A Matter of Minutes
Because when it comes to anaphylaxis…every minute matters.
A Matter of Minutes: A short thriller film that highlights the urgency of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
When you have a food allergy, exposure to an allergen can come not just from eating a food – there can be other risks too where you don’t expect them.
To highlight the threats of food allergy and the importance of knowing what to do during anaphylaxis, Natasha’s Foundation worked alongside Academy Award®-winning Slick Films to create the gripping short film A Matter of Minutes.
This hard-hitting film, inspired by true events, shows the dangers of living with food allergy and the realities of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is the most serious kind of allergic reaction and an urgent medical emergency. It can occur very quickly following exposure to an allergen and, if not treated promptly with adrenaline, can be life-threatening.
If you have experienced anaphylaxis or witnessed it, this powerful but unflinching watch comes with a trigger warning.
A Matter of Minutes follows 17-year-old Ava as she attempts to have fun at her first house party, before the situation spirals when a severe allergic reaction threatens to take her life. The film is based on the personal experiences of writer and producer Phoebe Campbell-Harris, who lives with a nut allergy. With food alergy on the rise, the team behind A Matter of Minutes was determined to portray a realistic representation of anaphylaxis and its potentially devastating consequences.
The rising impact of food allergies in the UK
Food allergies have doubled in the last decade in the UK, with the largest increases seen in children.
Over the past 20 years, hospital admissions for severe allergic reactions to food have more than tripled, with young people the most likely to be affected.
At least 6% of UK adults have a diagnosed food allergy, that’s 2.4 million people.
Information and support
If you have been affected by anaphylaxis or any of the issues raised by A Matter of Minutes, there are organisations offering information and support.
Natasha’s Foundation provides resources, updates, and support for the food allergy community
Young Minds offers mental health guidance specifically for young people and their parents
FRANK provides support and no-nonsense information about illegal drugs and alcohol
BSACI delivers evidence-backed knowledge and patient resources for people with food allergy
bsaci.org
Find out more about A Matter of Minutes in an article in The Times, and discover the reasons behind Phoebe's inspiration for creating this film.
A Matter of Minutes: A short thriller film that highlights the urgency of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. The film was directed by Hannah Beach, written by Phoebe Campbell-Harris and produced by Sophie Stacey. It stars Emily Renée and Charlie Rowe.
Working together, Slick Films and Natasha’s Foundation want A Matter of Minutes to raise awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis, to try to keep people with food allergies safe.
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founder of Natasha’s Foundation, said:
‘Millions of people in the UK are now living with a diagnosed food allergy. Food allergies can be a serious, unpredictable and potentially life-threatening health condition, with far-reaching impacts on the lives not just of those with the allergy but on their loved ones too. They can make everyday activities such as eating out or going to parties fraught with anxiety and potential dangers. This hard-hitting film reveals the hidden dangers that young people with food allergies may face. I would urge everyone to watch A MATTER OF MINUTES so that they better understand how quickly a food allergy can escalate, and how important it is to be aware of what to do in the event of a medical emergency.’
Phoebe Campbell-Harris (Writer & Producer):
“The story of A Matter of Minutes is based on a personal experience I had when I was a teenager and kissed someone on a night out who had just eaten nuts, unbeknownst to me. Fortunately, I was with a friend who supported me through my reaction, however the question of ‘what if’ kept niggling at me. What if my friend was lost to the crowd? What if my phone had died? What if everyone else was so drunk they infringed on the help I needed?”
Hannah Beach (Director):
“Before this project, I was admittedly quite ignorant about the reality of severe allergies, mainly due to inaccurate depictions I’d seen in the media. So when Phoebe approached me with the script, it seemed like a good opportunity to not only educate myself, but also change the way allergies are portrayed on screen, in the hope of tackling common misconceptions and educating others.”
Sophie Stacey (Producer):
“I’ve never had such a sense of dread and anxiety when reading a script before A Matter of Minutes; I was immediately engaged and struggled to think of an allergy portrayal on screen that wasn’t used in a comedic way. It has been an honour to be on this journey with Hannah and Phoebe and I really hope this film sparks conversation and awareness.”