With matters escalating in the Middle East and the evident, imminent threat of even more conflict, it is more coincidence than timing that writer/director Rory Wilson‘s new indie drama TERRA should bow in 2026.
Set in a war zone and principally taking place in a embattled hospital with limited supplies, staff and eroding morale, beleaguered but loyal Doctor Bassey (Tayo Aluko) tries his best to serve the war-torn community he remains committed to. With this and other hospitals being bombed relentlessly, it is clear that survival of the not-so-fittest is as much as the forefront.
Into this desperate situation comes a father (Ramin Faharani) who wants a pacemaker and safe passage to freedom, accompanied by his daughter Ase (Runya Ghani) who brings a gun to the party.
Bassey tries to be reasonable and is assisted by nurse Roula (Meg Birley), who is herself nursing conflicting emotions in the name of charity. Soon however, promises need to be kept for the sake of priority and time clearly is running short for lives in this secluded part of war…
An extraordinary indie drama that belies its’ limited resources with context in terms of the war-torn locale (in fact shot on location in Liverpool and the Wirral with a limited production team), heightened by some excellent performances from the cast throughout.
Additional credit for the authenticity of the drama must go to Wilson’s collaborator Rukar Ghani, originally from Northern Iraq who Wilson met through a local charity in Liverpool.
Jim Sanger‘s background score is also worthy of mention, heightening the atmosphere of a film that at times almost implodes from the sheer intensity. Well-made.
TERRA plays on Friday April 17th as part of the London Independent Film Festival 2026 which runs from 10th – 19th April 2026.
Tickets at: