HND Final Drama: After Contact (2026)
Synopsis: This short film is about Ritchie, a soldier preparing to meet the widow of a fellow soldier who died in combat. He feels responsible for the death and is desperate to meet with the widow to discuss in detail what really happened, but guilt is standing in his way.
Director Statement: After Contact explores the lasting emotional impact of war and the burden of survivor's guilt. I was interested in telling a story that focuses not on the battlefield itself, but on the personal consequences that remain long after the fighting has ended.
Through the character of Ritchie, I wanted to examine how guilt can shape our perception of the past and affect our ability to move forward. The film uses intimate performances and restrained visual storytelling to place the audience alongside a man struggling to confront his memories and seek forgiveness.
As a filmmaker, I am drawn to stories that explore human emotion and personal conflict. After Contact represents my continuing development as a director and storyteller, and I hope audiences connect with its themes of grief, responsibility, and healing.
Director Biography: Dean Milne is an award winning filmmaker based in Edinburgh, Scotland. After spending more than six years working full-time in warehousing, he transitioned into film and television education in 2023 to pursue filmmaking full-time. Since then, he has completed the NQ in Film & Television Production and achieved Distinctions in both the HNC and HND Television Production courses.
Dean is currently studying on the BA (Hons) Film Top-Up degree while developing a portfolio of original films and creative projects. His work focuses on character-driven stories, combining visual storytelling with an interest in editing and sound design.
Title: After Contact
Genre: Â Drama/War
Country: Â United Kingdom
Production Year: 2026
Language: Â English
Duration: 07:05
Aspect Ratio: Â 1.78.1
Frame Rate: Â 25 fps
Shooting Format: Blackmagic Pyxis Cinema Camera 6K
Cast & Crew
Olly Bassi - Ritchie
Carol Bryce - Sarah
James Vinchenza - Kevin
Dean Milne - Director, Producer, Writer, Editor
Thomas Kitching - Assistant Director
Andrew Ross - Director of Photography
Amy Turnbull - 1st Assistant Camera
Stuart Benvie - 2nd Assistant Camera
Emily Duncan - Sound Recordist
Kieran Hamilton - Sound Assistant
Isla Crichton - Boom Operator
Matthew Crawford Russell - Costume Designer
Kyle Swan (left) & Colin Morton (right) - John & Scott/Soldiers
Kirstie Duncan (not in photo) - VFX Artist
Kyle Jackson - Transportation Department
Still Frames
Behind The Scenes
Behind The Scenes (35mm)
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