Hannah van der Westhuysen, a rising star from "Fate: The Winx Saga," will embark on an exciting directorial journey with her debut short film titled "Peter," featuring Lee Braithwaite, whose breakthrough performance in "We Live in Time" captivated audiences worldwide. Scripted by van der Westhuysen herself and produced by the Oscar-acclaimed Slick Films (behind "The Silent Child") in collaboration with George Somner's 13:8 Films, known for "Sex Education," "Peter" delves into the poignant tale of Elliott (Braithwaite), a youthful trans man nurturing his father, Peter, who grapples with alcohol-induced dementia.
The official synopsis of the short unfolds with poignant depth: "When Peter presents Elliott with his hand-me-down clothes, a gesture seemingly insignificant, it embodies a profound significance. Is Peter's fleeting acceptance a mere byproduct of his memory's erosion, or has his fragile state enabled him to genuinely perceive Elliott, both as his son and the man he has blossomed into?"
Van der Westhuysen elaborated in a statement, "For me, this film is a poignant exploration of dignity and identity—preserving both amidst a world or circumstances that threaten to strip them away. In our fragmented society, highlighting the bonds spanning vastly different generations and experiences is imperative."
"Peter" has forged a meaningful partnership with charities Not a Phase and the Alzheimer's Association during its production. According to a press release, "This film transcends the realm of mere storytelling; it stands as a potent tool for awareness and advocacy. Upon completion, 'Peter' will contribute to fundraising campaigns and awareness drives for these charities, amplifying their missions and outreach."
Trained at the prestigious Drama Centre London, van der Westhuysen has graced screens in Paramount+'s "Sexy Beast" and Netflix's "The Sandman," alongside her lead role in "Fate: The Winx Saga." As a writer, she co-penned the pilot "Click Here to Scream," currently seeking production opportunities, and conceived the comedy series "The Fboy Podcast." Her theatrical directorial debut, "Apricot," garnered acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is poised for an American tour.
Braithwaite, a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, recently shared the screen with Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in John Crowley's "We Live in Time." His stage credits include notable performances opposite Emma D'Arcy and Tobias Menzies in the National Theatre's "The Other Place" and leading the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "Cowbois."
Somner, who has appeared in shows such as "Sex Education" and "Gangs of London," as well as the "Hunger Games" prequel "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," serves as a producer at 13:8 Films. His recent short film, "Man>Code," premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival and went on to screen at over 20 BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying festivals, including BFI Flare.
