800 58 58 58
Get Connected – 0808 808 4994
Mind – 0300 123 3393
No Panic – 0844 967 4848
Samaritans – 116 123
SANE – 0300 304 7000