Synopsis: In 1941, Ana, a young maid, joins the household of a powerful Contessa in rural Spain. What initially seems like a lifeboat from the political terror of the outside world quickly turns into another fight for survival as fear seeps in. Ana must navigate household politics as it collapses around her.
About the Filmmaker: Reiff Gaskell is a Scottish neurodivergent London x Aberfeldy-based director.
Raised across Scotland, Bangladesh, and Australia, his work explores cultural intersections and human contradictions – the grey between black and white. Especially drawn to tense drama & chaotic thrillers in politically charged settings, he tells grounded, character-led stories with global resonance. Reiff earned his BA in Film and TV production at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He recently graduated from the prestigious and highly selective National Film and Television School in the UK, where he was awarded a MA in Directing Fiction with a scholarship from Creative Scotland. His award-winning shorts have screened across BAFTA & BIFA-qualifying festivals and been featured by Director’s Notes, most recently winning a Young Director Award at this years Cannes Lions.
Reiff is now developing bold, international co-productions alongside documentaries with global, community-led mental health movements. Currently in pre-production with Cut & Roll Films & Silvermilk Productions on ‘Drowning’ and in production with Ember for their 2025 Spotlight series with shoots in Nigeria, Palestine, Vietnam & Colombia.
Trailer: