I’m Alessia, the writer-director of Missing Frames. I believe this film must be made, and I invite you to support and share now. It matters.

"Back in the early 2000s, when I was born, my television broke and I could only watch old films on cassette tapes and DVDs. I rewatched the same films repeatedly, obsessively studying every detail. I quickly developed an interest for everything vintage, which is why I’m truly inspired by the 70s aesthetic. Colourful clothes, big afro hair, high waisted jeans, old cameras. 

I want the visuals to clearly represent a time where leaving an abusive household was more challenging. However, the film is set in the present as a reminder that violence is not a thing of the past. It’s happening right now in your neighbourhood, and although everything seems perfect, colourful and fun, it’s a living nightmare.

Having witnessed the impact of mental and physical health on myself and loved ones, I decided to make it a goal to use cinema to create change. My goal is to create a safe space where we can have difficult conversations."

- Alessia Mavakala

The Story and Why It Matters

Three children, their mother and their aunt are organising a surprise birthday party for their father. They put party decorations up in the living room while they await his arrival. When he finally walks into the room, they surprise him with a birthday cake - only to realise he doesn’t want to celebrate. This escalates into a chaotic and violent argument.

The film explores challenges faced by people often underrepresented in conversations about domestic violence, showing how anyone’s health, rights, and financial security can be affected.

About Alessia Mavakala - Writer/Director

Alessia is an Afro-Italian filmmaker. Her debut short film, The Sink, starring Emmerdale actor Bhasker Patel, was screened at the BFI Young Programmers’ Festival in Sheffield and the TNB XPO Short Film Showcase in London. It has also been selected for a BIFA-qualifying film festival (details to be announced).

At 16, she was selected to be part of the Future We Want programme at the United Nations in New York, where she developed an interest in social impact topics. She's a BFI Creative Development Scheme alumni and is currently part of the CallTime HETV training programme.

Previously, she worked on BBC’s show Richard Osman's House of Games.

Photo credit: Laura Winckles

Production Plan

We plan to shoot the film over four days in London by the end of 2026. We already have a producer onboard, and we will be recruiting our Heads of Departments and actors very soon.

We will organise a private preview screening for our top supporters in late 2026 or early 2027!

Terms and Conditions

This crowdfunding campaign is being managed by Chris Lau, the producer of the film, and Alessia Mavakala. All funds raised will go directly to the production and distribution of this film and will be received and managed by the production company of this film. Should we exceed our initial target, and if the latest budget permits, the funds will also go towards compensating our cast and crew in accordance with a pre-agreed waterfall. Alessia Mavakala is the copyright holder of this film. The shooting dates are subject to change.