Always on
This project successfully funded on 1st May 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
CONCRETE FISH FILM FUND
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Aim
This is our final year film for our degree, screening at the BFI Southbank in June. This came from our love of raves, music and community.
SYNOPSIS
Gillie, a mysterious fish girl, emerges from a pond somewhere in London. Just as she’s adjusting to navigating dry land, she is thrust into a chaotic alt rave. Here, she gets to witness all facets of human life, ranging from love and intimacy to hatred and violence. She drifts from one encounter to another, a silent observer. Her last meeting leaves her stunned, reeling from the senseless violence. But all of a sudden, the energy in the room shifts. A drunk couple are dancing, lost in their own world. More and more rave goers start to join in until everyone is in sync, to the millimetre. Their dance comes to a dramatic climax, ending with everyone collapsed on the floor breathing in harmony.
concept art by @atrin._.4_
IDEA
The idea came from walking back home through the financial district after a night of partying. The usually bustling area was desolate, which was odd but allowed me to observe it in a way I never had before. All the buildings were so beautiful but imposing and the streetlights made me feel naked and exposed. I felt so small and insignificant compared to what was surrounding me and I began to question the reason behind human existence. More specifically, why humans had made life so complicated, full of rules and rituals. I found it amusing that we created so many struggles for ourselves instead of just enjoying life on the strange floating rock we call Earth.
I initially wanted to base the story off of that walk in central but I quickly realised that the idea was restrictive, both in regards to plot and production. Instead, I decided to focus on what I felt: observation, the absurdity of life and vulnerability. This led to the idea of Gillie, a fish out of water, placed in a chaotic new environment. She essentially is a tabula rasa, allowing us to experience life through fresh eyes. And what is more stimulating than a rave?
At first, I was inspired by my own experiences in the rave scene as an outsider, not knowing what to wear or what dance moves were deemed acceptable. But past the self consciousness and insecurity was the fascinating sensory experience, both as an individual and also as a wider collective. Being able to commune with others in such an intimate manner without even saying a word. This was a really compelling idea to commit to screen.
The film Human Traffic also served as a point of inspiration. I particularly liked how there was not a long overarching plot, with the story being more of a vignette. This is what helped me create little events in the club that Gillie seems to bounce between.
The last major influence was animal documentaries. Despite all the complexities and rituals of modern living, humans are still mammals with a primal edge. I thought it would be interesting to frame Gillie as a subject to observe and dissect, and then have the humans in the story (and the audience by extension) be viewed under that same lens. It’s uncomfortable but also refreshing to be under a curious but not scrutinising gaze.
The film is deeply personal as it expresses my feelings of being an outsider in certain environments but also my desire to experience the fullness of life. I think it also serves as a reminder for us to return to a more primal form, to engage with our bodies and senses, other people and the world around us. We often take the act of being for granted, and the beauty of existing and experiencing life should be appreciated.
CREW AND FUNDING
This project is near and dear to our hearts as we are all really close friends that are super passionate about film, music and living life to the fullest. We have also amassed a wider community that really connect with Gillie’s story, resulting in more creatives working on the project.
As certified rave enjoyers, we decided that there could be nothing better than hosting our own rave to raise some funds. We held this at Dalston Den (our filming location), where we had an array of talented upcoming DJs as well as a stall with merch made by yours truly. All the merch was handmade by us, with laughter, tears and perseverance behind it. The turnout was amazing and it was heartwarming to see how many people believed in us and our story.
YOUR HELP
Even with the rave and our own personal contributions, we still need some help to bring this to life. That’s where you come in! Your donations mean that we can:
- get custom prosthetics for Gillie, including a full spinal piece and gills
-rent high grade lenses to achieve rich textured visuals
- hire a black out studio with rain for our enthralling dance sequence
- create iconic outfits for our main characters
- purchase props to enhance our set
and so much more.
Your support means so much to us, as this is our final year film. It is an opportunity to show what we have learnt during our degree and to showcase our potential to those in the industry. We may be small in number, but we are large in dedication, commitment and passion. Your support will help us go far.
Thank you,
Concrete Fish Team :)
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made