Troubled events shape a kid’s life in Nadine Wilson’s debut short film WUSS.
Young Zach (Joseph Davison) is torn between estranged parents Louise (Kellie Shirley) and Nick (George Russo), not helped by the sudden disappearance of his pet cat Jangles. Louise does her level best to reassure him that things are often not as straightforward as they seem in life. With best friend Molly (Erin Jemmotte) around to be a good neighbourly kid, Zach decides with some determination to try and search for the feline, a little journey that may or may not provide closure….
Wilson has concocted a touching and highly charged emotional short, focusing on the impact of detachment caused by problems in love and relationships. Davison is excellent as the troubled child, with a determined belief that things will get better even when life is not going your way. Simple and effective overall.
About the film:
Director’s Statement:
“Parental abandonment has a profound impact on children, often leaving them grappling with a flood of emotions that even some adults would find challenging to navigate.
As a mother, I deeply understand the lasting repercussions of a child experiencing abandonment by their father. It was during that traumatic period that my son’s cat went missing, marking a pivotal moment that sparked a journey of discovery and healing.
“Wuss” serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of our children and the profound influence of parental actions on their emotional well-being. It seeks to shed an authentic light on the emotional battles that children face and invites audiences and parents alike to reflect on their own relationships.
The film explores themes of love, rejection, grief, connection, and acceptance.
It is my hope that “Wuss” can serve as a beacon of hope for other families navigating the painful depth of rejection and touch the hearts of audiences, igniting conversations about the impact of parental absence and the healing power of acceptance.”
 About Nadine Wilson:
Nadine Wilson (above) is a British Screenwriter.Â
Her journey has been shaped by her working-class roots and the responsibilities of single motherhood, meaning her pursuit of a Masters in Screenwriting for Film and Television at University of the Arts London came at a later chapter in life.
Nadine initially trained at the Anna Scher Children’s Theatre. Her background in acting and experience in running her own drama club for 5-8 year olds has equipped her to forge strong connections with actors of all ages.
Nadine’s other screenplays for film and television proudly present rich characters that redefine what in means to be a ‘Brit‘ and ‘working class‘. Infused with her own background, as a proud Londoner, Nadine’s narratives delve into authentic experiences of individuals facing real adversities of life in modern-day Britain. With a deep understanding of storytelling and structure, Nadine’s work is marked by its’ emotional resonance and relatability.
Follow Nadine on Instagram:
Festival Info:
Wuss has already screened at various film festivals including a BIFA qualifying festival (North East International Film Festival) and a Canadian Screen Award Festival – USA Film Festival – where it is currently a Finalist. Â
It has won several awards including Best First Time Director (City of Angels Film Festival), Best Screen play (UK (London) Film Festival), Best International Short (The Shawna Shea Film Festival) and is currently nominated for several others awards at upcoming festivals.
Upcoming Screenings:
Wuss is currently screening overseas and in the UK at The London Independent Film Festival, where it will play as part of a Shorts Block on Sunday 28th April, 2024 at 4pm at The Genesis, Mile End 93-95 Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London E1 4UJ .Â
Details below:
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Upcoming Screenings:
 The Romford Film Festival on Friday 24th May 2024 at 11am:
 https://www.romfordfilmfestival.com/newpageatÂ
Kingston International Film FestivalÂ
