We're still collecting donations
On the 16th February 2025 we'd raised £4,259 with 107 supporters in 28 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
'On the Backburner' is an upcoming Edinburgh Napier graduation film, raising money to support the production of this project.
by Casper Galbraith in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
On the 16th February 2025 we'd raised £4,259 with 107 supporters in 28 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Thank you so much for helping us achieve our initial goal!
But let's keep the momentum going!
More funds will help us set aside money to help us with production costs and submit our films to festivals!
When two immigrant kitchen porters, an aspiring chef and an older cynical pot-washer, are thrown together…they find in each other a strength that changes their lives forever.
Set in the bustling kitchen of The Haven Restaurant, On the Backburner follows two immigrant kitchen porters, Abiola and Yusuf , as they explore the consequences that cultural assimilation has had on their lives.
This appetising narrative shows the ease of accepting a bitter situation and the difficulty of striving for a better one.
Your generous donations will play a vital role in bringing our student film, On the Backburner, to life. With your support, we can secure authentic locations, assemble a talented cast and dedicated crew, and create compelling production designs that reflect the heart of our story. Every contribution helps us tell an honest and meaningful narrative about immigrants’ experiences in the hospitality industry. Beyond production, your funding can also pave the way for a festival run, giving our film a chance to reach broader audiences and spark important conversations. Thank you for helping us share this story with the world!
I'm Krisztán Kajtár, director of On the Backburner!
I am a Hungarian filmmaker based in Edinburgh. In the past 3 years, I've directed and edited numerous short films in various genres, including drama, thriller, and comedy. Making films became my passion, and I'm really excited to create the world of On the Backburner. As an immigrant myself, this story is very personal to me, and I can't wait to bring this concept to life with the amazing and passionate crew I have the fortune to work with!
Hey, I’m Joseph, the writer of On The Backburner.
I have worked as a writer and producer for the last few years, and most of my previous work falls into fantastical genres like action, romance, and adventure. Although I enjoyed making those pieces, I wanted to sink my teeth into something grounded in reality. This story was inspired by my experience working in the hospitality industry.
The kitchen porters in this film are representative of people who work as part of an “Invisible” workforce. People who we sometimes take for granted even though they do the necessary dirty work in our society. Refuse collectors, hotel cleaners, janitors and other roles that are typically done by people from less fortunate backgrounds. On the Backburner is a raw story that looks at such people’s experiences.
I also love food and how it brings people together despite their circumstances. That’s what this film is about. Hope. We hope you’ll love it!
Hi there, I'm Casper the producer of On the Backburner.
I have been a producer and sound designer over the last few years here at Edinburgh Napier. For my graduation film I really wanted one last chance to produce a film with my friends.
On the Backburner is a story I see immense potential in, and it’s my role to nurture that potential. This narrative addresses important social issues that are incredibly relevant today. Issues that need to be told now. I’m super excited to collaborate with our talented crew to create a film that we can all be proud of.
I’m Kushal Dhingra, an aspiring cinematographer and director from India.
My passion lies in crafting visually impactful stories that resonate deeply with people. As an immigrant, my experiences shape the way I see the world, inspiring me to explore themes like identity, resilience, and social struggles in my work. I believe cinematography is more than just technical skill—it’s about capturing emotions and creating atmospheres that truly draw viewers in. Whether it’s through lighting, framing, or pacing, I strive to make every shot tell a story. My goal is to connect with audiences on a personal level while shedding light on diverse cultural narratives that matter.
I'm Keri, the production designer for this project!
I'm from the North-East of Scotland and have predominantly worked as a writer over the past few years at Edinburgh Napier. I am very grateful to be working on this project with its amazing team and aim to use the skills I have learned from university to successfully help the visuals of the film reflect the very important message the story has to offer.
Donating to our crowdfunder would be very much appreciated, it would really help the production design apscets of this film, giving us the opportunity to acquire props and set dressings to help elevate our locations and aid us in telling the story.
My name is Ashleigh Millan, I’m the editor for On the Backburner.
I am extremely excited to be part of this film because it presents an opportunity to contribute to a powerful story that has the potential to raise awareness on significant issues and I look forward to helping bring this important vision to life.
Hey I’m Ben , the production manager on the project and assistant director as well! Coming from Aberdeen, I’ve study film through college and university. Throughout my time I started to specialise in producing and look forward to bringing what I’ve learned to the project.
I’ve always been drawn to working-class stories, feeling as though these stories are often not portrayed enough in cinema. It’s the reason why I loved the script for On the Backburner, showcasing an immigrant's perspective within the hospitality industry. In the film we have the chance to reveal some of the difficulties and hardships immigrants face daily in our immediate environment. It’s an important social issues to explore and is what makes this film an important one to make!
For more information and to follow our journey head over and follow us on Facebook and Instagram - @onthebackburner.film
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