Topic Research

Feeling Through (Short film)

I did some research to try and find short films also on the topic of homelessness and found this film. It's a story of a homeless man helping a blind and deaf man attempting to get home. The theme of which I took inspiration from and one I am trying to use in my own short film is the fact of mutual benefit in their relationship. The blind and deaf man benefits from his company and helpfulness, without which would've been difficult for him to get home, and the homeless man benefits from the man's kindness as well as the situation, as it gave him a reason to hope, with the final line telling the homeless man 'You'll be okay'. 

This reflected one of the issues I had when planning out the narrative of my film, as I was worried of the controversial issues of making my homeless character feel helpless with the other man being his savior almost, so instead I decided to implement this idea of mutual benefit, neither looks down on the other, both are human beings connecting and helping each other. 

Social Media

I then went on social media, in order to find interviews with people living on the street. I found a multitude of interviews, with one reoccurring theme of how they are treated differently by the rest of the society, and rather than constantly wanting donations, sometimes just want friendships and mutual respect. 

I wanted to implement this into my film, as I want it to not reflect how everyone should become saviors to homeless people, but instead treat them with respect and as human beings. And so the relationship between my two characters had to reflect this, as rather than being a victim + helper dynamic, it should instead just be about a friendship formed, in which each one can rely on the other. 

Existing Advocacy Groups

While researching, I looked into the work of Crisis, the national charity for homelessness, who publish regular reports and testimonies about the experience of homelessness in the UK. What stood out to me was how often their findings emphasized the importance of human dignity. Their “Homelessness Monitor” reports don’t just talk about housing or money as solutions, but instead argue that people experiencing homelessness also need social connection, respect, and to feel seen as part of society.

This research had a direct influence on the way I am shaping my short film. Originally, I was worried about accidentally framing my homeless character as someone who is simply lacking material needs and waiting for others to save them. However, Crisis pushed me to think differently. It’s not only about physical support, but about how people are treated on a human level. In my film, I want to show this through the relationship between my two characters. Their bond isn’t based on charity or pity, but on mutual respect and shared humanity. Each character gives something of value to the other, companionship, kindness, and hope, which reflects the idea that dignity and connection are just as vital as practical help.