Introduction:
Quicksand is a short drama aiming to spark conversations around dementia and highlight the unique challenges faced by loved ones who take on the role of a family carer. Shot entirely in Jersey, Quicksand is led by award-winning director Rebecca Coley and stars Deborah Cornelius (Mr Selfridge, Silent Witness, Temple) and Clive Mantle (Game of Thrones, Casualty, Robin of Sherwood).
The film was awarded an ArtHouse Jersey Development Grant and is also supported by Music in Action, Soroptimist International Jersey and in association with Dementia Jersey.
Inspiration:
Written by myself (Jessica) and Ted, who also play the younger versions of the two lead characters, Quicksand was inspired by my grandparents’ relationship and the adjustments they made while navigating Alzheimer’s disease together.
The film explores the transition to ‘living differently’ that dementia brings to those it affects, while also shedding light on what it can mean to step into the role of a carer. Every experience of dementia is unique, but our aim was to create a short that would help to target the stigma that still surrounds it. At its heart, the film seeks to reassure carers that they are not alone and that help is available.
The Process:
Filming took place in Jersey over three and a half days. After our original location fell through the week before filming, we ended up shooting in my grandparents’ house on the coast, a home positioned on an ever-changing coastline, serving as a physical representation of time passing. We did a location recce of their house on my granny’s birthday – it felt right – and in the end, filming there made it even more special. There is now a blue plaque in the living room that says “Quicksand was filmed here”. Of course, shooting on an island also means the weather constantly keeps us on our toes… but that’s all part of the fun!
What It Means to Be a Finalist:
Being officially selected for Worcester Film Festival is a huge honour and a dream come true. One of our key goals with Quicksand is to encourage conversations around dementia, and we’re incredibly grateful to Worcester for giving us the platform to do that.
Ted and I can’t wait to get to Worcester and share Quicksand with the community there.
Where to Watch / Follow:
The community around Quicksand continues to amaze me. I’d absolutely love it if you would like to come along on this journey with us. You can follow Quicksand for updates and behind-the-scenes content on:
- Instagram – @quicksand.shortfilm
- Facebook – Quicksand – A Short Film
- TikTok – @quicksandshortfilm
If you like, you can also follow us individually:
- Jessica (me) – @jessicapgarton
- Rebecca (Director) – @beckicoley
- Ted (Co-writer/Executive Producer/Actor) – @tedwalliker
You can also find the film on Letterboxd.