Switchboard's message of support

This dramatic and emotional short, directed by Jordan Rossi through Rankin Creative for UK LGBT+ telephone helpline Switchboard, tells the story of a troubled, prospective university student struggling with their sexuality.  

With immersive storytelling and a captivating performance from British-Syrian actor Adam Ali (Waterloo Road, Baba, Little America), The Call sees main character Amir dialling the helpline after a devastating experience of coming out to their mother, although initially pretending to be calling on behalf of their brother. 

Gradually, they rebuild their life, and with every new phone call we see them becoming a little happier and gaining confidence in their sexuality. Whilst raising awareness of Switchboard’s service, the short also explores contemporary themes surrounding LGBTQ+ culture, unravelling truths about the community from all angles. 

“This short was about more than telling people there’s a free phone number.” explained Rossi. “I believe in the power of entertainment as a driving force behind changing people’s perceptions and tackling societal issues outside of standard advertising. This is about contextualising issues that face the LGBTQ+ community in a way that everyone can understand.”