‘Sorry We Missed You’ Star Kris Hitchen and George Osborne to Lead Student Suicide Drama ‘Contact Hours’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a mental health advocate and someone who has lost a dear friend to suicide, I am deeply moved by the upcoming short film “Contact Hours” and the powerful team behind it. The personal experiences of Harry Richards, Rufus Love, Kris Hitchen, and George Osborne add depth and authenticity to this important project.


Kris Hitchen and George Osborne are set to star in “Contact Hours,” a brief film focusing on the topic of student suicide. Ken Loach directs Hitchen, while Osborne takes on a role in this production.

I’ve always been drawn to psychological dramas, and this one in particular captivated me as it unfolds the story of a university caretaker. Unexpectedly, his routine life is disrupted when he discovers that one of his students has been missing for days. Intrigued and concerned, I found myself joining him on his quest to uncover the truth. The tragedy that unfolded before me was heart-wrenching, causing the caretaker to reflect deeply on his own relationships, most notably with his own son.

Harry Richards, recognized for his brief film “Santi,” which was showcased at the BFI Future Film Festival in 2022, will take on both the director and producer roles. Liam Wallace-Cook (“Big Deal”) has signed on as a co-producer.

Rufus Love, a playwright nominated for Offies, drew inspiration for his screenplay from a true event. He came across a university caretaker who had quit after finding a student who had taken their own life. As individuals who had personally lost six students at their alma mater to suicide, Love and Richards felt compelled to share this heart-wrenching tale through film.

The production of “Contact Hours” is set to start in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom towards the end of July. The movie is expected to hit theaters in the fall.

As a film enthusiast, I feel honored and excited to be at the helm of this dedicated and gifted crew, bringing this heartfelt tale to life on the big screen.

“During the creation of this movie, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with numerous individuals who have been affected by suicide or are dedicated to preventing it. This film serves as a memorial for those we’ve lost to suicide and a hopeful plea for those currently battling, encouraging them to persevere.”

Hitchen expressed his pleasure at being part of this significant film project. Harry and Rufus have obviously put considerable effort into its creation, ensuring that the final result will reflect their dedication.

Osborne expressed his enthusiasm, “I was captivated by the script after my initial reading. I can’t wait to contribute to this impactful production and shed light on the issue of suicide.”

“Headrush Films and Blend Films in the U.K. have a growing list of projects in production. Some of their most noteworthy upcoming works include:”

“Yamas!” – A Heartfelt Comedy-Drama by Love, Directed by Richards

“Santi” – A full-length film based on Richards’ earlier short piece. The story unfolds as a young Colombian man deals with his identity and sexuality issues while maintaining a relationship with his British girlfriend and pursuing an intense romance with a gay Colombian man. Richards will pen the script and take the helm as the director, collaborating with Mnesia Films, a Colombia-based production company, in bringing this project to life.

I strongly believe that everyone deserves to live and experience the richness of life. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time and feeling hopeless, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988 in the US, or you can visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. For those in the U.K., resources are also available. Trust me, from my own experience, it’s okay to ask for help and there are people who genuinely care and want to support you through your darkest moments. Remember, you are not alone.

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2024-07-19 17:16