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The Story
When El and Connie discover that their romantic countryside getaway is haunted by a forbidden sapphic wartime affair, they must put their differences aside in order to stop history from repeating itself.
The Vision
TETHERED is a queer folk horror, in which a romantic getaway verges unexpectedly into a queer historical reckoning. Set in the idyllic English countryside, this story blends modern day codependency with haunting truths about the continual impact of historical social oppression. Think GET OUT meets FEEL GOOD with a touch of MEN.
Our visual world is a surreal, cool and eerie landscape of uncertainty that leans into our protagonists’ fearful imaginations. A pressure builds and fuses between our characters and the ghosts of those who came before them. We become one with El and Connie. We relate to them, and we feel them being watched.
A love letter to vintage lesbians, our film subverts seminal period pieces, distorting historical romance into psychological horror, all through a queer lens. No warning. No pleasantries. No way out. Or is there?
Our production design is inspired by authentic receipts of queerness in the countryside.
The unique, lived-in world of our cottage’s original owners draws on the bold, colourful and expressive aesthetics of Bloomsbury Group houses, such as Charleston, Monk’s House and Sissinghurst. When our contemporary characters first encounter the cottage in the dark, these features appear frightening and overwhelming. But in morning light, against the bleak village surroundings, they stand unapologetically loud, jubilant and free.
The Mission
TETHERED is a film with queer representation about queer representation.
It is so validating and exciting to see representation of queer history on screen - but what are we supposed to take from it, especially when so much of what’s made ends in tragedy?
With a hint of horror and mysticism, telling a story of queer folk at a later stage of life - something which is not often depicted - TETHERED explores how we can learn from and offer homage to our predecessors without being confined to their experiences. Navigating this dichotomy and consolidating queer futures is more important than ever in our current political climate of social regression.
By donating to our crowdfunder, you are supporting our team of LGBTQ+ and ally creatives, and helping ensure TETHERED gets made and premieres at festivals in 2027.
The Team
Maya Marie - Writer & Director
Maya is a queer filmmaker based in South London but originally from a tiny village with geese called Sedlescombe. She likes to make and support projects that find playful and delicate angles into human experiences not often explored on screen or stage. Her first short film SMALL PLATES marries themes of appetite and modern dating, and has played at festivals and branded screenings across the UK and is now platformed on Girls In Film. Alongside her film work, Maya produces a sketch comedy night SKETCHY, which recurs quarterly in South London. Prior to her work in film, Maya completed an MPhil in English Literature at the University of Cambridge, studying modernist village life and the relocation of queer culture to the countryside during the Second World War - themes and research which she draws on in TETHERED.
Sparkle Menzies - Producer
Sparkle (yes, that’s her real name!) studied acting at Leeds Conservatoire and fell in love with the art of storytelling. During that time, she was awarded Highly Commended for her script PERSONALLY, I in the New Views Writing Competition with Leeds Playhouse and the National Theatre. In 2024, she joined Screen Yorkshire’s Beyond Brontë scheme which helps participants find their pathway into TV and Film. From this program, she had the opportunity to be a production runner for Brock Media’s upcoming feature EXTRA GEOGRAPHY, where she now works full time as a Producer's Assistant. Alongside her work, she is also the producer of a National Autism Society charity campaign which will be released in April and post production producer for Callan Matthew’s directorial debut short film Apart. Sparkle is excited by stories that explore the female experience and taboo topics within unusual relationships.
Annie Mitchell - Executive Producer
Annie Mitchell is an independent producer and Development Associate with a background working at A-List talent-led production companies in London. Annie played a key role in the prep, shoot and delivery of DISCLAIMER (Apple TV), PLAYING NICE (ITV) and KING & CONQUEROR (BBC) and recently produced her debut short, GOOD GIRLS GO TO HEAVEN, which is set for release in summer 2026.
Arthur To - Executive Producer
Arthur To is an Executive Producer best known for working with world-class Hollywood directors in the camera department on projects such as THE REVENANT, AMSTERDAM and GOODBYE JUNE. Based between LA and London, Arthur is passionate about indie filmmaking and giving platform to emerging filmmakers.
Amber Ash - Associate Producer
Amber is a queer producer from Croydon with credits across live comedy, theatre and film. Amber produced Maya’s short SMALL PLATES in 2024, alongside producing Will BF’s award-winning narrative comedy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and beyond. She also launched and co-curates the alternative comedy magazine CHAFF, and produces the regular South London sketch comedy night SKETCHY alongside Maya.
TETHERED is a Best Before Productions and Frosted Films production.
Thank you!
This is a true passion project that spotlights experiences that are rarely shown on screen. Every pound you give gets us closer to telling this story in the way it deserves.