STOP THE BOATS (film) Socials, Media, Divison Race

Aim

We are currently in Pre-production for a short film based on how social media, racism, division, shapes perceptions & misinformation.

• STOP THE BOATS 🚢 — Crowdfunding Campaign

Perks & Rewards £1000+ Executive producer credit on the film.

Mad Max Film productions

 https://madmaxfilms.com/

Semi Finalist ScreenCraft Film fund Best Short screenplay 2025

Quarter Finalist Hollyshorts Best Short screenplay 2025

Sample of aneel ahmad previous short longlisted for A BAFTA

https://youtu.be/xdw5dnnS0bA?si=Cph2gcy-DxY_ZLI2

We’re a film team driven by social commentary and human stories. Our short film STOP THE BOATS investigates how social media shapes perceptions, misinformation, and the lives of minority communities from all walks of life. Two of our previous shorts were long-listed for BAFTA SHORTS, and we’re now seeking support to bring STOP THE BOATS to life with integrity, empathy, and visual impact.

Our Story

Overwhelmed by grief and anger, a distraught parent arrives at a mosque with a makeshift firebomb, intent on seeking revenge against those believed to be responsible. Standing at the threshold, the parent confronts the imam outside the mosque. What follows is not a spectacle of violence, but a crisis of perception a raw, human conversation that exposes the lies fed by online hatred and the real people behind them. Through this charged encounter, the film unravels the social media-driven narratives that fuel prejudice, and asks: where does blame end and humanity begin?

Why This Film Matters

Timely Exploration of Online Influence: The piece examines how social media amplifies fear, stereotypes, and anger, and how these distortions impact real lives.

Voices from Minority Experiences: The story centres around communities often targeted by misinformation, ensuring a deeply human, nuanced perspective.

Conversation-Driven Drama: The drama isn’t sensationalised; it’s built on dialogue, empathy, and the gradual unraveling of falsehoods.

Proven Track Record: Our team has a track record of acclaimed work, including BAFTA-longlisted shorts, reflecting our commitment to quality storytelling.

Project Scope

Format & Length:Short film (approx. 10 minutes) suitable for festival circuits and online platforms.

Production Plan: Lean, efficient shooting with a tight schedule to maximize impact while keeping costs low.

Funding Goals

Post-Production: 80% Editing, colour grading, sound design, score, final mix

Production Costs: 20% 

Location permissions, cast and crew stipends, transport, wardrobe, insurance

Total Target: £5,000

Why Your Support Makes a Difference

Your contribution enables a film that tackles difficult conversations with honesty and care.

Every donation directly funds people, not just production needs this is a community-centered project.

About the Team

Director/Writer aneel ahmad: A filmmaker with a track record in socially engaged storytelling  2 of his previous shorts narrative films were BAFTA-longlists and he was also a winner of the UNICEF UK Award and was shortlisted for a Grierson Award for best short documentary.

Producer Danny Lomax: Experienced in managing tight budgets and festival-ready productions 

A diverse cast and crew committed to authenticity and respectful portrayal of communities.

How You Can Help

Share this campaign with friends, colleagues, and networks who care about social issues and cinema.

Consider a sponsorship of production costs, or help us reach our post-production goals.

If you’re part of a community featured in the film, your support can amplify voices and perspectives that deserve to be heard.

Thank you for believing in cinema as a catalyst for empathy and dialogue. With your help, STOP THE BOATS can spark necessary conversations about how social media shapes our perceptions, and how we can choose humanity over hate.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 19th June 2026 at 4:57pm