“I wanted to explore the consequences of what it means to lock things away within yourself.”
Lifeline tells the story of two self-isolating office workers, connecting via a series of progress reports. Following the screening, we spoke to creator Lewis Carter about making a film under lockdown.
“People turn to stories and films in order to obtain understanding and catharsis for situations they are living through,” says Lewis. “A lot of filmmakers and creatives felt a responsibility to create something for those who are most vulnerable during this period of self-isolation. The goal for Lifeline was that it would be one of many; films, TV series and other works of art set during life under COVID-19 isolation.”
Lewis is however aware of the broader importance of works created during lockdown and the global health crisis. He says. “With context and time, Lifeline will be viewed as an essential puzzle piece in a large collection of art that, when viewed together, makes up a comprehensive understanding of what life was like during a significant period of history.
“You can’t make a short film that encapsulates everyone’s experience of isolation. But we could tell a specific story that puts life in lockdown under the microscope and allows people to experience the impact of isolation through a specific lens.
“When I sat down to break the story, I wanted to explore the consequences of what it means to lock yourself away from the world, and more specifically—to lock things away within yourself. The LGBT themes present in the film came out of that thinking. And we decided to embrace and celebrate that when making the film.”
Learn more about the cast, crew and making of Lifeline by watching interviews with them here.
