I'm Still Ethan is a short film about imprisonment; told through the perspective of a young boy whose father is unexpectedly put behind bars
by Phoebe Lorenz in Barnard Castle, England, United Kingdom
We would be able to employ more cast/crew and equipment and film over a longer period of time. Ultimately though, we will be able to make a beautiful film that will be used as a tool to help break down the stigma faced by children and families affected by imprisonment.
'I'm Still Ethan' is a Freida Films production; written and produced by Phoebe Lorenz and Amelia O'Loughlin.
“Children of prisoners are an invisible group” - it’s time we speak up for them.
When young Ethan’s hero is unexpectedly put behind bars his life irrevocably changes. He begins to see himself through the judgmental eyes of the local community, questioning his own innocence and wondering if he’s bad too. Ethan and his mother Steph navigate loss, discrimination and isolation, and all that’s left behind at home when a parent is suddenly taken away.
'I’m Still Ethan' sheds light on the forgotten victims of the criminal justice system.
65% of sons of prisoners end up in the criminal justice system themselves
Film has the ability to not only inspire but educate too. Imprisonment is a complex, cyclical issue often preconceived or considered taboo by society and with focus often greatly honed on the offenders and the crime. Families and children have no standard support system - often schools aren’t notified of the changes to their home life - and their suffering can go disregarded and unheard. They are left to gather up the broken pieces, in many cases subject to shame and prejudice through no fault of their own.
Our hope with 'I'm Still Ethan' is to finally give a voice to families affected.
Every year, 310,000 children have a parent in prison in England and Wales
10,000 visits are made by children to our public prisons every week
Who we are:
We are a diverse and accomplished team of creatives from all over the UK working to bring this brilliant project to fruition! We are so proud of this bold, brave story, and confident in its capacity to touch our audience. 'I'm Still Ethan' is written and produced by Phoebe Lorenz and Amelia O'Loughlin; direction by Oliver William Smith and cinematography by James Alexander. The remainder of our cast and crew come from all walks of life and we're looking forward to celebrating how our diversity can come together to create unity and powerful art.
We'll be working with and learning from UK charities who dedicate their time to supporting those affected.
Freida Films is a London-based production company and international network for filmmakers and creatives; we're driven to find and tell important stories that are often neglected by mainstream media. Cinematography, aesthetics and a strong script is at the heart of what we do, so the creative journey and production of 'I'm Still Ethan' has been a brilliant project to undertake.
Phoebe Lorenz is an Actor and writer who is passionate about telling little heard of stories. She trained at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) and performed her one-woman show ‘That’s SO Gay’, in 2018.
The Team's Work:
Why do we need your help?
In order to bring Ethan’s story to life we’re asking the public for a little help. It’s been a hard year, and the arts along with many industries have felt the financial burden of Covid. We believe that at a time like this that it's vital that we don’t forget about the power of film and its intrinsic importance to discussion and human experience.
Whatever you can give, will go straight into our 'I'm Still Ethan' account and towards doing this story justice in the face of the injustice of this flawed system.
We are always available for discussion if you are interested in collaboration or executive production of 'I'm still Ethan', then we would love to hear your ideas and our doors are open.
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