TUNA - Short Film
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Aim
Help bring our North Sea tale of imagination, growing up and a mythical fish to life... Filming this September starring Dave Johns.
IN THE NORTH SEA... STRANDED ON A FISHING BOAT...
A fisherman and his daughter await rescue after becoming stranded at sea. As his daughter prepares to leave home and begin a life of her own, the fisherman becomes increasingly consumed by the idea of catching a mythical species of fish. In a desperate attempt to hold on to the curiosity, connection and sense of wonder they once shared, the quest could threaten to bring them closer together or drive them further apart.
The film explores themes of childlike wonder, industrialism in the North East and the impact of commercial overfishing on local fishermen.
CAST
Dave Johns
The film will star acclaimed North East actor, writer and stand-up comedian Dave Johns in the lead role of Arthur, a fisherman grappling with change and obsession. Johns is best known for his breakthrough performance in Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake (2016), which earned him the BIFA Award for Best Actor, as well as his role in the comedy-drama Fisherman's Friends (2019).
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
As we move into adulthood, the sense of wonder that defines childhood often begins to fade. Yet as a filmmaker, I have always been drawn to stories that preserve that instinct to dream, to see magic in the ordinary and possibility in the unknown.
Set largely aboard a stranded fishing boat in the North Sea, the film places father and daughter in a situation where escape is impossible and conversation becomes unavoidable. Isolated together, they are forced to confront the changes in their relationship while rediscovering the imaginative bond that once united them.
I developed a deep affection for the North East after making frequent trips to visit family in County Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland. Inspired by the region's dramatic coastline, rich industrial history and distinctive character, I quickly recognised it as the perfect backdrop for this film.
Beneath this intimate story runs a quieter reflection on the changing world around them. The polluted waters, the effects of overfishing and the industrial legacy of the North East all linger beneath the surface of the narrative.
CREATIVE TEAM
DIRECTOR
James Hastings is an award winning writer/director based in London who has been making films for 15 years. He has an instinctive ability to tell stories that emotionally resonate. He is drawn to stories about connection and vulnerability, creating films that feel both intimate and cinematic.
His award-winning short films include Wild Bear (2025) and Slightly Red Handed (2021), which have screened internationally at venues and festivals including BFI Southbank, IMAX London and Cannes Film Festival. He recently received an award for Best Director at Folkestone Film Festival and has screened multiple films at BIFA qualifying festival Kino London. He also directs commercials for brands and organisations at a social enterprise production company.
James' Work
Click here to view James' Website
PRODUCER
Elly Baker is a London-based producer with a background in documentary and short-form content. She studied Cinema & Photography at University of Leeds and has since built a career in video production. With a strong eye for organisation and a determined approach to filmmaking, she is drawn to stories that explore meaningful human connection and the natural world. Alongside her work in commercial production, she works on independent films.
PRODUCER
Emma Jane Gray is a graduate of University of the Arts London, originally from the North East of England and now based in London. She produces independent films under her production company Conscious Productions as well as brand videos for consumer champion 'Which?'. She was also selected as one of The TV Foundation's 'The Network' delegates in 2024, and has worked alongside CNN at The Edinburgh TV Festival.
She has always had a passion for creating work that has a positive sociopolitical impact and specifically focus on making work for good.
Click here to view Emma's Website
THE BOAT
We're lucky to have friendly Sunderland fisherman, Davey and his gorgeous red fishing boat 'Serenity' for the film. We were able to go out to sea on Serenity recently and though the sight of Dolphins leaping above the water was something to behold, the feeling of being out on the expansive ocean, not knowing what lurks below, is something that keeps me fascinated.
Production is scheduled to take place at Roker Marina in Sunderland, with filming predominantly aboard Serenity. We are committed to working with local talent and crew, helping to capture the authenticity, spirit and hidden beauty of the region on screen.
WHERE WILL YOUR MONEY GO?
Even if we were to meet our goal, a lot of this film will be made using up a net full of favours from a lot of talented people, but there are key things your funds will help with:
- Hiring a fishing boat
- Equipment rental
- Accommodation for cast/crew
- Props
- Costume
- Travel expenses for cast/crew
- Food
- Festival Submission Costs
We're thrilled to share our project with you and offer some rewards as a token of our gratitude. If you're unable to donate, please help spread the word by sharing this page.
RISKS AND CHALLENGES
We will be filming at sea, which comes with an array of safety and logistical challenges. We don't want to capsize! However, we are prepared! We are working with Len, a lifeguard professional from East Durham Divers, who will be assisting during the shoot, providing a safety vessel and constantly making sure health and safety is a priority.
With a solid team and an enormous level of preparation before filming begins, we believe we'll be able to safely make something really beautiful.
Any questions... contact us at: [email protected]
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 16th August 2026 at 12:00pm