Carl Roberts 
From writer and director Olly Ginelli, the short film, The Long Spring, launches a trailer ahead of its first festival dates.
The timely new short film from British writer/director Olly Ginelli, The Long Spring, has launched a trailer ahead of its first festival dates. While volunteering at the Dunkirk Refugee camp, Ginelli met and became close with a Kurdish man named Saady. He had to escape from ISIS, taking only the clothes on his back. Upon his arrival in the UK, Saady’s stories of his perilous journey inspired THE LONG SPRING.
PREMISE
Trapped in the back of a lorry with dozens of refugees, Arron clings to hope. He comforts his terrified younger sister, Kika. Arron promises her that the journey will lead them to safety. He assures her that he has selected a reliable route.
But as hours turn to days, food and water run out. Fear begins to take hold. When whispers spread that their smugglers may be traffickers, Arron’s optimism starts to unravel. The film unfolds entirely in the cramped and suffocating space of a lorry container. This tense and haunting short film exposes one of the most perilous and least documented journeys of our time.
Filmed in London and featuring Aymen Hamdouchi (Black Mirror, War Machine, Green Zone), THE LONG SPRING kicks off its festival journey and will be released globally in 2026.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
“With the recent, disgusting racist riots in the UK and widespread protests against asylum seekers, a story like this has never been more important.
Whilst I’m not idealistic enough to think a film could change a far-right opinion, I do know cinema creates a safer space for discussion, as fictional narrative is far less emotionally charged than current affairs.
My hope with this film is that – regardless of your political views – you understand what modern human slavery looks like, and how intertwined it is to the refugee crisis.”
OLLY GINELLI
Ginelli’s debut short film, “They Said You’d Never Do It,” chronicles a ten-year journey of learning a virtuosic piano piece in preparation for his father’s 70th birthday. The film has attracted global media attention and more than 30 million viewers online.
The Long Spring is set to be released in 2026.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
