Update: In the lead up to Father's Day 2025, we will host the World Premiere of rites on Thursday 12th June between 6-9pm in London. People who donate £50 or more will get an invitation to this exclusive one-time event. We will be joined by the crew for the first screening on a big screen, and there will be a Q&A with a moderator when you can ask questions. Limited seats available. Donate now, and secure a seat today.
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*The story*
My dad died when I was nine years old.
25 years later, I traveled to the Philippines to find out who he was and held a remembrance ceremony on his death anniversary. That day, I delivered a eulogy—saying the words I never got to say as a child.
I documented this journey, and it became "rites", a deeply personal short film about childhood bereavement, grief, and hope.
People who have watched it have cried, called estranged family members, visited graves for the first time in years, and hugged their children a little tighter.
But this isn’t just about my story—it’s about the 111 children in the UK who lose a parent every single day.
*What we're fighting for*
Grief at a young age can shape a child’s entire future. It can lead to struggles in school, mental health challenges, and feeling unseen. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Bereaved children are more likely to experience mental health struggles, substance misuse, teenage pregnancy, and difficulties in education and employment. Yet, most schools have no clear guidance on how to support them.
We are raising funds to:
✅ Campaign for policy change – Pushing for bereaved children to be recognised as a group needing bespoke support, and for guidance and resources in schools and workplaces for improved services
✅ Develop impact activities – Providing healing sessions, workshops, and learning tools for those affected
✅ Launch and distribute the film publicly on Father’s Day, 15 June 2025 – Organising screenings across the UK, the Philippines, and internationally
Our goal is to make "rites" the go-to film for those navigating grief, so that they can be inspired to take action and move forward.
*Acclaim*
- “So beautiful. So full of pain.” – Lord Dr. Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE
- “Deeply introspective.” – Mark Gavhure, BBC StoryWorks
- “Powerful.” – Afshan D’Souza-Lodhi, Writer, National Theatre’s Peter Shaffer Award Winner
- “Moving. Evocative.” – Richard Beard, Author, Ackerley Prize Winner
- “One of the most beautiful, touching, and heart-breaking things I’ve ever watched.” – Anastasia Vinnikova, Samaritans
- “Compelling. His father would be proud.” – Symeon Brown, Channel 4
*World Premiere & Exclusive Donor Rewards*
The World Premiere of ‘rites’ will take place in London in June 2025, leading up to Father’s Day, followed by an international tour ending on All Souls’ Day in the Philippines.
🎟️ Donate £250+ for an exclusive seat at the World Premiere
🎟️ £500 for a 2nd/3rd row seat
🎟️ £1,000 for a front-row experience with cast & crew
(See full list of rewards for details.)
All donations go directly toward supporting our work advocating for bereaved children.
*Critical Stats & Why This Matters*
📌 111 children in the UK lose a parent every day
📌 27,000 parents die in the UK every year, leaving behind grieving children
📌 6 million children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18
📌 Childhood bereavement is linked to teenage pregnancy, substance misuse, mental health struggles, and lower education/employment participation
*Who’s Backing "rites"*
🔹 Lord Michael Hastings CBE is co-hosting a screening in the House of Lords
🔹 We are working with major charities, including Winston's Wish, healthcare providers, such as CAMHS East London, and schools, like Institut Le Rosey, to share the film with audiences worldwide.
🔹 Acclaimed reviews from influencers, authors, journalists, and mental health advocates (as shared above).
*Trailer*
*Film Crew*
*Distribution Team*
*Your Support Can Make a Difference*
The impact of ‘rites’ is already real. One film, one conversation, one policy change at a time—we can make sure no bereaved child is left behind.
👉 Donate today. Help make sure every child receives the support they deserve.