What's it all about?

Logline

"UPHILL STRUGGLE" is a graduation film for the MA Filmmaking Course at Kingston School of Art; while light in tone, the film deals with grief and mental health through the eyes of two friends, Nancy and Otis, as they fulfill the final request of a recently-deceased loved one.

Who's Who?

• NANCY is a fitness coach and hiking/rambling enthusiast; at 27 years old, she is acerbic and good-natured in her demeanour, but is just as easily cutting and abrupt when in a slump or experiencing a difficult time. We see much of the story play out through Nancy's eyes, as she is our window into the world of the film.

• OTIS (age 31) is a pencil artist at the start of his career - using his art as both a creative and cathartic outlet; easy-going and good-humoured, Otis often relies on his instinctive nature to deflect negativity and anxiety - sometimes without realising the effect this has on those around him.

• MICAELA (31) is Nancy's older sister; early in the film, Micaela passes away shortly from bone cancer after winning a fun-run at the top of a local hill; charismatic and inspiring, it is Micaela that often keeps the peace between the other characters, and his absence is keenly felt by those he leaves behind.

• OTHER CHARACTERS include non-speaking fun-run participants and a judge (for the fun-run) - all of whom play smaller, but no less vital, parts across "UPHILL STRUGGLE".

Where did the idea/s come from?

The initial ideas for "UPHILL STRUGGLE" came about through the writer's love of hiking and nature-walks - across Box Hill in Dorking, Mount Caburn in Lewes, Mount Snowdon in Wales, and Richmond Park in...erm, Richmond, to name a few examples - providing a physical context for the film.

The film's emotional throughline takes its cues from mental health and well-being issues highlighted in the wake of recent world events - such as the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, respectively - as the film addresses grief and anxiety presented through the characters of Nancy and Otis, currently at different stages in the grieving process as they mourn Mark's passing.

The tone and style of "UPHILL STRUGGLE" takes it cues from the Netflix series After Life, and from films such as Stand By Me and Old Joy, while the use of filming on location is partially inspired by Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy - in particular The Fellowship of the Ring.

While it deals with heavy emotional themes, "UPHILL STRUGGLE" is light in tone and written to provide viewers with a cathartic and uplifting experience.

Why should this film be funded?

For me to say that "this film will change your life!" or "I'm a dedicated and hardworking student! #universitylifeFTW" would be beyond shallow and self-serving, and our team aims to steer clear from this entirely.

Of several dozen pitches that were made (see the video here for the video pitch presented before the faculty), "UPHILL STRUGGLE" was one of a few lucky enough to receive the go-ahead - and we aim to use this opportunity to tell a unique and hopeful story. We hope to provide audiences with a sense of escapism for which the movies are made, while also raising awareness of current social and emotional issues in today's climate - addressing mental health concerns that have cropped up across the 2020's.

However, all of this leaves a question...

What would your money go towards?

• Travel expenses: £200
• Catering: £200
• Printing costs: £200
• Film festivals and screenings: £100
• Props and costumes: £100
• Venue hire/filming locations: £200

And then, of course....

What are YOU getting out of it?

As our way of saying "thank you" to those who support the making of "UPHILL STRUGGLE", we hope to give you something back in return: check out our rewards page for some tokens of our gratitude - there's plenty of options!

For more information and updates, you can check out the film's progress here:

https://www.instagram.com/uphillstruggle_shortfilm/

Help us succeed!

While we are aware that we're asking for a lot, even so much as sharing the film over social media, email, or good old-fashioned word-of-mouth, means a tremendous deal to us all.

Thanks for taking the time out to read - we can't wait to see who reaches out!