ADOPT ME, PLEASE — A Short Film

Adopt Me, Please is a short drama about grief, ageing, and the need for connection — told through a gentle twist and a cat-led misdirection.

After the death of her husband, Sylvie, a widow in her late 50s, begins giving away everything that reminds her of him. As her home empties, she puts up posters around town reading “Adopt Me, Please.” The audience is led to believe she’s trying to rehome her cat.

But the truth is more unexpected.

When she meets Mitra, a younger woman also looking for support and belonging, the film gently redefines what motherhood and family can mean.

This film takes a light-hearted yet honest approach to the growing loneliness epidemic among older people. Inspired by real conversations with family members, Adopt Me, Please aims to spark empathy, warmth, and conversation — without pity or clichés.

The Team:

Rebecca Colby - Writer/Co-Director

“A few years ago, I telephone befriended an older

woman and saw first-hand her loneliness at being a

widow with no children. It made me wonder—

what if family could be a choice, rather than just

circumstance? I wanted to explore how

relationships can be created in unexpected ways,

and prove that it’s never too late to choose love

and connection.”

Tom Kinnear - Producer

"This story stood out to me

as I have two

grandparents, one from

each side, who both live

alone. The loneliness

represented something I

recognise when I speak to

them on the phone

weekly. Yet, this film has a

quiet joy that spoke to

me."

Jim Cullen - DoP/Co-Director

Jim has worked in television for 26 years, predominantly operating cameras on continuing dramas such as Coronation Street, River City, Doctors and EastEnders. Alongside that, I’ve worked as a cinematographer on several short films and a feature-length film, and I also have experience directing.

Why It Matters

According to Age UK, 1.4 million people aged 50+ in England experience frequent loneliness, a problem made worse by the pandemic and digital exclusion. This film highlights that issue through character and story, showing that connection can still be found at any stage of life.

Where the Money Goes

Your support will help us cover essential production and distribution costs, including:

Insurance — required to safely and legally shoot the film

Location costs — securing and dressing filming locations

Transport costs — getting cast, crew, and equipment to set

Festival submission fees — helping the film reach audiences worldwide

Every contribution directly supports the making and sharing of this film.

Thank you for supporting Adopt Me, Please and helping us tell a story about choosing connection — at any age.