Support Our Short Film On Male Mental Health

In a year when everything seems so perfect, it can still feel so wrong.

A story about a couple’s journey through the fight against depression, told over the course of one year.

Next year, Jake and Georgie are getting married. They have a lovely home, money in the bank, and take a holiday every year.

So why can’t Jake just be happy?

This Time Next/Last Year explores the theme of male suicide through the couple’s journey over twelve months. As Jake struggles with the feelings that overwhelm him, Georgie is left feeling helpless and frustrated by her inability to save him.

In 2023, there were 6,069 suicides in England and Wales, with 74.1% of victims being men.* At a time when suicide rates are the highest they've been since 1999, this intimate and heartfelt exploration of life with depression feels more urgent than ever.

My name is Joshua Opriasa, and I’m a filmmaker and screen actor based in London. I am producing and featuring in This Time Next/Last Year alongside the film’s writer and co-star, Sophie Ash.

This is a deeply personal project that means the world to Sophie and me. It's an important subject that inspired us to create this film, which will be our first short together as a team.

It’s a quiet, intimate look at love, memory, and the weight of what’s left unsaid. Our goal is to create a piece that sparks compassion, raises awareness, and starts meaningful conversations.

We’re working with an amazing team, including director Holly Joyce (A Bed of Foxgloves) and cinematographer Irene Gomez Emilsson, and we’re committed to making this film with thoughtfulness, care, and honesty.

But like many independent productions, we need your help. We're aiming to raise £5,000 to cover the remaining costs of production, including transport, post-production, festival submissions, and fair crew fees. Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward bringing this important story to life.

As a thank you, every contributor will receive a special credit in the film and a private link to watch the finished piece. You’ll also be entered into a draw to win tickets to our screening, alongside cast, crew, and special guests.

Thank you so much for your support — it truly means the world to all of us.

And if this message reaches someone who’s finding things hard right now — know that you are seen, you are valued, and you are never alone. Your story matters. Please don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m always here to listen, without judgment.

With love,

Josh

Image credit: Chris Stone

*Source: Office for National Statistics