On the Edge of Despair
Still Here?, a deeply poignant short film, captures the fragile yet resilient thread of hope in moments of despair. Directed by Solène Anglaret and Robert Stanley Crampton, the film tells the story of a woman standing at the brink of life, questioning her will to continue. Through heartfelt messages from friends, the woman discovers reasons to hold on, weaving a narrative that is as universal as it is personal.
Set against the backdrop of London and Romsey, UK, the film is a collaborative tapestry of voices and images from contributors across the globe. Each participant, all of whom have lived experience with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and suicidality, lends their story to this deeply moving project. 
A Film Born from Personal Struggles
For co-director Solène, the story is profoundly personal. Reflecting on her darkest moments, she explains, “We created the film I needed the day I found myself sitting at the window, wondering whether to stay. That woman is me.”
Solène, who lives with BPD and ADHD, wanted to craft a narrative that not only acknowledges the weight of despair but also offers a light of hope. Rooted in her lived experience, the film reflects the staggering global realities of mental health—nearly 800,000 people die by suicide annually, a statistic that underscores the urgency of conversations around mental health and hope.
Global Voices, Universal Themes
The film’s authenticity is enriched by its contributors, who represent diverse cultures and countries, including Australia, India, the United States, Canada, the UK, and the UAE. Each voice was invited to answer a single question: “What makes your life worth living?” Their unscripted responses form the film’s emotional backbone, a chorus of resilience and shared humanity. “Robert [co-director] suggested we introduce their voices as vocal messages,” Solène shares, “giving the film both emotional and visual cohesion.”
The result is a seamless blend of individual stories that come together to highlight the universal longing for connection, hope, and meaning. 
Balancing Raw Emotion with Hope
Still Here? succeeds in walking the delicate line between raw honesty and hope. For Solène, this balance came naturally, “Raw emotional honesty and hope go hand-in-hand,” she notes. “I followed my heart and intuition, creating a film that sparks deep reflection and connection.”
However, the production journey was not without challenges. Finding the right team to realize her vision was a significant hurdle, but Solène credits the eventual collaboration with Robert, Isaac (co-producer), and Emma (production assistant) for shaping the film into its final form.
A Call to Action for Viewers
At its core, Still Here? is a reminder to those struggling that life is worth living. Solène hopes the film inspires viewers to “stay—one more second, one more minute, one more day” and to find meaning in connection and belonging.
Beyond its personal impact, the film aims to break societal stigmas around mental health. Through storytelling, Solène believes, spaces for vulnerability and hope can be created, “When someone shares their story, they invite others to do the same,” she says. “It creates a ripple effect of conversations that help break the stigma.”
Themes Rooted in Authenticity
The film’s themes—mental health, despair, suicidality, hope, resilience, community, meaning, and belonging—emerged organically from the voices of its participants. “Each vocal message was genuine and unscripted,” Solène shares. “Robert carefully sequenced the voices in post-production so that they flowed in a meaningful and impactful way.”
The layered storytelling invites viewers not only to reflect on their own struggles but also to connect with others in their shared humanity.
Looking Ahead
Solène’s commitment to mental health advocacy doesn’t end with Still Here?. She is working on her latest book, Living on the Borderline: A BPD Recovery Diary, exploring spoken word poetry, and planning future creative projects, including another short film and a play.
With Still Here?, Solène and her collaborators offer not just a film but a lifeline—a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of connection.
