North East film company Terabithia Pictures has unveiled its latest short film, The Other Birthday, at the Star and Shadow cinema in Newcastle.
Directed by Gabriel Brown and written by Giulia Vascotto, the film explores the unwinding of a married couple’s relationship, set against the professedly innocent circumstance of a dog’s birthday celebration.
Filming took place in Northumberland over just three days in early June 2024, with the cast and crew being accommodated and staying local for the duration of the shoot. The local scenery added a touching backdrop to the turbulent drama in the short film.
What begins as an ordinary event soon turns into a sorrowful whirlwind that forces the couple to confront past wounds. The central conflict draws particularly on themes of grief and highlights how this can affect our relationships with others.
The emotional depth of the film is brought to life by North East actors Sarah Seymour and Joseph Hammal as Megan and Tom, a couple struggling with a shared trauma that reemerges at their dog’s tenth birthday party. The two bring compelling performances to the short film as they perfectly capture the heartache and tensions between one another.
Gabriel Brown, Terabithia’s Creative Director, creates an incredible atmosphere of unease, where even the quiet moments between characters speak volumes. The film’s intimate portrayal of a couple at odds with their emotions feels relatable and raw, pulling you into the complexities of their relationship.
Gabriel Brown expressed immense pride in the project, praising the collaboration among the cast and crew.
“The Other Birthday is a real testament to the quality of a Terabithia shoot and what its crew can achieve. Everyone knocked this one out of the park, from my partner in crime Giulia with her fantastic script, through to both the shoot crew and the brilliant post-production team.” Brown said.
Giulia Vascotto, the film’s writer, echoed the sentiment, shining a light on the teamwork that fueled the production.
“Making The Other Birthday was an absolute dream: a fantastic crew, brilliant cast, and a director that found the perfect way to bring the story to life. A special thanks goes out to Gabriel, who not only believed in my script more than I did but took every care to ensure everyone was excited and happy with the end result.” Said Vascotto
As The Other Birthday is currently being submitted to a variety of film festivals and hopes to begin its festival run in 2025, it promises to be a powerful contender in the world of independent cinema.
While The Other Birthday is still fresh, the team is already looking ahead. Brown and Vascotto are reuniting for their next collaboration, Different Shores, a short film about an abrasive caregiver and a stubborn elderly woman set in a coastal village.
They are also rejoining co-producer Mariella Klein, with plans to shoot in Northumberland once more in early 2025.
The film’s delicate examination of human vulnerability reminds us that even the smallest moments can trigger profound revelations about ourselves and our relationships, revealing how our past trauma continues to linger and shape us.
With a festival run ahead and new projects in the works, the talented team at Terabithia Pictures are certainly making their name in North East independent cinema. Be sure to keep updated with their social media for updates on The Other Birthday‘s journey and any new releases.
