GROWING PAINS: A series of films directed and produced by local documentary makers Chloe White, Esther Springett and Jodie Taylor, exploring growth and coming-of-age. 

A rollerskater on the cusp of adulthood, a 10 year-old born the year of the Fukushima earthquake in Japan, two sisters reflect on caring for their neurodivergent brother, an eclectic group of teenagers go to prom, and a mother addresses her baby in it's first few months. 

A collection of stories that sit in the discomfort—and beauty—of change. Screened as part of our Hastings' Own strand where we shine a light on home-grown talent from Hastings and East Sussex.

I'M CHARLIE JOHNSON

Directed by Esther Springett

Produced by Chloe White and Jodie Taylor

I’M CHARLIE JOHNSON is the coming of age story of an 18-year old skater as he navigates neurodivergence, familial mental health challenges and dreams of escaping his ‘small town life’, set against a backdrop of roller discos in the seaside town of St Leonards-on-Sea.

SUNFLOWERS

Directed by Chloe White and Soraya Umewaka

Produced by Jodie Taylor

Born the year of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, ten-year-old Eri has grown up in the shadow of the event that defined her hometown. When her family joins a local sunflower planting group who are hoping to rid the soil of toxins, she begins to learn more about the memories of those around her.

KIN

Directed by Esther Springett and Tim Corrigan, produced by Project Art Works

Growing up, Mell wished her autistic brother could speak – now, in adulthood, she realises you don’t have to talk to explain what you need. KIN is a coming of age story between two sisters (Mell and Janine) and their neurodivergent and autistic brother (Carl), exploring sibling relationships, family duty and care.

PROM NOT PROM

Directed by Chloe White, Esther Springett and Jodie Taylor

On a hot summer evening, 50 teenagers who have been excluded from their own school proms gather for PROM NOT PROM—a night of loud music and raw emotion that these British teens who’ve spent their school lives on the fringes will never forget.

JAMAIS VOUS

Directed by Chloe White

A filmmaker turns her camera in the direction of her baby’s gaze. Combining his first impressions of the world with her own during his first few months of life, the film offers a meditation on motherhood, grief, and love.