Behind the film: Now That You’re Back

Our film is called Now That You’re Back, a short drama exploring men’s mental health and suicide. It was a student project, whilst studying my BA at the Northern Film School.

The very initial idea came to me whilst I was driving on the M62 between Leeds and Manchester, as I often did. It is very scenic, and the rolling hills, for some reason, made me think about grief and disconnection, particularly between two men. The first working title was therefore “Rolling Hills” and was about two brothers who had lost their other brother to suicide. Although not directly, suicide has been a consistent event in my life, and I have therefore often thought about the culture of it.

Further discussing the idea with my mum, she told me about a time she and a friend had to pick out the funeral clothes for a mutual friend who had died. I found this idea compelling. The unusual process of having to pick out the clothes to dress a recently deceased loved one. This “task” also acted as an effective structure for a short film, I felt, driving it forward with a clear through line (the task being set at the beginning, and then completed at the end).

I wrote the script and pitched the idea to my film school (students and tutors) as part of the graduation films that were to be made. Unfortunately, the film was not selected. This was a really important lesson for me about rejection. I found it difficult at first, but in the end, it was a blessing because it gave me more time to develop the script into something I believe was stronger. I was determined to make the film, and so, thanks to my peers and the Northern Film School, I shot it after everyone had finished their graduation projects! The film would not be what it is without that initial rejection and extended time to develop it.

Being nominated for “Best Student Film” at the Worcester Film Festival is a complete honour. This festival was highly regarded amongst my peers and tutors at film school, so I have always wanted to submit a film here. It is so motivating to see the film being received so well.

Please follow me on Instagram @barnardchodzkofilm to keep up to date with the future of this film and any other work!