Why This Story, Why Now?

In today’s increasingly divisive political and social climate in the UK, stories that build empathy and bridge understanding are not just important - they’re urgent.

A Place to Play is one of those stories.

Set in a gritty, post-industrial corner of modern Britain, the film follows Khalil, a mute refugee boy who, after surviving a traumatic journey to the UK, finds refuge in an abandoned warehouse. There, armed only with imagination and scraps of cardboard, he begins to build a world of wonder.

But this is not just Khalil’s story.

Through a misinterpreted game of hide and seek, Khalil forges an unlikely bond with Derek, a disillusioned security guard. Their silent interactions slowly unravel into something deeper - a shared reckoning with loneliness, fear, and ultimately, connection.

This film calls people to remember what binds us - especially as politics and media increasingly dehumanise refugees and asylum seekers. Everyone needs a place to play.

About the Film

A Place to Play is a short film about:

While it deals with displacement and marginalisation, it is not defined by trauma. It celebrates resilience, creativity, and the simple, radical act of daring to play.

Meet the Team

Director: Danny Baalbaki

Danny is a British-Arab filmmaker from North East London. He studied Human, Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge and Directing at MetFilm School. His work is shaped by a lived experience in urban working-class communities and a diasporic perspective, aiming to amplify underrepresented voices through thoughtful, visually driven storytelling. To Danny, the film is ultimately about borders - those we build between people and those we inherit - tracing the quiet, everyday ways xenophobia and exclusion shape lives. At its core is the tension of living without truly belonging: the struggle to find home in a loud, chaotic, and often indifferent world.

Producer: Ellie Page

Ellie is a trained musician and educator who has spent most of her career in the classroom. Her work with young people - especially those from vulnerable and displaced backgrounds - has shown her firsthand how vital imagination, stability, and human connection are. A Place to Play is deeply personal, and she brings empathy, structure, and fierce commitment to getting this story right.

Producer: Jolleen Liyuan

Jolleen is a graduate of the University of Exeter and London Film School, with a focus on International Film Business. She has produced both indie films and commercials across the UK, and previously led VFX production at 3DOOH. With a strong background in project management and creative production, she brings precision, energy, and innovation to every set she works on.

Director of Photography: Han Yin

Han Zheng is a London-based cinematographer known for his evocative visual storytelling. With experience across narrative and commercial work, his imagery combines atmospheric lighting with emotional depth - perfectly aligned with the tone of A Place to Play.

Art Director: Mohamad Fayad

With over a decade of engineering experience, Mo brings inventive problem-solving to production design and creative collaboration. He thrives in fast-paced environments, blending logic and imagination to tackle complex challenges. Drawn to Apparition’s all-in approach and shared values, Mo continues to push creative boundaries alongside their team.

Jenny Baalbaki: Production Coordinator

Jenny is a skilled production coordinator with an advertising background and a strong track record in media from development to delivery. Known for her attention to detail and calm under pressure, she ensures smooth operations across all production phases. Her experience spans narrative, branded, and commercial work, bringing a collaborative and solutions-focused approach to every project.

Timeline

Now-June: Crowdfunding & prep

July 2025: Shoot (5-day production)

August 2025: Post-production

Autumn 2025: Festival submissions and release

Where Your Money Goes

This project would not be possible without the support of people like you. Every pound we have donated will go towards:

Check out our budget breakdown for a clear view of how your donation will make an impact.

Final Word

By supporting A Place to Play, you're doing more than funding a film. You're helping tell a counter-narrative - one of humanity over hostility, empathy over fear.

We know there are countless causes out there, and it means the world that you'd even consider supporting ours. Every pledge, big or small, gets us closer to sharing Khalil’s story with the world.

Let’s build something together - a space where stories like Khalil’s aren’t just imagined, but seen, heard, and felt.

Donate today and help us make space for stories that matter.

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.