Rhys Millington - BA (Hons) Filmmaking
The Silent State
Coming into this course, I’ve always been driven to explore interconnected storytelling through a range of various narratives, and connecting characters and plot lines to tell a larger story. I enjoy experimenting with writing and directing, and throughout my university career, I’ve often created various short films outside of the curriculum. Early on, my projects focused on recurring characters surviving different apocalyptic scenarios, however, I hadn’t truly delved into their emotional depth and explored deeper meanings of the characters and their welfare until now.
The Silent State marked a turning point as it was the first time I explored a character’s internal world with intention, working in a professional setting with skilled actors. The story has lived in the back of my mind since I was twelve, a passion project that reflects my deep commitment to storytelling. While earlier concepts evolved and found homes in other projects, the core of The Silent State always stayed with me. Once I refined the final narrative, I knew I had to bring it to life with everything I had.
This project pushed me outside my comfort zone, especially as I explored complex themes like mental health and grief. I wanted to leave viewers questioning what’s real in this story, whether the narrative reflects the protagonist’s inner state, or if everything actually happened. I also collaborated with over forty filmmakers on the course alongside students from other courses, striving to make this production as professional as possible. The Silent State is a project I am incredibly proud of, from the story’s emotional resonance to the tireless work of the talented cast and crew. Their dedication elevated this film, and I believe that passion is evident in every frame. It was amazing to direct this project and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
