In the woods outside an old British boarding school, Sid and William find Jake, a former pupil and friend, mysteriously living in their makeshift den.

Director Biography - Oscar Albert

Oscar received his BA in Classical Studies at Bristol University where his passion for stories and myths reignited his love for film. After working in documentary films and television he started an MA in Filmmaking at the London Film School.

Oscar has written and directed three short films that have been screened around the world in festivals including The London Short Film Festival. He was the PYD Young Directors finalist in 2019 and is the co-founder of Far Away Films. 

Director Statement

School Ties opens with a declaration of its fragile authenticity - this story is a memory of mine and therefore is true. But memory creates mystery and this was an important aspect to pull from the narrative. Sid never finds out why his friend ran away from his new school or the reason for his return and when questioned the adults are evasive. But Jake’s backstory is not of interest as much as Sid’s realization that whatever the reason Jake returned, it wasn’t to ‘get the gang back together’ and, much like the true story, Sid knows he will never see him again.

Surrounding the narrative is a British boarding school, itself an institution defined by preserving a narrow world view that is at odds with a changing world. Sid’s childlike perspective on the events of the film is shaken by the real world. He is left uncertain and the world around him feels more fallible than ever.