“I aim for The Programme to be more than just a film – a force for meaningful reflection and a driver for positive change”
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Representation matters! Say it louder… gay actor Michelle Jeram excels in upcoming British short film The Programme; a film centred around a neurodivergent character and their struggles with grief and loneliness.
The film premiered this Spring in Digbeth, ahead of showings at several film festivals and was an Official Selection at the New York International Women’s Film Festival, Sykehouse Film Festival, and most recently, the Little Venice Film Festival.
The work began after a two-year writing hiatus triggered by the devastating loss of director Sam Grierson’s best friend to suicide. The resulting film sparks reflection and reshapes perceptions, encouraging an understanding of the intricate layers of grief and the complex intersectionality of neurodivergent experiences. Sam is queer, autistic and has ADHD. The film exposes us for believing in stereotypes, exposes society for marginalising people, and displays in no uncertain terms that everyone deserves to be centre stage. A neurodivergent subject encourages us to examine universal fears. Queer singer-songwriter Megan Black’s haunting soundtrack skilfully captures the film’s dark undertones while infusing it with heart and grit.
The prosaic dialogue is undeniably immersive as the intricacies of the character’s thoughts and emotions create a unique and thought-provoking viewing experience. We watch Michelle’s character – Drum, who is non-binary – be interrogated by the machine, and with them, learn about their thoughts, feelings, relationship with themselves, and those around them. At no point do any of Drum’s “categorisations” lessen or weaken them. They are strengths, a point of difference. There’s eloquence and pain in the discussion, someone who’s been told they don’t feel, describes in heart-breaking detail exactly how they do. These themes of grief and loneliness are a vessel, encouraging us to scrutinise our own reality and the societal constraints on the role of artificial intelligence. The Programme challenges us to question preconceptions of neurodivergence, and ultimately asks that of the main character, Subject 3756A/b1, themselves.
Sam elaborates: “From the outset, assembling a diverse cast and crew across various spectrums of difference was a priority. To authentically portray stories of diversity, I believe in seeking out distinct voices and perspectives. It’s through this deliberate selection that we can then focus on homing in on the shared experiences and emotions that bind us all together.”
“My aspiration for the film is that it serves as a powerful emotional catalyst, prompting viewers to reassess their perspectives on differences. Ultimately, I aim for The Programme to be more than just a film – a force for meaningful reflection and a driver for positive change in how we perceive and embrace differences. Working in collaboration with Bader Media Entertainment CIC was the key to turning this project from a vision into a reality.”
The Programme is out now.
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