CONTACT HOURS - Screening and Live Filmmaker Q&A

Join us for a special screening event at MediaCity!

The critically-acclaimed short film about student suicide screens for Manchester Universities during Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

The 25-minute film tells a powerful story of student suicide through the eyes of a university caretaker struggling to connect with his son.

By BFI-selected director Harry Richards and OFFIE-nominated writer Rufus Love, it stars Kris Hitchen (Ken Loach's SORRY WE MISSED YOU) and George Osborne (THE PENDRAGON CYCLE).

The film won Gold for Best Casting at the Shark Awards, and it was shortlisted for Best Short Film under 25 Minutes, Best Writing and Best Acting Performance. Harry Richards was longlisted for Best British Director at the British Short Film Awards for his work on the film.

"A searing short film" – The Independent

"Very impressive and really absorbing" – Tim Robey, The Telegraph

"Beautiful and affecting" – i-D

"Nuanced and deeply human" – Chatter

The film was made in partnership with a number of suicide prevention charities and organisations including PAPYRUS, R;pple Suicide Prevention, ForThe100 and Start The Conversation. The film has also recently been supported by charities HUMEN, James' Place and London Nightline.

This film contains material relating to suicide that may be painful or upsetting to some audiences. There are no scenes of a graphic nature.

Bereavement support is available from the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service.

Support for suicide concerns is available from Papyrus.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers. The event will take place at The Univeristy of Salford, MediaCity Campus and is open to students and staff from all Manchester Universities, as well as parents and members of the public.

This film contains material relating to suicide that may be painful or upsetting to some audiences. There are no scenes of a graphic nature.