Adoption, written and produced by Sreejith Sreekumar (28) alongside co-producers Mariam Kawaja and Michael Sherrie, is an exploration of the topic, told through the eyes of Angela, a nurse navigating the emotional complexities of adopting a child, called Love.
The narrative not only sheds light on adoption, but also elegantly underscores its importance and transformative power in society.
“My inspiration to create the short film emerged from a profound confluence of personal experiences and societal observations,” says Sreejith, whose debut came in 2021 with short film Shivarathri and whose favourite films include An Irish Goodbye and The Quiet Girl.
“As an individual deeply moved by the complexities of familial relationships and the struggles within, I found a powerful narrative in adoption. This topic resonates with themes of belonging, identity and love.
“I saw the film as a compelling platform to shed light on the nuanced realities of adoption, aiming to foster understanding and empathy among viewers.
“My goal was to portray adoption not just as a legal or social process, but as a profound, emotional journey for both the adoptees and the adoptive parents.
“Storytelling is vital for me, as it fosters empathy and understanding. My aim is to create authentic, emotionally resonant narratives that challenge societal perceptions and connect with audiences on a personal level.”
Adoption moved from idea to reality when Sreejith pitched the script to the Belfast Filmmaking Club and, collaborating with cast and crew, his vision was brought to life.
“I got the valuable opportunity to cast some adopted children in the film,” he explains.
“The children and their parents cooperated and assisted throughout the preproduction stages and during the shooting, adding a layer of genuine representation and depth to the story.”
Sreejith Sreekumar with James Martin
Shooting for the film lasted six days, with Adoption being completed within a month.
It was filmed at several Belfast locations, including Botanic Gardens, Lisburn Road and Malone Road.
Throughout the production, Sreejith was keen to portray the adoption process with accuracy and sensitivity, balancing emotional intensity with respect for the subject matter.
“Making a short film can be as challenging as a feature film, due to the need for precise, impactful storytelling within a limited timeframe, requiring high levels of creativity and precision,” explains Sreejith.
“I hope audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of adoption, fostering empathy and a more inclusive perspective on family dynamics. I hope that everyone who watches the film considers the possibility of adoption, especially during their own challenging stages of life.”
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Natasha Lockhart takes the lead role as Angela and gives a performance that has been described as beautifully articulating the complexities and profound emotions of an adoptive parent.
“Natasha brought deep empathy and authenticity to the role of Angela, conveying emotional vulnerability and strength that added realism and enriched the film’s narrative,” says Sreejith.
“Her dedication to the role was evident as she performed her emotional scenes with extensive rehearsals on set, which made the scenes look fabulous and added significant value to the story.”
Adoption, written by Sreejith Sreekumar
The role of Love, the child at the heart of this adoption story, is played by Ariella Neilly, whose presence on screen is both captivating and moving.
Supporting young roles include Omolara Olawuyi, Abel Hamilton Shields, and Elsie Tate, who bring additional layers of depth and perspective.
As of March 31, 2023, according to statistics, 3,140 children were living with foster families in NI, highlighting the ongoing need for supportive and loving homes for children in care.
“I am well aware of the adoption procedures in Northern Ireland, understanding that it can be a lengthy process due to the significance of this life-changing decision,” says Sreejith.
“Prospective parents must ensure it’s the right choice for them and the child involved.”
The film is designed to resonate with a wide audience, reaching beyond those directly interested in adoption. Its universal appeal lies in its emotional depth and the fundamental human experiences of love and loss, making it relatable to anyone who values the essence of family.
The short has been submitted to 25 film festivals around the world, including the Foyle Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival and New York Film Festival.