An injured dancer now working part time as a sex worker befriends her lonely 13-year-old neighbour, Jack, and finally finds someone who sees her for more than her body is worth.

Eric J Adams, writer/producer of Supremacy and prize-winning Archie’s Final Project had this to say about The Stray:

“Intimate, penetrating and moving, The Stray features standout performances and direction that takes you inside the hearts of two characters bound to each other by their flaws and human goodness.”

I joined my dad Nic as co-director on the film and on set doubled up as clapper, continuity and set-dresser. I then edited the film. The film was shot entirely in our place and in the next-door neighbour’s garden. Our cinematographer Jack Reynolds managed to get an Alexa kit at a very good price and we shot over three days. From the final edit that’s just shy of 7 minutes a day, which is pretty decent.

What gives this film its charm is the performances, no question. The main lead Sylvia Petkova was already attached as a support actress to one of the feature films my dad was developing. When we heard she was planning to visit London, we asked her if she’d like to read the script. She did, loved it and agreed to meet with us. She and my brother Jay got on straight away and we discussed how she might come over and play the part of Nina.

To our amazement she agreed to come over and stay with us for 4 days. Not only did this save us cash on hotel bills it was hugely useful for me, Jay and my dad to have our lead with us throughout the shoot. She too was able to avoid any commuting from hotel to set, so she was always on time and fresh the next day!

On-screen Jay and Sylvia seemed to share a similar intensity and sensitivity and it’s this unique quality they created and shared that gives the film its charm.

Enrica Sciandrone’s score is also a wonderful part of the film. It adds an extra sensitivity and urgency to the story that gives the film a special kind of warmth.

With Jay being half Japanese, Sylvia being Bulgarian and Enrica being Italian it’s hardly surprising that in spite of the Wembley location the film feels atypically British. Wherever you’re from, we hope you enjoy it.

And once you’ve seen the film, you might be interested to watch my sister Saïna’s song for the film, also called The Stray, and used the film to cut picture to music. You can watch from this link: Saïna’s The Stray.

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