Margate artist and animator Oscar Wyndham Lewis has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund his latest project, “Small Hours: A Portrait of Alcoholism.”
The 13 minute hand-painted animation delves into the struggles of addiction and the importance of support for those in need.
“Small Hours” is a deeply personal project for Oscar, who is a BAFTA-shortlisted filmmaker and Royal College of Art graduate.
Oscar, who moved from West Kent to Margate with wife Bex and their young son a year ago, had his own struggles with alcohol and has used that experience to shape the animation.
The 35-year-old said: “I was trying to get sober for a long time. Then, two years ago when my partner became pregnant I managed it.
“I have been a filmmaker for nearly ten years and try and make work about things that are personal to me and I wanted to make something about these darker times in my life.
“I want to show just how important it is to show up for people in your life that might be struggling with mental health or addiction.
“People are put off by not knowing what to say or how to act but the only thing you need to do is be present and give support when it is needed. I want to get that message across.”
The film aims to shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of alcoholism, portraying the raw and emotional journey of those affected by the disease. Through vivid, hand-painted visuals, Oscar hopes to create a powerful narrative that resonates with audiences and fosters a greater understanding of addiction.
Hand-painting the animation is a painstaking process, it can take a whole day just to create four to five seconds of film and a month to finish a full minute.
Small Hours was first drafted in 2017, the project was shelved due to Oscar’s alcohol struggles but is now at the production stage.
The Kickstarter campaign is to raise funds to cover production costs, including materials, studio time, and post-production work. Backers of the project will have the opportunity to receive exclusive rewards, such as original artwork, behind-the-scenes access and special screenings of the film.
Small Hours, which is written and directed by Oscar, is narrated by Robert Bathurst of Downton Abbey, Cold Feet and Toast of London, alongside actor Edward Franklin, produced by Florence Bass with music from composer Oli Mason.
Oscar said: “I believe art gives us a unique insight into dark and unpleasant themes, it can flip them inside out and turn them into something positive. Ultimately to tell important stories and bring about change.
“With ‘Small Hours,’ I want to create a film that not only captivates viewers but also sparks conversations about addiction and recovery.”
The campaign aims to raise £8,650 to complete the film by June 2025.
Once completed it will be sent to all contributors and then will be circulated with an emphasis on Mental Health arts festivals.
The animation has already garnered attention from the community and beyond, with supporters praising the project’s artistic vision and social impact.
Oscar hopes anyone interested in supporting the film will visit the Kickstarter page and contribute to bring the story to life.
Perhaps I can get crowdfunded… I don’t have any talent or skills but I’m sure I can daub as well as any of the rubbish seen in Margate’s ‘arty’ marketplace.
If you work is any good you will succeed, if it’s not then you will not succeed (it’s called market forces) and charity has no place here.
If you have money to waste on this then you might consider giving it to a DESERVING cause, a children’s charity perhaps.
‘I don’t have any talent or skills’ === are you Peter Checksfield??
Oh, bore off. This is not a charity but a transaction.. you give money and get something in return. Nor is arts funding a meritocracy.
If you could monetise being a relentless dullard I’m sure you’d do very well in life but you’ll just have to go back to having no mates, I guess.
“Anyone could do that” says man that has done and achieved nothing in life.
Well done that man, kicking the drink is hard – but just leave it there, there are 100’s of 1000’s in the same boat and having one mental breakdown aint anything unusual in this world matey.
You have a wonderful talent, just enjoy your gift along with others that see it – making the big time is every ones dream.