Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In speaking with producer Abbie Hills earlier this month, it became clear that 'Immaterial' is aiming for something more intimate than a conventional social-realist drama. Directed and written by Alexandra Healy, the short film examines trauma, addiction and emotional isolation through the story of Naomi, a young queer woman struggling with PTSD while caring for her hospitalized mother and navigating destructive relationships.
Produced by Hills alongside executive producers Helios Blanc, Krison Thakkar and Roxanne Steel, 'Immaterial' stars Holly Higbee, Samuel Greco, Verona Rose and Sarah Spratley. The film draws comparisons to the raw urban realism associated with filmmakers such as Andrea Arnold, Charlotte Regan and Molly Manning Walker, exploring how trauma can distort intimacy, survival and self-worth.
'Immaterial' has been selected for Cannes Short Film Corner and will receive an industry screening inside the Palais on May 20 at 5:30 p.m. CET.
'Immaterial' centers on Naomi, played by Higbee, who lives alone on a South London council estate while battling PTSD and drug addiction. Prevented from visiting her mother in the hospital because of previous behavior linked to substance abuse, Naomi becomes fixated on the idea that entering recovery could repair both her family life and her fractured relationship with her ex-girlfriend Lily, played by Rose.
As Naomi struggles to maintain stability, her vulnerability surfaces beneath the instincts she relies on to survive. At the same time, she attempts to fend off the coercive advances of Jack, an older man played by Greco. After Lily rejects her, Naomi spirals further, returning to the destructive cycle of drugs and transactional sex she had hoped to escape.
During our conversation, Hills described the project as an attempt to portray trauma without simplifying it into redemption or tragedy. She emphasized that the filmmakers wanted Naomi to feel emotionally authentic, even when her decisions become difficult to watch. Hills also spoke about grounding the story in recognizable environments and relationships rather than treating addiction or PTSD as abstract issues.
Outside of 'Immaterial' Hills has built a growing reputation as a writer, producer and advocate within the U.K. screen industry. A member of BAFTA Connect, her work frequently explores youth culture, social displacement and characters living slightly outside mainstream spaces. Her projects often blend humor, nostalgia and sharp social observation.
In 2026, Hills was selected for the Women in Film & TV mentoring scheme to support her writing and producing career. Alongside “Immaterial,” she is currently developing another short film featuring a high-profile comedian in the lead role.
Her disability-led comedy pilot “Femme” won Best Comedy at Lit Laughs and was selected for HollyShorts Comedy in 2026. Meanwhile, her feature crime script “Follow Me Down” was chosen for the Gold List at the British Independent Film Festival.
Hills is also the founder of Dazey Talent, also known as The Dazey Hills Company, a disability-led talent agency and production company established in 2019 that represents clients across the U.K. and Europe. Living with cerebral palsy herself, Hills has been recognized through the Enable Global Top 50 list, the National Diversity Awards and the f:Entrepreneur Top 100. She has also used her platform to advocate for accessibility in entertainment, appearing in publications including Forbes and Screen Daily while speaking for Screen UK and BFI during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
In addition to her producing and writing work, Hills works as an access coordinator supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent across the entertainment industry.
'Immaterial' shows today at Cannes Short Film Corner inside the Palais on May 20 at 5:30 p.m. CET.
#ptsd #cannes #shortfilm #interview #fanboynation #abbiehills
In speaking with producer Abbie Hills earlier this month, it became clear that 'Immaterial' is aiming for something more intimate than a conventional social-realist drama. Directed and written by Alexandra Healy, the short film examines trauma, addiction and emotional isolation through the story of Naomi, a young queer woman struggling with PTSD while caring for her hospitalized mother and navigating destructive relationships.
Produced by Hills alongside executive producers Helios Blanc, Krison Thakkar and Roxanne Steel, 'Immaterial' stars Holly Higbee, Samuel Greco, Verona Rose and Sarah Spratley. The film draws comparisons to the raw urban realism associated with filmmakers such as Andrea Arnold, Charlotte Regan and Molly Manning Walker, exploring how trauma can distort intimacy, survival and self-worth.
'Immaterial' has been selected for Cannes Short Film Corner and will receive an industry screening inside the Palais on May 20 at 5:30 p.m. CET.
'Immaterial' centers on Naomi, played by Higbee, who lives alone on a South London council estate while battling PTSD and drug addiction. Prevented from visiting her mother in the hospital because of previous behavior linked to substance abuse, Naomi becomes fixated on the idea that entering recovery could repair both her family life and her fractured relationship with her ex-girlfriend Lily, played by Rose.
As Naomi struggles to maintain stability, her vulnerability surfaces beneath the instincts she relies on to survive. At the same time, she attempts to fend off the coercive advances of Jack, an older man played by Greco. After Lily rejects her, Naomi spirals further, returning to the destructive cycle of drugs and transactional sex she had hoped to escape.
During our conversation, Hills described the project as an attempt to portray trauma without simplifying it into redemption or tragedy. She emphasized that the filmmakers wanted Naomi to feel emotionally authentic, even when her decisions become difficult to watch. Hills also spoke about grounding the story in recognizable environments and relationships rather than treating addiction or PTSD as abstract issues.
Outside of 'Immaterial' Hills has built a growing reputation as a writer, producer and advocate within the U.K. screen industry. A member of BAFTA Connect, her work frequently explores youth culture, social displacement and characters living slightly outside mainstream spaces. Her projects often blend humor, nostalgia and sharp social observation.
In 2026, Hills was selected for the Women in Film & TV mentoring scheme to support her writing and producing career. Alongside “Immaterial,” she is currently developing another short film featuring a high-profile comedian in the lead role.
Her disability-led comedy pilot “Femme” won Best Comedy at Lit Laughs and was selected for HollyShorts Comedy in 2026. Meanwhile, her feature crime script “Follow Me Down” was chosen for the Gold List at the British Independent Film Festival.
Hills is also the founder of Dazey Talent, also known as The Dazey Hills Company, a disability-led talent agency and production company established in 2019 that represents clients across the U.K. and Europe. Living with cerebral palsy herself, Hills has been recognized through the Enable Global Top 50 list, the National Diversity Awards and the f:Entrepreneur Top 100. She has also used her platform to advocate for accessibility in entertainment, appearing in publications including Forbes and Screen Daily while speaking for Screen UK and BFI during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
In addition to her producing and writing work, Hills works as an access coordinator supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent across the entertainment industry.
'Immaterial' shows today at Cannes Short Film Corner inside the Palais on May 20 at 5:30 p.m. CET.
#ptsd #cannes #shortfilm #interview #fanboynation #abbiehills
