My film, Avocado Heart Girl, is a short drama that explores childhood, family dynamics, and the power of acceptance. At its heart, it tells the story of a young boy overshadowed by his sister’s disability, and his journey toward finding peace with the circumstances shaping his life. The film blends realism with moments of imagination, capturing the complex emotions of growing up in a family where love and hardship are constantly intertwined.
The idea for Avocado Heart Girl came from my deep interest in giving voice to children who often go unseen or unheard. David’s story reflects the realities faced by many siblings of children with disabilities, the tension between love, resentment, and longing for recognition. I wanted to explore the ripple effects a disability can have, not just on the individual but on the whole family unit. His unlikely friendship with Ethan also grew from my desire to show the power of connection between young people navigating their own struggles. Ultimately, the film is about acceptance: a mother’s acceptance of her limitations, a boy’s acceptance of his family’s challenges, and a friend’s acceptance of who he truly is.
Filming took place in Surrey with a cast of first-time actors, including children with hidden disabilities. One of the biggest challenges was creating an environment where the young performers felt supported, comfortable, and confident to tell such an emotionally layered story.
Working with children who had never acted before and balancing the additional needs of some cast members was both demanding and inspiring. It required patience, adaptability, and a constant focus on inclusion. Yet these challenges became the film’s greatest strength. The authenticity of their performances shines through precisely because they are so real, heartfelt, and unfiltered. Another challenge was working within a small budget and a minimal crew, which pushed us to be inventive and resourceful. Despite these constraints, the sense of collaboration was extraordinary. Every moment behind the scenes felt like an extension of the story we were telling, one of resilience, empathy, and the power of shared experiences.
Being selected as a finalist at Worcester Film Festival is an incredible honour. It affirms the importance of telling stories that reflect underrepresented voices and experiences. For me, it is both validation and encouragement to continue creating work that pushes boundaries, embraces diversity, and sparks meaningful conversations.
You can follow my journey on my Instagram @keeleygainey. Updates on Avocado Heart Girl and past and future projects will be shared there as we continue our festival run and beyond.