Dramatic Short Focuses on a Troubled Prospective University Student Struggling with Their Sexuality

Rankin Creative has helmed this emotive short drama for charity, Switchboard, the national LGBT+ Helpline to announce new free 0800 phone number.

This dramatic short focuses on a troubled, nervous, prospective university student, Amir, struggling with their sexuality. They call Switchboard for advice which sparks a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance across a series of phone calls to the service.

While the film publicises the new free phone number as well as the outstanding work of Switchboard, it also explores contemporary themes surrounding LGBTQ+ culture unraveling truths about the community from a wide range of topics. 

“This was a rare opportunity for us to bring out the emotion in what our listening volunteers deal with every day. The team captured the emotive nature of our phone calls as well as the lighthearted and tender moments we experience here at Switchboard,” said Stephanie Fuller, chief executive officer, Switchboard LGBT+.

Jordan Rossi, writer and director, says: “This short was about more than telling people there’s a free phone number. I believe in the power of entertainment as a driving force behind changing people’s perceptions and tackling societal issues outside of standard advertising. This is about contextualizing issues that face the LGBTQ+ community in a way that everyone can understand.”

Adam Ali (Waterloo Road, Baba, Little America) anchors the film playing the central character of Amir who calls the Switchboard service. Adam is joined by David Ames (Holby City), Max Harwood (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) and Oliver Wickham (Wednesday).

Writer, director and photographer, Jordan Rossi, helmed the short imbuing his signature colourful and charisma-filled aesthetic. Known for collaborations with LGBTQ+ talent this film continued his trend of catalysing content around queer culture and society.

Rankin comments: “At Rankin Creative we like to push culture forward rather than just creating it. Entertainment has the power to tell stories and create meaningful conversations that can change the world. I supported this short film from a very early stage as it’s a conversation we can all empathise with on a human level.”