Hi, my name is Kerry Ann Parkins, and I’m raising funds to produce my short film Silent Struggles for the Manchester Film Festival 2026.
This story is deeply personal to me. Silent Struggles began as a 15–minute play that I wrote for the Offcut Writers Competition in 2024. It reached the finals, became a runner–up, and also won the panel’s vote for Best Ensemble Cast. Since then, it has grown into a full thirty–five-minute piece, and now it’s ready to take the next step as a short film.
Silent Struggles is a heartfelt comedy–drama about a teenage boy’s journey of coming out as gay to his mother within the Black Christian community. It is a story filled with love, laughter and honesty, capturing the complexity of family, faith and identity.
Why This Story Matters
This story matters because it honours Black Christian culture, while also acknowledging the real struggles that LGBTQ+ people face within it.
Silent Struggles shines a light on tensions that are often left unspoken, showing the push and pull between faith, family and identity. It isn’t about judging or condemning, but about amplifying voices that are too often silenced. It aims to inspire healing, confidence and open–hearted conversations, while never dismissing faith or culture.
Through comedy and drama, the film explores what it means to come out in a space where acceptance can feel distant, yet where love and faith are still deeply present. At its core, this story is a reminder that no one is less than, and that God’s love belongs to all of us.
How Your Support Helps
Your contribution will go a long way in bringing Silent Struggles to life, and in sharing its message with the world. By supporting this project, you’re not just donating, you are becoming part of the story itself. Your support will help us to:
Submit to film festivals
Share the story with wider audiences, spreading its message beyond the stage, opening hearts and encouraging change globally.
Amplify silenced voices
This story represents struggles that are too often overlooked. It will help young LGBTQ+ people feel seen and loved, reminding them that they are equal and worthy.
Keep Black theatre alive
Black theatre is a vital space for authentic stories, many of which rarely get the platform they deserve. Supporting this film helps keep those voices strong.
Cover accommodation and travel for the cast
Our cast and crew travel from different places to be part of this production. Your support eases this burden and makes participation possible for more voices.
Fund equipment and production
High–quality cameras, sound and lighting will ensure this story reaches audiences powerfully, both on stage and on screen.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Silent Struggles. With your help, this story can continue to grow, reach more people, and remind us all that love, faith and acceptance can stand side by side.