Adam Ali stars in powerful short film ‘The Call,’ launching Switchboard LGBT+’s first free helpline
Waterloo Road star Adam Ali features in a dramatic and touching short film, The Call, raising awareness around the issues the queer community face in today’s society – and Switchboard LGBT+’s new national free helpline.
The film – written and directed by Rankin Creative’s Jordan Rossi – sees Ali portray Amir, a troubled prospective university student struggling with their sexuality. Amir finds comfort through their calls with Switchboard, embarking on a journey of self-acceptance.
Speaking on the project, Rossi tells HUNGER what he hopes viewers take away from The Call: “I want people to understand that there is hope and help out there,” he says. “It often doesn’t seem like it, especially with the rise of LGBTQ+ hate crimes and anti-trans rhetoric in the media, but places like Switchboard are there to be a safe space – and safe spaces don’t always need to be physical.”
“What I really want people to take away from this film is that it doesn’t just have to be an LGBTQ+ story. This is a story about empathy and understanding, which we need much more of in the world.”
Meanwhile, Stephanie Fuller, Switchboard LGBT+’s chief executive, said in a statement: “This was a rare opportunity for us to bring out the emotion in what our listening volunteers deal with every day.”
Switchboard LGBT+ has been operating since 1974, and the move to a free helpline will ensure that members of the queer community will have access to support 364 days a year, from 10am – 10pm. The helpline can be reached at 0800 0119 100.
