Night Adrift - A Short Film

Aim

When illusions break, truth surfaces. Night Adrift is a Deaf-led short on identity and belonging—support its journey to the screen.

+  SgSL version is available here.

Introduction

Hi, I’m Yuki Neoh, the writer-director, and producer of Night Adrift — a 25-minute narrative-experimental short film that explores themes of friendship, identity, and Deafness. 

The story highlights the everyday reality of "Dinner Table Syndrome," which refers to the silent isolation Deaf individuals experience when they are excluded from conversations. 

Synopsis

During a chaotic hen-night, Chéng Huì, a Deaf bride-to-be, tries to reconnect with her close hearing friends. But when a drunken confession shatters the illusion she’s built, her vulnerability unravels. In the aftermath, she must face a hidden truth—and a longing she can no longer ignore.

Moodboard

Why This Film Matters

Night Adrift is the most personal and ambitious project I’ve ever made — shaped by my experiences as a deaf Singaporean woman and a deep belief in bold, Deaf-led storytelling. It delves into the invisible barriers Deaf people navigate in hearing spaces: masking, code-switching, exclusion, and carrying unspoken feelings.

Deaf audiences deserve more than mere validation. I would like to invite and challenge the hearing audience to go beyond empathy.

This is more than just a story. It’s a collaborative effort among Deaf, neurodiverse, and hearing creatives to tell this significant story.

My Filmmaking Journey

I started as an actor, then trained at Solar Reel Film School (Solar Bear) in 2023. My debut short, Rhythm to My Ears, was positively received at the 2024 WildSound Festival, sparking my continued development as a writer-director.

I’ve taken on a wide range of on- and off-screen roles across festival shorts and 48 Hour Film Projects (48HFP). 

My graduate film, In the Wake of Us, was showcased at the Glasgow Film Theatre in June this year.

Here's more information about my acting background and filmmaking experience.

Why Now?

Growing up in Singapore, I never had access to a Deaf filmmaking community due to systemic barriers. But moving to Scotland changed everything. Over the past three years, I’ve discovered a vibrant, supportive network of Deaf creatives and allies — and being part of this community has transformed my life.

I’m a recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s BA Performance in British Sign Language and English, and I’m dedicated to advancing Deaf-led filmmaking. Paid opportunities for Deaf-led, Deaf-made films remain rare in both Singapore and Scotland, and Night Adrift is my contribution to that growing canon through an inclusive, professional production.

This project is more than just a chance to write and direct — it’s an opportunity to hone my creative vision through deep collaboration and shared learning with an extraordinary team. My passion lies in both my cultures — my adopted Scotland and my native Singapore — and I’m eager to tell a story that reflects my unique perspective.

Once this film is completed, we’ll host special private screenings: one for cast and crew in Glasgow, and a hybrid private screening in Singapore with a Q&A. Our goal is to submit Night Adrift to prestigious international film festivals and use it as a platform to share what we’ve learnt, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and build space for more Deaf voices in the arts.

How Your Contribution Makes a Difference

Night Adrift isn’t just a film — it’s an evolution. Deaf creatives deserve to be front and centre, not sidelined.

I’m leading this film as writer, director, and producer, supported by powerhouse mentors: award-winning theatre maker and screenwriter Drew Taylor-Wilson (project & script), critically acclaimed Deaf cinematographer Will Clark (producing), and passionate Deaf director Benedetta Zanetti (directing).

But here’s the truth - we can’t do this without you.

Your contribution will:

• Pay Deaf and underrepresented creatives fairly — no more “exposure” work, only real, respected jobs
• Demonstrate that Deaf-led filmmaking is possible, paving the way for similar projects in the future
• Tell authentic disability-led stories that deserve to be seen by audiences nationally and internationally
• Build long-term leadership for Deaf creatives — full creative control, not just token roles; specifically, Yuki Neoh as the director, with Will Clark as the cinematographer
• Create shadowing and mentorship opportunities for the next generation of Deaf filmmakers

Filming is right around the corner. Your contribution, big or small, breaks barriers, fuels change, and brings us closer to making history.

Impact of Your Contribution

We’ve already secured 63% of our funding, an access-to-work grant, and most equipment, plus covered key cast at Equity rates.

We now need your support to raise the final £6,600 (37%), which will go towards:

✅ Fair pay for crew (including post-production)
✅ Festival submission fees & Private screenings
✅ Location fees
✅ Equipment loans
✅ Props & Costumes

The breakdown of this £6,600 budget is shown in the pie chart below:

Fair pay isn’t a luxury — it means at least minimum living wage, the foundation of an equitable industry.

If you can’t contribute any spare cash, please don’t worry. We understand. There are still other meaningful ways you can make a big difference:

• Sharing this campaign on social media
• Recommending it to your network
• Spreading the word to your friends, family, and community

Any kind of support is really appreciated. You're part of our legacy! ❤️

What You Get for Making a Difference

Every amazing person who backs this film through this crowdfunding campaign receives exclusive thank-you rewards — PLUS, your name will shine in our film’s credits for all to see.

Any extra pounds we raise will go straight to amplifying our film's presence at festivals worldwide. Join us in spreading the magic beyond the screen! ✨

Timeline

• Development: Oct 2024 – Jun 2025
• Pre-production: Jun – early Oct 2025

Crowdfunding will cover the production and post-production expenses onwards

• Production: Oct 2025
• Post-production: late Oct – Nov 2025
• Cast and Crew Screening (Glasgow): TBC
• Hybrid Private Screening + Q&A (Singapore+Virtual): Dec 2025
• Festival Circuit: Jan – Late 2026
• Online Distribution: Jul 2026 onwards

A Big THANK YOU

Thank you for taking the time to read and watch this Night Adrift crowdfunding campaign. Your belief in this project makes this film and everything it stands for possible.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous contribution and unwavering support. ❤️

Follow our journey on Instagram and Facebook for updates, cast and crew reveals, and behind-the-scenes insights!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made