After its world premiere at the 2026 Edinburgh International Film Festival, Hailey Passmore sat down with writer-director Jake Harvey and director Ollie Gardner to discuss their feature length directorial debut The State of Us. In the interview they discuss their background in film, what it was like to attend the film festival for the first time as filmmakers, and the importance of the message they wish to share with their film.
The State of Us follows wild and reckless Frankie (Samuel Bottomley) and quieter, innocent and ill Taylor (Callum Scott Howells). Fearful of the inevitable truth he will soon lose his best friend, Frankie makes a plan. Kidnapping Taylor, the two head out on what Frankie refers to as one final night out.
A touching film filled with love, heart, grief and two brave lads, The State of Us has become an Edinburgh International Film Festival film to keep your eye out for.
Follow the link below to watch the full interview:
