The Logline
Aella escapes to her island home for the summer in search of reconnection. As summer nights with old friends slip from hedonism to destruction, Aella awakens to her mess.
Bleached is a compassionate exposure of youth and addiction, set against the deceptively idyllic backdrop of Jersey. The film speaks to a generation grappling with coping mechanisms born from isolation, boredom, and unspoken pressure — particularly within small, insular communities.
Why Now?
At a time when conversations around addiction often swing between glamorisation and moral judgement, Bleached offers a more honest middle ground. The film speaks to a generation grappling with coping mechanisms born from isolation, boredom, and unspoken pressure — particularly within small, insular communities.
Why Jersey?
With its distinct identity, cinematic landscapes, and a wealth of untold stories, Jersey offers a fresh backdrop for bold, independent cinema. Bleached captures all of this, bringing Jersey to screen just as the industry starts to look its way.
The Setting
Our striking mise-en-scene is that of beaten, textured landscapes, cut with sandy beaches that stretch for miles. It's stripped wood floors, trodden with sand and island grit; a modest home that is product of a hardworking, single mother and single child. It's Aella's bedroom that serves both as her cocoon and prison.
Jersey is a raw, fragile, sturdy, isolating, invigorating location, whose character is crafted by weather and the youth that make the bays, bedrooms and bunkers their sandpit. The island particularly comes alive in the seductive summer months, where boredom is met with languorous beach days and louche gatherings.
Word travels fast and judgement is hard to avoid.
Social Impact
We believe in the power of storytelling to build empathy and create meaningful social impact, particularly around the realities of youth addiction. Bleached seeks to partner with charities whose values align with the film, supporting individuals, families, and island communities affected by addiction.
Through Aella's journey of self-destruction, we aim to extend the conversation beyond the screen — to spark compassion, understanding, and the belief that no one is beyond hope.
Voices
"Aella is the antagonist in her own story, and to me, that reflects something deeply human: we are often our own biggest enemy. We let our habits and decisions haunt us or worse, define us. This film is for anyone who's ever felt trapped inside themselves but still hopes for change."
"Bleached is a compassionate exposure of youth and addiction, set against the deceptively idyllic backdrop of Jersey. Having grown up on the island and lived through addiction myself, the story is deeply personal. Three years sober, I feel compelled to tell Aella's story — the experiences of belonging, excess, and survival."
"Making a first feature is basically the creative equivalent of climbing Everest in flip-flops, so let's show more respect, make space, and give the time and support that the next generation needs to pull off goals this hard. Cleo and Lola's contagious drive and this culturally resonant coming-of-age story are exactly what we should be championing."
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