DEEP DIVE - Short Film w Epilepsy Action

Written / Directed by: Amy Harris Production Company: Ninth Floor Films

This is a project looking to raise awareness and improve the lives of those living with epilepsy in the Military. We are in official partnership with Epilepsy Action and Kodak x Silverscreen. 

Director’s Statement

“This is a film based on my dad’s story. 

As a nuclear submariner and working for the emergency services, his health has always been a balancing act. When we were growing up, we had to keep every one of his ‘funny turns’ swept securely under the carpet. We dealt with it ourselves, we wouldn’t involve the doctors. With an official diagnosis, he would lose his job, his livelihood, his life.

Keeping silent was of utmost importance. And he kept his illness hidden.

Amongst his colleagues, there was a sense that they were nothing but tough. Everything was a laugh, and if it wasn’t it should be toughed out, waded through in a stoic, almost martyring way. Men don’t pussy out. Men don’t cry. Men stick with it and power through.

But there are some things you can’t ignore – And having a grand mal seizure is one of them.

I’ve never seen a film dealing with the stigma surrounding epilepsy in the UK Military, and it’s time to change that and raise awareness for all those suffering in silence.”

I worked with Amy on two shorts and when I read her script, I knew I wanted to help however I could. She is an amazing writer with a lot of heart and nuances.