Eli, powerful short takes on big issues of immigration, identity and morality
The uncomfortable issues of immigration, identity and morality are taken on by Eli, a film by Colin Gerrard, which is part of the English Riviera Film Festival.
Diversity is what makes Britain so great
‘I grew up in North London and my neighbourhood was very culturally diverse, and I loved it, because I think that’s what makes Britain so great for music, and film, and television. It’s because we are a diverse country,” director Colin Gerrard told Laura Potier on The National Student.
“But the fact that people have a problem with that is the fact they have a problem with the human race, that they have the problem with the colour of somebody’s skin or their religion.’
‘Intensely real’
Eli was very much recommended by Critical Popcorn. They called it ‘intensely real’ and ‘incredibly touching whist still remaining clever and subtle’.
Hullo...
Thank you for reading. We could do with your help to keep going. All our content is free... But if you can, you can support us to continue bringing you this coverage, these articles, interviews and reviews. This connection with real indie filmmakers.
It's here we encourage you to get out, watch indie films, support crowdfunders, go to your local venue.
And if you can, Pay What You Can to keep all this going. From £1 a week - £4 a month - a fiver, or whatever you can spare. Much appreciated.
The film follows an elderly man (David Gant), who has survived harrowing events, and his encounters with a group of disillusioned strangers in a doctor’s waiting room.
Issues which echo through the ages
For the film Colin interviewed Holocaust survivor Danny Wollner. Danny had been to Auschwitz, Dachau and Birkenau. And issues Colin raise echo through the ages and resononant today.
Short film is a form that Colin is eager to push, what with its powerful immediacy.
You can catch Eli at the Palace Theatre, Paignton as part of the English Riviera Film Festival.
- Voices that reach further | Penwith Film Soc autumn season - October 3, 2026
- Experiences, dreams and challenges | Gwinyai Mparutsa takes the reigns of Afrika Eye - September 30, 2026
- Nuance, depth and a Devon landscape | Sense and Sensibility - September 29, 2026
Discover more from D&CFilm
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
