Shafted

A furious teenage girl trapped in a malfunctioning lift is forced to battle surreal challenges that test her anger, her resilience, and ultimately her love for her mum. The only way out is to fix what she’s broken.

Written by Tori Turner

Why this film?

'Shafted' is a coming of age story which highlights the deep and sometimes unnoticed relationship we have with our mam.

'Shafted' is a female led story. With an industry that has been male dominated in the past and one that has been hard for working class women to break into, 'Shafted' has cast roles for women in all age brackets, it passes the Bechdel test and it offers a glimpse into feminine rage.

The Characters

AVA (16) - Furious, Smart, Resourceful, Emotional, Sassy and Fierce.

Nicola (40s) - Hardworking, Strong, Sense of humour, and Optimistic.

Moria (60s) - B&B Owner, Sinnister, Wise, Ethereal, and a Teacher.

Meet the Writer

Writer

Tori Turner

Tori is a creative content producer working in the public sector and mammy to an incredible 3 year old! Film-making has been a passion since her parents got her a camcorder for Christmas aged 13. And even now 23 years later she's still creating any chance she gets.

Tori is also a long time member of Newcastle Film Club, having attended the first meetings in 2020 and being involved where she can ever since. You can see some of the films she's made as part of the film challenges in the past, most notably her recent win of the 2025 Locations Film Challenge film 'Essalamus' which she wrote and did the cinematography for.

"Newcastle Film Club has emerging female talent, directors, camera operators and what film club also has is incredible male and non-binary members who champion, support and enable the growth of their fellow community members.

NFC is creating a space where female crew feel more valued, comfortable and respected on set. And what better way to continue to show that by getting a gender diverse team together to tell a female story."

Pitch Day 2026

Have a look back at pitch day where this film idea was pitched and selected. Hear from Tori as she tells you about the film and what she's looking forward to!

Get Involved!!

Check back here often in order to see how you can get involved in helping to develop this film and the other films as part of Newcastle Film Club's 2026 Short Films.