This documentary tells the story of Lily, a 14 year old autistic girl who has not been to school for 5 years. It is told through the eyes of her mum Kelly and explores the adversity she has faced. As part of this project, five young people aged 19 - 22 years old were guided and mentored by writer and director Cornelius Walker. Over the course of 8 weeks from January to March 2021, they met regularly via zoom. 

Created as part of Shortcut, a European Film Programme centred on film and citizenship education. The aim was to increase young viewers’ knowledge of issues through European short films from different, sometimes distant countries and strengthen teachers’ skills in film education. The project was developed by four European organisations from Poland, Northern Ireland, Czech Republic and Portugal with the support of the European Union Creative Europe Media Programme.

The films explored themes affecting young people today, including equality, racism, migration, poverty, addiction, social media, grief, the environment, sexuality and activism. Alongside screenings and discussions, the programme delivered filmmaking residencies in schools and communities, enabling young people to engage creatively with these topics and produce thoughtful short films reflecting the issues that matter in their own lives.

Devised by Adam Haggan, Tiernan McKenna, Gaigai Xie, Ross Foley, Kyle Hechanova

Mentor & Guiding Director - Cornelius Walker
Co-directors - Cornelius Walker, Sharron Currie, Ross McClean
1st Assistant Director - Adam Haggan
2nd Assistant Director - Kyle Hechanova, Tiernan McKenna

Camera - Ross McClean
Camera Assistants - Gaigai Xie, Tiernan McKenna, Adam Haggan
Lighting - Ross McClean, Gaigai Xie
Sound Recording - Aidan Deery, Ross Foley
Sound Design - Aiden Deery
Editor & Colour Grading - Conall Melarkey

Interviewer - Sharron Currie
BTS Photography - Kyle Hechanova, Ross Foley
Set Design - Jennifer Lamb, Sharron Curie
Set Design Assistants - Jennifer McAlorum, Barry Brennan, Danny Nash
Best boy - Tiernan McKenna
Driver - Barry Brennan

Producer - Sharron Curie
Executive Producer - Marty Melarkey
Finance & Operations - Darren Porter

Rathcoole NCAN Youth Leader, Dee Crooks
Funded by Creative Europe Media Programme.
Delivered/owned by Nerve Centre.

• Nerve Centre