Alive is a new 12-minute short film written and directed by Marc Nelson and produced by Double Six Productions. The film will premiere on 21 February as part of a private screening event, accompanied by a fundraising initiative in support of Andy’s Man Club.
Structured as a dialogue-free narrative, Alive follows a single male protagonist, played by Pete John Mansfield, and focuses on internalised conflict rather than plot-driven progression. The film is constructed around performance, composition, and pacing, placing it within a tradition of short-form cinema that privileges visual storytelling and emotional inference over exposition.
Nelson developed the project as a contained, single-character piece, designed to function both as a standalone short and as a festival-viable work with minimal dialogue dependency. The decision to remove spoken language was informed by the director’s interest in non-verbal performance and by reference to dialogue-free short films that rely on rhythm and imagery rather than narrative explanation.
When Success Feels Like Failure
For writer and director Marc Nelson, the film draws directly from personal experience. He speaks openly about a period when, despite outward success, he felt hollow inside — grappling with dark thoughts and a crushing sense of directionlessness.
“At least I’ve provided for my family,” he recalls thinking during his lowest moments, measuring his worth solely by responsibility rather than his own wellbeing. He wasn’t talking to anyone about it. Not really. And that silence nearly broke him.
“Men are probably more guilty than women of not opening up,” Nelson says. “And that’s certainly where I was.”
Working with a script editor from BBC’s Silent Witness, Nelson shaped the film’s emotional rhythm around a simple truth: silence can communicate what words often fail to express, particularly for men conditioned to keep everything locked inside.
“Alive was made to remind people that even in the darkest moments, connection can save a life,” said Nelson. “Andy’s Man Club has been a lifeline for thousands of men across the UK, and we’re proud to stand with them in raising awareness and driving real change.”
Supporting Men Through Connection
The film directly supports Andy’s Man Club, which runs free, confidential peer-to-peer support groups for men every Monday at 7pm in over 150 locations across the UK. Named after Andrew Roberts, who took his own life at age 23, the charity creates safe spaces where men can talk openly without judgment.
Nelson’s film aims to reach men who might see themselves in the story — and realize they don’t have to face things alone.
Premiere Event – 21st February
The premiere will bring together cast, crew, supporters, and mental-health advocates for an evening of storytelling and solidarity. Following a post-screening discussion about men’s mental health, singer Ted Morris — set to star in Double Six Productions’ next film, Got to be Certain — will perform songs from that project alongside well-known covers.
The film has been made almost entirely through voluntary effort, with actors, crew, and creatives donating their time. “The response has been humbling,” Nelson says.
Tickets for the premiere can be secured through the film’s crowdfunding page at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/alive-film, where you can also watch the trailer. Every ticket purchased directly supports the film’s mission to amplify Andy’s Man Club’s work. Donations can be made through the same page.
If you or someone you know is struggling, Andy’s Man Club runs free support groups every Monday at 7pm across the UK. Find your nearest group at andysmanclub.co.uk. In a crisis, contact Samaritans on 116 123 (UK) or visit samaritans.org.
