Unauthorised Absence
A single mother fighting for support for her autistic daughter finds herself fined, threatened, and pushed to the brink by an education system that wasn't built for them.
This narrative short film will expose the lived 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.
Two-time BAFTA winner, Emmy winner and prominent campaigner Anna Maxwell Martin joins the team as Executive Producer. The project is mentioned during her interview with The Sunday Times.
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 & Anna Maxwell Martin | Casting Director Emma Sylvester
Expected Summer 2026