Glass Eye Films has launched a £2,500 crowdfunding campaign to support the premiere and 2027 festival journey of independent short film STOP THE BOATS.
Grief can twist the truth. Compassion can change everything.
Filmed across Greater Manchester, STOP THE BOATS is a thought-provoking independent short exploring grief, misinformation, radicalisation, prejudice and the transformative power of human connection.
The story follows a grieving parent who arrives at a mosque carrying a makeshift firebomb, seeking revenge against those they believe responsible for their loss. An unexpected conversation with the imam begins to challenge the assumptions, anger and misinformation that brought them there.
Following production during summer 2026, the film will receive a private premiere at HOME Manchester in November 2026, including a Q&A with members of the filmmaking team and lead cast.
From there, we want to take STOP THE BOATS to audiences much further afield.
THE 2027 FESTIVAL JOURNEY
Glass Eye Films is raising £2,500 to support the film’s premiere and entry into a carefully selected programme of UK and international film festivals throughout 2027.
Funds raised will contribute towards:
- UK and international film festival submission fees
- Professional DCP and screening materials
- Premiere and exhibition costs
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Travel to selected festivals, screenings and industry events
Every contribution will help give the film the strongest possible opportunity to reach audiences, create conversations and showcase the work of its Greater Manchester cast and crew.
SUPPORT THE FILM
Support starts from just £5, with a range of rewards available depending on the level of contribution.
These include exclusive digital artwork and behind-the-scenes material, supporter acknowledgements, “With Thanks To” film credits, signed posters and invitations to the private HOME Manchester screening at selected contribution levels.
Businesses and organisations interested in providing more substantial support are also invited to contact us directly. A private screener link can be provided to prospective sponsors and supporters who would like to view the film before getting involved.
Support STOP THE BOATS
Our crowdfunding target is £2,500.
DONATE VIA CROWDFUNDER:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/DlX6kPkn?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink
If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing the campaign can be just as valuable in helping the film reach new supporters.
THE FILMMAKERS
Aneel Ahmad — Writer & Director
STOP THE BOATS is written and directed by Award winning independent filmmaker Aneel Ahmad, whose work is driven by character, social observation and stories that explore challenging aspects of contemporary life.
With STOP THE BOATS, Aneel brings together themes of grief, anger, misinformation and radicalisation through an intimate encounter between two people. Rather than providing simple answers, the film explores what can happen when hostility is confronted by conversation, compassion and human connection.
Danny Lomax — Producer
Producer Danny Lomax brings a background spanning film, education, marketing and learning and development to the project.
Through Glass Eye Films, Danny is focused on developing independent productions alongside opportunities for collaboration, education and emerging creative talent. As producer of STOP THE BOATS, he has supported the project from pre-production and filming through to its premiere, promotion and developing the film’s 2027 festival strategy.
The production also forms part of the wider development of Glass Eye Creates Ltd, bringing together film production, creativity and education.
BE PART OF THE JOURNEY
STOP THE BOATS has been made possible through the time, talent and support of an incredible group of cast, crew, organisations and individuals.
Now we want to make sure the film is seen.
Whether you contribute £5, £25, £100 or become one of our principal supporters, every contribution takes us another step towards getting the film in front of audiences.
2026 Premiere → 2027 Film Festivals
🎬 Help us take STOP THE BOATS to the next screen.
Support the campaign:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/DlX6kPkn?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink