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Mental health is important. Especially when it regards the mental health of young people.
This film tackles this subject in a real, raw and honest way with a visual representation of what depression looks like.
Help support independent film and help us fund this production.
Watch this video below to find out more about the story and our vision for it:
The Story:
Haunted by a shadow that mirrors his depression, a withdrawn aspiring filmmaker finds solace in an unlikely friendship with a young woman, who also has her internal struggles, until he is given the chance to pursue his dream. It forces him to decide whether stepping into the future is worth leaving the space that finally made him feel safe.
Director's Statement:
The Space We Share is the most personal project I’ve ever created. Although the characters and events are fictional, the emotional truth behind the story comes from a very real place.
Several years ago, I went through a period of severe depression, intrusive thoughts, and months of therapy that fundamentally changed how I understood myself. This story grew from that experience. Tom’s journey isn’t my story, but the emotions behind it are ones I know intimately: guilt, loneliness, fear of opening up, and the slow, fragile process of learning to trust again. I wanted to portray these struggles honestly, without glamour or melodrama, and to show that connection, even in its smallest, simplest form, can be lifechanging. It reflects the reality of so many young people, especially in places like Northern Ireland where mental health issues are often hidden or unspoken.
My goal is to create a film that feels authentic, gentle, and true. One that lets audiences see themselves in Tom and Amy, and reminds them that reaching out, or letting someone in, is an act of courage.
Action Mental Health Endorsement:
We are also very fortunate to have the endorsement of Northern Ireland's leading mental health charity, 'Action Mental Health'.
This is what they had to say about the project:
"As a leading mental health charity in Northern Ireland we were pleased to hear about Thomas’ plans for a film that helps raise awareness of the challenges depression can bring, but which also importantly highlights the possibility of recovery with the right support at the right time. The film also focuses on the importance of connection in maintaining positive mental health and this is a message we would very much support. We hope the film helps to spread a positive message to anyone who is struggling, that help is out there and that recovery is possible." - Action Mental Health
The Cast:
Ben Michael Kavanagh as 'Tom' - Based in Ireland (Wexford), Ben is a
trained actor, who has a range of experience, from TV, Stage and Short
Films over the last couple of years. Ben’s performance stood out to us the most. His gentle, introspective, and quietly withdrawn approach to the character captured Tom in a way that felt honest, grounded, and deeply human. From the moment we watched his tape, it was clear he truly understood the emotional weight of this story.
Cait Hamilton as 'Amy' - Based in London, Cait was a
series regular in the BBC's TV series, 'A Kind of Spark' and has previously
appeared in the Film4s feature, 'Nowhere Boy', starring Aaron Taylor-
Johnson, as well as an episode of EastEnders.
“I was immediately drawn to The Space We Share for its quiet honesty and emotional depth. Amy feels deeply human to me - layered, vulnerable, and grounded - and I’m excited to explore her inner world and bring her story to life.” - Cait Hamilton.
Brian Devlin as 'Stuart' - Based in Belfast, Brian’s work spans stage and screen over the past several years, with acting credits in TV shows such as BBC's 'Funboys', BBC's 'Bloodlands' (with James Nesbit), and most recently, appeared in an Independent Feature Film, 'Love In Belfast', and we’re thrilled to have him bringing warmth and empathy to this role.
The Crew:
Producer, Director & Writer - Thomas McQuillan
Thomas McQuillan is a multi-award winning Director, Writer & Producer from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
He is known for short films such as 'Born To Die' (2018), 'Memories Of Us' (2024) and 'The Pursuit Of Forgiveness' (2025).
Thomas began his journey as a Filmmaker back in early 2013 when he studied a level 2 course in Creative Media Production. After graduating the course with a Distinction, Thomas continued to peruse Filmmaking.
In 2018, he graduated his Level 5 (HND) course with a Distinction.
He now runs his own Videography/Film Production company called 'TMMProductions'.
Co-Producer - Líle Keenan
Líle brings a wealth of experience both behind the camera and in production. She recently served as 1st Assistant Director on the feature film 'Cup of Jo: The Patron Saint of Desperate Cases' (2024) in California, and has directed numerous short films, her most recent being Rare Bird (2025). She also holds a First Class Honours degree in Media Production from Liverpool John Moores University.
Director Of Photography - Joe O'Hagan
Joe is a multi-award-winning cinematographer whose work we’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with before. He has previously won awards for his cinematography on Thomas McQuillan’s short films Memories Of Us (2024) and The Pursuit Of Forgiveness (2025), bringing a strong visual identity and emotional depth to each project.
Script Editor / Supervisor - Zara Jackson
Zara is a highly trained and working Script Supervisor and have worked on numerous productions, including 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves', CBBC’s 'Nova Jones', 'How To Train Your Dragon (2025) and many more. Most recently Zara got the exciting opportunity to report on scripts for companies such as Channel 4, Netflix and The National Theatre.
Where Your Support Goes:
This project is entirely independent, and we will need your help to bring it to life. With the funds we raise, we will be able to:
✅ Begin Production (filming, paying cast & crew, food, transport, accommodations etc)
✅ Post-production (editing, colour grading, VFX, Music Composition etc)
✅ Marketing (Film Festivals, Cinema releases, Social Media promotion etc)
Any donations (big or small) would be hugely appreciated and will take us one step forward to making this story a reality.
You can follow our journey by following our official Instagram page:
Thank you for taking your time to read this. I really hope we can make this film and help spread awareness about Mental Health.
- Thomas McQuillan (Producer, Director & Writer)
