Student’s lockdown film gets international recognition

Film Festivals worldwide are reacting incredibly favourably to a film about the COVID-19 pandemic, which was produced, directed and edited, by a South Essex College student.

From her base in Rayleigh, Alex Gulland created the documentary short film, entitled - ‘LOCK 4 TIMES’.

The catalyst for the film was due to the start of the lockdown, when her work like many others, had slowed down significantly.   

Around her, she saw the harsh impact the lockdown was having on both friends and business contacts. Consequently, she wanted to put her talents to good use, and 'LOCK 4 TIMES' was born.

Initially the project was meant to be a 10-minute documentary film, but as the importance of the powerful stories unfolded, it ended up being 24 minutes.

The film examines the real stories, of four disparate people behind the headlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The film has already achieved many accolades and has featured at several international Film Festivals: 

•    It was selected to be part of the Phoenix International Short Film Festival and The Cyrus International Festival both in Toronto. 

•    It was also a semi-finalist in the Luleå International Film Festival in Sweden and most recently, the film made it through to the finals at the 'Beyond The Curve' Festival in Paris.

•    In addition it received an Honorable Mention at The Hollywood International Golden Age Festival in New York.  

Alex has a successful career in advertising and marketing and also a passion for helping clients with mental health issues.  

She currently runs two companies – Contented Brands, a promotional film company where she makes films for companies/agencies and the other, Contented People, involves working with horses to help people with mental health issues. 

This year, she returned to education to study Level 2 Counselling Skills, at the college's Southend Campus to further her knowledge within the mental health area.

Alex said she was overwhelmed at the Film Festival response to the film.

She said: "I expected the film to be selected for some festivals, but it has far exceeded my expectations and seems to have snowballed. It's great that it is far-reaching and has proved to be extremely powerful in the fact that people can identify with the interviewees' experiences."

Alex hopes the film will raise awareness of mental health and in particular, the charity Phoenix Heroes. 

The charity, which provides PTSD Veteran Support, is very close to Alex and her campaigning colleague Claire Lily, who features in the film. You can find out more at www.phoenixheroes.co.uk and you can also donate at https://donorbox.org/phoenix-heroes-ptsd-veteran-support

As well as the hard-hitting nature of the film, it does offer a valuable message of hope and optimism for the future.

Alex added: "One thing that lockdown has taught us is that our surrounding community is vital for our survival, both physically and emotionally. I hope the film will emphasise to viewers and give them comfort, that they are not alone in their fears and that we really are all in this together and therefore should look to assist whenever possible, our fellow man/woman."

The college, in association with Phoenix Heroes, is hosting a Premiere of Alex's film on its YouTube channel at 7pm on Thursday 17 December via https://youtu.be/-2idHqINxbo