Derek lives in a soulless newly-built block of flats. He doesn’t belong in this new brave world of glass and steel. Craving company, Derek spends most of his time peering into his neighbours’ windows and having a good old judge at what they’re up to. When his dishy beau, Keon, has an unfortunate accident, Derek is summoned to the police station where he meets his ultimate frenemy, PC Susan. Faced with some direct questions about his love life, Derek lets Sue into his disturbing and idiosyncratic world, including his love of the occult and the unusual nature of his “modern” relationship with Keon.
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Derek’s innermost thoughts are funny, acerbic and witty but also marked by moments of touching reflection on his loneliness. Think Alan Bennett on steroids. Closed Casket is definitely a comedy but also an exploration of loneliness – and the lengths we will go to in order to avoid it.
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Finalist at Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival (USA) 2021
Honourable mention at HomoHumour (UK) 2021
In the official selection at Wicked Queer LGBTQ+ Festival (USA) 2021
In the official selection at Aesthetica Short Film Festival (UK) 2021
In the official selection at QueerBee (UK) 2021
Derek
Matthew Flacks
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Written, directed and edited by
Piotr Cieplak
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Cinematography by
Luc Yu-Lun Sung
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Sound by
Chris Brown
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Duration: 12 mins
Date of completion: Sept 2020
Image: Colour
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Shooting format: 4K
Screening format: DCP, digital file
Language: English
Country of production: United Kingdom
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