Poster for PROMISED, directed by Christian Elliott, AFIN 2024

Short Film AFIN 244

PROMISED

Directed by Christian Elliott

AFIN 2024 Winner · 2 awards

  • 2024
  • 23m
  • USA
  • Kalaallisut
  • PG
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Stills

2 frames

Nominee

Best Supporting Performance

Sophep Keo

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Credits

Produced by

Synopsis

Promised" is a poignant drama designed to raise awareness about human trafficking through the story of Seila and Chantrea, two Cambodian girls ensnared in its brutal reality. The film navigates between their hopeful beginnings and the subsequent nightmare, focusing on Seila's struggle as a pregnant teenager in a foreign hospital, her child cruelly snatched away at birth. Flashbacks reveal their journey from a Cambodian village into the hands of traffickers, promising easy work abroad but delivering only separation and suffering. Seila's resilience emerges as she seeks help, leading to her eventual escape with assistance from A21 and the Cambodian government. Though she secures justice against her trafficker, the search for her child and Chantrea's fate underscores the ongoing battle against trafficking. "Promised" aims to shed light on this dark issue, emphasizing the power of awareness, advocacy, and the indomitable human spirit.

Director's Statement

Christian Elliott, filmmaker portrait provided to AFIN.

In crafting the narrative of "Promised" throughout the latter part of 2023 I have embarked on a journey that is as profound as it is emotionally challenging. The process of writing and directing this film has been deeply bittersweet. On one hand, it was heart-wrenching to immerse myself in the testimonies of children and teenagers whose lives are entangled in such harrowing circumstances. Their stories are filled with a level of sadness and despair that often felt overwhelming. The bitter aspect of this journey stems from the realization that the stark reality these young individuals face is far more severe than anything we could possibly capture on screen. As a filmmaker, I strive to portray their experiences with the utmost authenticity and respect, yet I am acutely aware that the true extent of their suffering is beyond the reach of my artistic interpretation. Each day of production, my heart weighed heavy with the knowledge that there are countless victims still trapped, still searching for a sliver of the freedom that we often take for granted. This film is my humble attempt to shed light on their plight, to tell their stories with the dignity they deserve, and to amplify their cries for help. My hope is that "Promised" not only moves its audience but also sparks a conversation and action towards ending such atrocities. If this film can play even a small part in bringing about change and in helping even one person find their way back to freedom, then this bittersweet journey will have been worth every step.

What makes this one special

From the Judges

From the Judges

The costume and production design carry a lived-in authenticity that the panel felt throughout, honouring the culture of the location with genuine care. Assured direction draws out performances they found wholly believable, and that same level of craft holds across every department. It struck them as an impactful piece of storytelling with a message worth putting in front of an audience.

Curated, anonymised highlights drawn from the judges' notes.

Director's Biography

Christian Elliott, filmmaker portrait provided to AFIN. Christian Elliott Director

Christian Elliott's directorial and writing career is distinguished by a genuine commitment to storytelling that fosters positive change. His experience encompasses the creation of over 25 short films, as well as leading global campaigns that have reached and resonated with audiences worldwide. In his collaborative efforts with A21, an organization focused on addressing human trafficking, Christian's film work plays a crucial role in educating and mobilizing action against the scourge of human exploitation. Christian's creative roots are firmly planted in the world of music. Before his transition to film, he was an accomplished musician and producer, with a rich background of performing alongside a diverse array of artists across the globe and orchestrating live visual events. This breadth of experience infuses his filmmaking with a unique perspective that is both worldly and insightful, aiming to connect with viewers on a level that transcends the screen.

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PROMISED was Winner of Best Lead Performance and Best Produced Screenplay and a Nominee for Best Director, Best Live Action Short Film, Best Original Score, Best Sound Design and Best Supporting Performance at the AFIN International Film Festival 2024, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.

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  1. Open the AFIN International Film Festival event page on IMDb and choose the 2024 edition.
  2. Choose Edit (contribute), then Awards, and add your film under the category (Best Lead Performance, Best Produced Screenplay, Best Director, Best Live Action Short Film, Best Original Score, Best Sound Design and Best Supporting Performance) with the outcome shown on your laurels above.
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