Ways out of darkness
“Having experienced a period of mental ill-health myself, I made The Light Inside as a way to address this experience whilst at the same time, giving voice to others who have likewise suffered. I want to show that healing is possible, and to address the stigma that still lingers and can make recovery so much harder. People experiencing mental ill-health are all too often characterised as sensitive, fragile, delicate of mind. This can be true and there’s nothing wrong in that but what is seldom said, outside those who know them well or who care for them, is how brave they may be. My hope is that the experiences, words and wisdom put across in this film may help others on their journey towards wellbeing.”
Working alongside The Victoria Wood Foundation and Bath Mind, the team has put together this short film which has now been made available to anyone through this website.
If you’re interested in screening the film in your community or organisation, feel free to reach out via our social media channels in the footer.
Meet the team
Jesse Daniel Lawrence (Writer and Director)
Jesse trained in fiction directing at the NFTS, after reading History at Oxford University. His short films have won multiple awards and been screened and sold internationally. In 2019, he received a John Brabourne Award from the Film & TV Charity to support his screenwriting.
Harry Knight (Producer)
Harry is a creative, resourceful and purpose-driven Producer. Working primarily with social enterprises and charities he is comfortable developing work that sits alongside social and environmental issues. He has also produced content for brands such as TikTok, Barclays and DoorDash.
Hannah Roper (Associate Producer)
Hannah Roper is the Head of Business Development at Bath Mind, a local and independent mental health charity. She has worked closely with the filmmakers to secure funding and find and support our contributors.
Dr. William Bruce-Jones (Consultant Psychiatrist)
Dr Bruce-Jones has worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Bath since 1994 and, in that time, has undertaken various NHS leadership positions, most recently Clinical Director for Adult Mental Health Services. Bill also has lived experience of mental ill-health.
The Light Inside 