Baftas: Student's film Jellyfish and Lobster nominated in short film category

A writer/director said there were "a lot of tears" when she earned a Bafta nomination for her graduation film inspired by those she lost to cancer.

Yasmin Afifi was studying at the National Film and Television School in Buckinghamshire when she wrote and directed Jellyfish and Lobster.

The Best Live Action Short Film nominee follows two terminally-ill care home residents who build a new relationship.

Afifi said the film was inspired by losing her dad and aunt to cancer.

The film blends humour and grief as the characters meet, build a bond and make a life-affirming discovery during a visit to the care home's swimming pool.

The 30-year-old director wanted to honour her loved ones with a film about "reclaiming joy".

"They both truly never allowed themselves to be defined by their illnesses; they were the ones who were going through it, yet they were the ones that were constantly comforting us," she said.

Afifi said she had noticed during her father's treatment that other patients were "actually so incredibly charming and warm and and funny".

"I wasn't really trying to write something funny; I was just trying to write something brutally honest," she said.

Afifi graduated from the film school in Beaconsfield in March 2023 and the short was submitted as part of her final year.

Jellyfish and Lobster was then screened at different film festivals and won three trophies at the British Short Film Awards, including best director.

The writer-director said she cried when she discovered it was one of five nominees for the Bafta award.

"There were lots of tears, just happy tears, because I made the film in memory of two of the closest people to me who I lost to cancer, one of which while I was at the school," she said.

"It was a really surreal, beautiful moment, I think, for me and my family."

An £18,000 budget was awarded to the production by her college and equipment was provided freely by the school itself.

The care home location, in Beaconsfield, allowed the production to use their building for free after reading the script.

The entire production team was made up of NFTS students and Afifi said their shared WhatsApp group has been going through "constant various different celebrations".

She praised the film school for providing access to "state of the art resources and equipment".

"They really respect who you are as a person, and therefore what your voice is as a filmmaker," she said.

The Baftas ceremony is due to take place on 18 February.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830