Director's Works
Good Vibes Only Christopher Rogers
Christopher Rogers is a British / American, writer / director and graduate of the Bournemouth Film School. Having directed and produced a variety of projects covering documentary, narrative and music videos, Chris’ films have been featured on a number of online publications including Director’s Notes, Complex and Film Shortage. His second most recent film Celeste was made in collaboration with esteemed electronic artist Daniel Avery. The film played at the BIFA qualifying Manchester Film Festival as well as being nominated for a variety of awards including Best Experimental Film and Best Direction at the Berlin Commercial Film Awards 2022. As well as placing in the TOP 10 for Best Use of Sound and Music, it was long listed for the 2021 One Point Four Awards and won Pick of the Month at Film Shortage. Chris’ most recent film Good Vibes Only was awarded funding through the Bournemouth Film School’s ‘Funding Futures’ scheme and is currently on the festival circuit after premiering at the BIFA qualifying Kino Film Festival. The film will have it’s US premiere in the Holly Shorts Monthly Film program at the TCM Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.
Good Vibes Only is a semi-autobiographical film. Focusing on the relationship with my friend Harry, who sadly took his life in summer 2022. During the process of my grief, I had developed a deep affection for the DJ's of the internet radio station NTS. Who’s eclectic music tastes would be broadcast weekly to an online audience around the world. Though unlike commercial radio - community radio comes without rules. Allowing these online personalities to speak openly and honestly about their own lives. Over the years, I began to witness deeply personal moments shared by these hosts. Where their audience facing mask would shift and give way to honest and open communication with their followers. Showcasing unique insights into their own lives and personal struggles with mental health. In writing, I wanted to use this format as an opportunity to explore my realisation that Harry had been pretending to be happy. And that these tell tale signs were only now evident to me because I had been pretending too. Suicide is the biggest cause of the death for men under the age of 30 in the UK. I want the film to be a contribution to the conversation about men’s mental health. The issues men face in opening and - hopefully provoke other men who have been in similar situations to seek help.