A Jersey-born filmmaker is heading back to the island to shoot her debut feature film – a coming-of-age drama exploring youth, addiction, and the tension between freedom and confinement in small communities.
Director, producer and cinematographer Cleo Leather is leading the project ‘Bleached‘ alongside writer and lead actress Lola Thatcher.
Cleo completed a Master’s degree in Film and Television with Innovation at the University of Bristol.
“I knew I wanted to get stuck into another film project after graduating, but this time, I wanted to take my time,” she explained.
“I wanted to grow with something – creatively marinate in it.”
Cleo explained that returning to Jersey to film her first feature felt like a natural step.
“It couldn’t feel more right – returning to the place that shaped my eye, my sensitivities, all of which I am naturally drawing from to inform the making of my first feature film,” she said.
“They say for your first feature, you should make what you know, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
“We can all marvel at the beauty of the island, but what has always intrigued me most is people”
Set over the course of a summer, Bleached explores the highs and lows of youth in a small island setting – something Cleo says is defined by a unique “paradox of proximity”.
“The momentum of Jersey summers is fuelled by the serendipity of accessibility – any beach is 15 minutes away, any house party or gathering just a Jersey lift away,” she said.
“This brings colour to youth. You can say yes to anything – and you want to say yes.”
“On the flip side, the island is small, everyone knows everyone, and word travels fast. Whispers taint, judgment passes, and suddenly it can feel very suffocating.”
Cleo explained that “this light and dark is the definition of drama”.
While Jersey is often portrayed as idyllic, Bleached aims to dig beneath the surface.
“I think appearances can charm and allure, but people are transformed by grit – by imperfection,” said Cleo.
“We can all marvel at the beauty of the island, but what has always intrigued me most is people.
“I want honesty, I want real stories, I want to sit in the cinema for 90 minutes and watch someone unravel to their most vulnerable self.
“I’m not interested in small talk or facades – I want the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
The film will showcase a side of the island less often seen on screen, from its surf and skate culture to its historic forts and bunkers, as well as some local spots familiar to islanders.
“I decided to take matters into my own hands and write something for myself”
The project began with Lola, whose background is in acting.
During a period of strikes in the acting industry when there was “very little work and barely any auditions”, writing came about “quite unexpectedly”.
Lola said: “I decided to take matters into my own hands and write something for myself.”
Originally intended as a short film, Bleached quickly evolved into a feature-length project – with writer Lola also taking on the lead role of Aella.
“I think we’ve all had a summer that changes the trajectory of our lives,” she explained.
Sharing more about the storyline, Lola said: “Aella returns home to Jersey searching for solace and reconnections, but she’s forced to confront the fact that changing your location doesn’t necessarily change what you’re carrying internally.”
“Over the course of the summer, she is forced to confront that.”
“Film is a powerful way to open those discussions”
As well as addiction, Bleached also explores the complexities of early adulthood and mental health.
Cleo, who has been sober for four years, said her own experiences have shaped the film’s perspective.
She said: “For me, Bleached isn’t just an addiction story – it’s a compassionate hand extended to a very specific time in a person’s life, when they’re grappling with inner turmoil they might not yet understand.
“As someone who has experienced active addiction and been lucky enough to find recovery, I know that road isn’t linear.
“People don’t get ‘fixed’ overnight. I want to zoom in and unravel what that experience can look like on screen.”
She added: “My perspective and hindsight have allowed me to look back on that time not
with shame or judgment, but with compassion and accountability. Shedding shame is key to acceptance.”
Lola said that the film aims to provoke conversations around issues that often begin in early life.
“At its heart, the film is about offering hope,” she said. “We’re living in a time where people are constantly seeking escapism, which can sometimes lead to destructive coping mechanisms.”
“Statistics show that around 50% of mental-health conditions begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24. These struggles don’t just disappear.
“Film is a powerful way to open those discussions – not just for young people but for parents too.
“Mental health and addiction are rarely linear, and they cut across all walks of life.
“Stories like this help us understand that complexity and remind people that they’re not alone.”
Built on collaboration and community
The artistic duo first met on a night out before forming a close friendship and creative partnership.
“We’ve been collaborating creatively ever since, so working together on Bleached felt like a natural progression,” said Cleo and Lola.
Now, they are keen to involve the local community in bringing the project to life.
There will be opportunities for islanders both on and off screen – from runners and trainees to supporting actors and caterers.
The Bleached team hopes to begin filming later this year between August and September, subject to securing full financing.
The project is currently in development, with pre-production expected to begin by Easter.
Islanders can follow the film’s progress on Instagram or donate to its crowdfunding campaign.