On September 16, Ella Greenwood’s award-winning short film Why Wouldn’t I Be? begins streaming on Reveel, offering viewers a raw and emotionally charged exploration of teenage mental health.
Written and directed by Greenwood, the film centers on Jack, a 17-year-old boy who reaches a breaking point and begins to question why he couldn’t ask for help. It’s a quiet yet powerful narrative that sheds light on the internal struggles many young people face, told with Greenwood’s signature sensitivity and depth.
The film stars Harry Collett (House of the Dragon, Dolittle) in a gripping lead performance as Jack, supported by Elizabeth Berrington (The Nevers, Waterloo Road) as Alice, Tut Nyuot (The Long Walk, The Last Tree, The Power) as Aaron, and Susan Lawson-Reynolds (The Long Walk, Three Little Birds, Cuttlefish) as Mrs. Wright. Their performances bring authenticity and emotional weight to a story that continues to resonate deeply with audiences.
Behind the camera, Greenwood was joined by cinematographer Xenia Patricia, whose visual storytelling added a haunting intimacy to the film. Emmalie El Fadli’s editing and Gaby Ambler’s original score further elevated the emotional tone, while Lucas A. Ferrara and Maya Bartley O’Dea served as producers.
Greenwood, a British filmmaker and mental health advocate, has built a reputation for creating socially impactful stories through her company Broken Flames Productions. She made her directorial debut at 18 with Faulty Roots, which earned her the Rising Star Award at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival. Her accolades include a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, the Diana Award for humanitarian work, and the British Citizen Award Medal of Honour for Services to the Arts. Greenwood is also a TEDx speaker and an ambassador for the teen mental health charity stem4.
Why Wouldn’t I Be? is more than just a short film—it’s a gut punch to the silence surrounding mental health. Greenwood doesn’t merely tell Jack’s story; she demands that we listen. With Collett’s haunting performance at its core, and a cast and crew who bring every moment to life with aching precision, the film leaves a lasting impression.
It’s not just a question—it’s a challenge. Why Wouldn’t I Be? dares us to confront the quiet battles waged behind closed doors and to ask ourselves: if someone reached out, would we be ready to hear them?
Starting September 16, the film will be streaming on Reveel, a platform dedicated to showcasing bold, independent storytelling from emerging filmmakers around the world. Viewers can watch Why Wouldn’t I Be? by visiting Reveel.net and searching for the title, or by downloading the Reveel app on their smart TV or mobile device.
Watch it. Feel it. And don’t look away.
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To view some of Lucas's other projects, click here: https://linktr.ee/lucasaferrara
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