Q: In a couple of sentences, what is Contact Hours about?
A: Contact Hours is a story about student suicide seen through the eyes of a university caretaker struggling to connect with his son.
It is about the bravery required to reach for help when you are at your lowest.
Q: What sparked the idea for this story, and why did you want to tell it now?
A: The story was inspired by a chance encounter that writer Rufus Love had with an ex-caretaker who had resigned his post after finding multiple students who had taken their own lives.
We wanted to be part of the movement to destigmatise suicidal ideation, make university campuses safer for students and honour the kind and selfless people who work as first responders.
Q: What was the most rewarding – or challenging – part of making the film?
A: On the busiest day of the shoot, there were about sixty people on set. Cast, crew, trainees, visitors.
To bring all these people together in pursuit of something that, born out of darkness, might bring some light… that was hugely rewarding.
Q: Why do you think film festivals are important for short-form filmmakers today?
A: Because we’re all in this together.
We have met industry friends, collaborators and inspirations at film festivals.
Whatever stage you’re at, there is someone just ahead in their career who can help and someone just behind who needs your advice.
Q: What does being shortlisted for Best British Short Film mean to you and your team?
A: We made this film because we wanted it to be seen.
This acknowledgement from Sunrise is hugely important to us as it will encourage audiences and programmers alike to seek out ‘Contact Hours’.
It is also a lovely thank you to all those who generously invested their time, encouragement, experiences and expertise in this project.
Q: What is one practical tip you’d share with other emerging filmmakers?
A: Tell anyone and everyone about your project.
There is an astonishing amount of goodwill out there, and you can never predict where one introduction, followed by another and another, will lead you.
Q: Where can people follow your work (website, socials, upcoming screenings)?
A: Please follow us on Instagram: @contacthoursfilm, @headrushfilms, @harryrichardsfilm, @rufus.love_
We would also really appreciate reviews of Contact Hours on Letterboxd!
