Always on
This project successfully funded on 5th March 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Branches of a Fig Tree
Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Aim
The world ended; their story didn't. A post apocalyptic romance film, coming summer 2026.
Logline
In a peaceful world recovering from catastrophe, a spirited runaway meets a magnetic community leader. As they fall in love, they discover truths about connection, the world, and their pasts- and realise they might be more connected than they thought.
Synopsis
Many years after a war caused the end of society as we know it, the world has slowly began to heal. In this new world, Fig, a runaway trying to find their place in the world, meets June, who helps run a small community nearby. Startled by June's friendliness, as well as a strange vision of a past Fig doesn't recognise, they reject's June's offer of coming to stay with them. However, they change their mind, and confesses to June later that day that they would like to stay.
In the days and weeks that follow, Fig and June slowly fall in love. June opens up to Fig about believing in past lives, and Fig is welcomed into June's chosen family. However, all is not as positive as it seems, as Fig is haunted by visions of burning heather and smoke.
One fateful night, June confesses their feelings to Fig, and the two share a kiss. Suddenly, Fig's visions become overwhelming, and they are faced with a shocking realisation: Fig and June knew each other in a past life, and were in love, but their future was brutally taken from them by the end of the world.
Terrified by this, Fig runs away, as they have from everything they've ever known. But this time, things are different- June comes to find them. They talk it out, and despite the fear, Fig decides to stay with June, and give it another try.
Director's Statement
Branches of a Fig Tree, at its core, is a hopeful and positive story about overcoming trauma. Fig's struggles are something we can all relate to- of experiencing something beautiful, but feeling fear and doubt because of one's past experiences. Their journey to get past these doubts is one that many people, including myself, walk every day of our lives.
It is a project that aims to highlight diverse voices, in both cast and crew, which is a goal that I feel is profoundly important in the current state of the world, where diverse identities are being erased. It celebrates community action and togetherness, and the radical power of trust and hope.
Location
We will be filming in North Yorkshire, where our director, Elwyn, is from. We have secured locations in the surrounding countryside, such as a few farms, a castle and a wood. We are incredibly grateful to the kind landowners and landlords who have given us a space to film, as it is so hard to secure such beautiful places to film for so cheap.
Budget and Timeline
We’ve been in pre-production for several months, shaping the story, assembling our team, and preparing every detail. Now that our location and crew are officially locked in, we’re set to begin filming in March, with post-production starting shortly after. Our goal is to have the finished film completed by May 2026.
To bring Branches of a Fig Tree to life at the quality it deserves, we’ve budgeted £2,200 to cover equipment, paying our actors, food, travel, the cost to shoot on film and develop it, as well as all the essential production costs that make a short film possible. Every contribution directly supports the creative and logistical work needed to get this project from script to screen!
Meet the Team
Elwyn Jones - Writer and Director
Hi! I'm Elwyn, the writer and director of Branches of a Fig Tree. I am a queer, northern creative, I've spent my entire life writing, and I am a huge lover of all things fantastical, whimsical and romantic. I love telling stories about the beauty of queerness, complicated feelings and overcoming trauma. This film is very near and dear to me, so I'm very excited to show you all what's been rotating around in my brain for the last few years.
Eve Randall - Producer
I am the producer for Branches of a Fig Tree, and joined the film in January 2026. I am a creative based in Nottingham and Manchester and have worked as a producer on a few films before this, and I am looking forward to putting all of my experience into this film!
Avani Burmi - Cinematographer
Hiii, I'm Avani, the cinematographer for Branches of a Fig Tree. I am a creative based in Manchester and Buckinghamshire, and have been making short films and music videos since I was young. I want people to emotionally connect with my visuals, to feel understood and hooked within the narrative. Super excited to work on this film and expand my creative knowledge.
Rhys Stone - Editor
I am an editor who loves too express emotion through colour. I have been editing content for over 10 years now, ranging from social media content, music videos, promotional material and narrative films.
Evan Duquenoy - Sound Designer and Composer
I'm a sound designer drawn to storytelling through audio & music. I convey mood, space, and emotion - crafting meaning where visuals pause, using sound as narrative itself. My work includes abstract layering, delicate Foley, and spatial mixing.
Risks and Challenges
Like any independent short film, Branches of a Fig Tree faces potential challenges such as tight scheduling, a limited budget, and the unpredictability of production. Coordinating cast, crew, and location availability can be complex, and unexpected expenses may arise, but we’ve built backup shoot days into our schedule and budgeted conservatively with a small contingency. Post-production can sometimes take longer than planned, but with our editor already lined up and a clear workflow in place, we’re prepared to stay on track. With careful planning and flexibility, we’re committed to overcoming these challenges and completing the film.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made