Like many people, my relationship with food has been complicated. And because it’s something so essential to our daily existence, it is something we cannot escape. Food is there when we celebrate, it’s there for when we grieve, it’s there when we share moments with loved ones, or sometimes it’s to console ourselves in our loneliness.
This is what inspired me to create this little short film I am delighted to be able to share called, ‘Things we eat in secret’, which explores the secret rituals people share with food. We peek behind closed doors to reveal the deliciously human moments we have when no one else is watching.
Whereas typically doing something in secret is associated with shame, my hope was to reframe it into something relatable and inherently human – an ode to the little indulgences that connect us all.
The Londoner
Danny is a third-generation working class Londoner, born and bred in East London. He works as maintenance engineer in the underground, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps.
While in his early 20s, Danny values tradition, family and loyalty. As a devoted West Ham fan, he never misses a game at his local pub with his friends.
When he was still around, he and his grandad never missed a game…and in this rare moment we find him reflecting on childhood memories, with one of grandpa’s favourite childhood snack.
The mum
Jules is how I imagine a typical working mother in 2025. She is a loving, patient, and responsible parent (frozen fish fingers only twice a week max), while also being the go-getter woman who commands respect and has influence in the workplace.
While she is emotionally generous, she also carries a shit ton of mental load that she desperately needs a guilt-free break from now and again.
In her story we find her exasperated and exhausted, after spending the last few hours folding laundry, while answering work emails one handed and herding the children into their beds.
Her respite comes from short quiet moment, behind a fortress of peas (out of sight from little eyes), in the form of a simple sweet snack.
The late shift nurse
Sheena lives in shared accommodation with 4 other flatmates. She’s built her life out of a career that although stressful, is one she takes immense pride in. While it is fulfilling and meaningful work, it often means working unsociable hours and having an unpredictable daily routine.
One day after work she relishes a quiet moment just for her, no flatmates home, no patients to put a smile on for… to enjoy one of her favourite comfort meals.
Credits
A big heartfelt thank you to Mark Stewart, my co-producer and cinematographer, who took a chance on me and this idea. And a huge thank you to the entire team who made this idea a reality, thank you, thank you.
Director: Alexis Ko
DOP: Mark Stewart
1st ACs: Ali Acar / Jamie Oliver Lai
2nd AC: Benjamin Covington
Gaffer: Kieran Brown
Electricians: Marian Cojocaru, Alex Strachan, Jay Tesfamarieam
Production designer: Ambra Castelli
Food stylist: Katy McClelland
Wardrobe Stylist: Marina de Magalhaes
HMUA: Fiona Lee
“Londoner”: Quade Tyrese
“Nurse”: Aylla Hijjawi
“Mum”: Esra Tastan
Runner: Fatima Kamate
Stills photographer: Hayley Benoit
Editor: Rebecca Parker Quinn
Colourist: Lois Chapman
Sound designer: Hazel Magnoni
Special thanks to Diversity Agency, Gabby Peneda, Control Cameras, SHL London, Danny Hayward, Can Atalay, and Brick Studios
