Signal

Set to start its festival run in July, this powerful short drama was written and directed by Zak Jarvis and it stars acclaimed actors Jack Rowan and Chrsitopher Eccleston.

Quite a dramatic plot: A young man (Rowan) is not doing well. He is at a train station and his intention it to lie down on the tracks and wait for the train to arrive and put him out of his misery. After phoning support services and failing to pick up the courage to talk to them about his issues, he proceeds to carry on with his plan to end it all. Ray (Eccleston) a railway signalman spots the youngster via the CCTV monitors and rushes to save him, thankfully succeeding at the very last second. Ray then brings the unfortunate man inside the office and does not contact the police but tries instead to comfort him.

The main concept is a meaningful and life-changing encounter under drastic circumstances and the screenplay focuces significantly on the rapport that develops between these two strangers. Although initially the distressed man is unresponsive, says nothing, Ray constantly attempts to get through to him, to comprehend the situation that led him to believe that his life has no meaning. Eventually, the

poor young man breaks down and lets it all out. Twelve minutes filled with very heavy drama.

This short would not have this level of impact without the work of composer Michael Llewelyn Barker, who proves his creative skills with dramatic music that creates strong emotions.

Two stangers end up in each other's life. One is broken and the other believes in hope and overcoming bad times. Rowan portrays a person who has reached the conclusion that his life has led to a dead end and there is nothing he can do about it. Eccleston plays his savior, a middle-aged supportive and understanding man who is determined that suicide is never the answer.

In this story, the suicidal man represents desperation and Ray respresents support. Crucially, the reasons why the youth has resorted to ending his life are not revealed and that is probably because the factors are not the focus here. What this short concentrates on is to communicate the message that people must find the courage to seek help when they are going through tough times.

Heavy drama, strong performances and very serious themes. A short film that has quite an impact.