This short film for U.K.’s LGBTQ+ helpline powerfully depicts a student struggling with their sexuality

A short film just released in the U.K. expertly explores contemporary themes around LGBTQ+ culture while also announcing a free 0800 phone number for the national helpline, Switchboard.

The 10-minute film, from Rankin Creative and writer/director Jordan Rossi, tells the story of a troubled, nervous university student, Amir, who is struggling with their sexuality. The film takes its time framing Amir’s mindset, following a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance across a series of phone calls to the service.

Adam Ali (Waterloo Road, Baba, Little America) is excellent in the role of Amir, imbuing the character with palpable anxiety at first, and then a measure of peace and happiness by the end. Ali told Ad Age that the material resonated with him the moment he saw the script.

“I know firsthand the impact charities like Switchboard can have on vulnerable young people. I want to reassure anyone who might consider using the 0800 number that the call is nothing to be afraid of,” he said. “Seeing Amir fight through his fears and overcome his emotions to seek advice from the Switchboard operator can hopefully put to rest any anxiety young people may have before calling themselves. It doesn't feel like it at the moment, but unburdening yourself with the weight and pressure of what you're going through will help you find help and deal with it sooner.”

Rossi, known for his collaborations with LGBTQ+ talent, continues his impressive body of work around queer culture and society.

“This short was about more than telling people there’s a free phone number,” he said. “I believe in the power of entertainment as a driving force behind changing people’s perceptions and tackling societal issues outside of standard advertising. This is about contextualizing issues that face the LGBTQ+ community in a way that everyone can understand.”