Chasing Time | Short Film | Sci-Fi/Romance

Aim

We are raising funds to make a heartfelt sci-fi/romance short film about reliving happier past moments using a time travel device.

SYNOPSIS:

Zoe has found a way to outrun reality. In a world where Cronos Industries sells the ability to step back into the past, she uses the device not to chase adventure, but to hold onto the man she’s about to lose.

Her fiancé Jake is dying, and while his sister Emma shoulders the burden of care, Zoe disappears into memories - first dates, anniversaries, fleeting moments of joy -reliving moments from her past she’d previously missed, desperate to hold on.

But the more Zoe lingers in yesterday, the more she fractures her present. Jake grows suspicious of her absences, Emma’s patience erodes, and the truth she avoids becomes unavoidable. When Zoe returns from one perfect night only to find Jake already gone, she realises that no amount of rewinding can stop the inevitable.

With grief crashing in, Zoe makes one final journey - not to rewrite, but to face what she’s been running from. In their last moments together, Jake reminds her that their love was never defined by how long they had, but by the life they shared.

MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM

CHARACTERS

Zoe

A violinist currently working as an editor for a local book publisher. Zoe is not satisfied with her job and dreams of one day playing the violin professionally as part of the London symphony orchestra. She and Jake have been dating for several years and were in the process of planning their wedding when Jake became ill. Unable to face the reality of Jake’s illness she seeks escape into a happier past, by use of a commercially available time travel device.

Played by Elle Squires

Jake

Zoe’s fiancé. Jake works as a personal trainer. He’s fanatical about rugby and plays in a local team. Growing up he used to regularly attend matches with his dad; these memories are precious to him and something he tries to relive by going to matches with his nephew Daniel. He also loves old retro music but prefers to listening to them on older media like vinyl and cassette, preferring the older analogue sound. Jake has always been a support pillar for those around him before his illness, this has left him feeling like he is letting everyone down.

Played by Wayne Edge

Emma

Jake’s younger sister and single mother to her 10-year-old son Daniel. Emma became pregnant during her final year at school and gave birth when she was 17. Daniel’s father wanted nothing to do with the child. Emma works as a barmaid at a pub; this has given her the flexibility to care for Daniel and to support Jake and Zoe.

MEET THE CREW

Ash Connaughton - Director of Photography

Ash is a Multi Award Winning Cinematographer including “Best Cinematography” for Daniels Room, & The Mirror That Consumes You, RTS Midlands,"Best Short film" for No Worries If Not,

and Deadheading which Won "Best Short Film" at the 2026 Sony Future Filmmaker awards. with 10+ years experience, he has shot Films, Commercials and Documentaries, is a member of  BAFTA Connect and has been Selected for inaugural cohort of NBC Universal: Future Cinematographers programme.

Matt Sedgley - 1st AD

Matt Sedgley is a filmmaker with a background spanning both short film and high-end television. His filmmaking journey began with creating YouTube videos before naturally growing into music videos, adverts and larger productions. After graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Media Production, Matt had the opportunity to work as an AD on Father Brown, leading him into the HETV industry. Since then, he has worked in the Production Department on shows including This Town, Joan, Just Act Normal, The Hairdresser Mysteries & Open Water.

Alongside HETV, Matt has worked as a 1st AD across a variety of short films, including the multi-award-winning Daniel’s Room and the delightfully ambitious Sound of Movement. He has also written and directed his own short film, Man Off The Coast, exploring themes of loss and belonging, which went on to receive multiple accolades at festivals across the UK and internationally. With a background as a Crisis Support Worker, Matt brings a particular interest in stories rooted in vulnerability and the complexities of human behaviour.

He has always been fascinated by the concept of time manipulation in film, and the challenge of making ambitious ideas like ‘Chasing Time’ feel authentic and meaningful on screen is a big part of what drew him to the project.

Gaby Ambler - Composer

Gaby Ambler is a Birmingham-based composer and orchestrator specialising in music for film and television. Her work combines orchestral writing with atmospheric synths and soundscapes to create emotive, character-driven scores that support and enhance the story on screen.

Gaby has composed music for numerous independent short films and a feature film, with her work appearing at film festivals around the world, including BAFTA-qualifying festivals in the UK. Alongside composing, she has also worked as an orchestrator, including on a BAFTA-longlisted short film.

With a particular interest in orchestral film music, Gaby enjoys exploring the relationship between music, character and storytelling, creating scores that bring an additional emotional dimension to the screen.

THE TIME TRAVEL DEVICE

STYLE

BUDGET

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 29th September 2026 at 10:06am