Unauthorised Absence
On the brink of losing her job, a single mother battles an education system that fines and threatens her while she fights to access statutory support for her autistic daughter.
This short film gives a voice to the real experience of families caught in the SEND and School Attendance Crisis.
By doing so, we hope to foster empathy and increased understanding for the real people behind the headlines, and motivate change.
Script Accolades
Manchester Film Festival (BIFA and BAFTA Qualifying) Semifinalist | Top 2% of 950+ submissions
Bath Film Festival (IMDb Script to Screen Awards) Finalist
Slick Films Main Fund (Academy Award Winning) Shortlist
Bournemouth International Film Festival Official Selection & Semifinalist
Directors Cut Int. Finalist
Outstanding Screenplays Semifinalist
News & Media Coverage
The script also has the support of over 60 of the UK’s senior and leading professionals across Psychology, Paediatrics, Politics, Education, Law and Charity. You can read their open letter of support here.
Starring BAFTA Winner and Golden Globe Nominee Cathy Tyson
Writer Jo Clayton | Director Georgia Parris | Producer Natalie Lauren | Executive Producers Alix Wilton Regan & Hugh Viney | Casting Director Emma Sylvester
Expected Summer 2026