'Water Under The Bridge' is a short film written and directed by Rehan Ali that tells the tale of a teenage boy who has just arrived in Ireland.
After a long journey, Bilal and his father have come so close to tasting freedom. Now the restrictions of hostel life keep him from true liberty. But before he can be freed from behind the walls of Direct Provision, he must find a way to free him from himself. A swift, radical awakening is on the horizon for Bilal but is he ready to come face to face with his own reality?
'Be careful out there. And I mean it, Bilal. Don’t forget who you are.'
Poster
Official poster for Water Under The Bridge (2022)
Rehan Ali won the Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition 2021 with his script for 'Water Under The Bridge' an opportunity that allowed him to bring his story to life. The entire film was shot on location in the small Irish town, Carrick-on-Suir, where Rehan grew up.
Watch the teaser for the film below.
Teaser trailer for Water Under The Bridge (2022)
'Water Under The Bridge' premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival and was broadcast on Virgin Media Television in March 2022.
Actors Rhys Mannion, Peter Obidiran and Holly Sturton
Actress Holly Sturton plays the main antagonist Niamh
Actor Rhys Mannion plays local Irish teen Ryan
Actors Derek Ugochukwu and Oran Treacy
Costume Design
The costume design was extremely important for the film and was helmed by Rehan with the help of artist Laura Regan who drew up the initial rough sketches for the main cast.
Colour Grade
The colour grade was completed in Dublin at Element Post Production by colourist Leandro Arouca. Some initial notes from post-production can be viewed below.
