After an outstanding run at The Monthly Film Festival, Ben Wicks’ ‘The Impending White Light‘ took home multiple awards, including Film of the Month, Director of the Month, Original Score of the Month, Actor of the Month, and Cinematographer of the Month. A contemplative and emotionally resonant short, the film imagines what might happen after death through the unlikely connection between two bodies caught between worlds. We spoke with Ben about the personal experience that inspired the film, his fascination with the afterlife, and the creative choices behind bringing such a profound subject to the screen.
TMFF: Congratulations on the incredible success of The Impending White Light, winning Film of the Month, Director of the Month, Original Score of the Month, Actor of the Month, and Cinematographer of the Month is a remarkable achievement. How has the reaction been so far?
BW: Thank you! Yes, the team and I were honoured to be selected and over the moon to have actually won! The reaction has been amazing and I’m thrilled that film has been recognised in so many categories, it’s a true testament to the hard work and dedication from everyone involved.
TMFF: The film asks one of humanity’s oldest and most mysterious questions: what really happens when we die? What first drew you to explore this subject cinematically?
BW: I think the subject resonates because everyone relates to either loss, fear, or even hope about what comes after. I wanted to make a film that didn’t preach or provide definitive answers, but instead invited audiences into that uncertainty. I’ve always been intrigued by the fact that death is universal, yet everyone interprets it through a different lens. That tension between belief, doubt, and even imagination felt incredibly cinematic to me.
TMFF: You mention that the idea was partly inspired by a true story involving an old family friend who had a near-death experience. What stayed with you most from hearing him recount that moment?
BW: He was a very straight-laced man — not spiritual or religious in any way — which made his account all the more striking. He described seeing himself floating above the operating table, watching the surgeons work on him while a beam of white light hovered overhead. What stayed with me was the conviction in the way he told the story. He wasn’t a natural storyteller and had no patience for exaggeration, so hearing him describe the experience so matter-of-factly was completely mesmerising.
TMFF: Was there a particular scene or moment during production that felt especially challenging or especially rewarding to bring to life (no pun intended)?
BW: I’m trying not to give the cheesy answer and say ‘the whole film,’ but one of the most rewarding things about making a short is bringing together a group of incredibly talented, like-minded people who are all there because they genuinely believe in the story. That sense of shared passion was amazing, especially considering everyone was working long hours for very little money. Despite that, it was the most fun I’ve ever had on a set — the cast and crew were so brilliant and committed that coming to work every day felt genuinely joyful. I definitely had the post filming blues after this project!
TMFF: The film balances existential mystery with emotional connection. How important was it for you to keep the story grounded in human feeling rather than spectacle?
BW: This was incredibly important. The film deals with a huge, almost unanswerable question, but I wanted every moment to feel emotionally grounded and intimate. At its core, it’s really a story about people searching for connection and meaning.
TMFF: Congratulations also to your lead actor for winning Actor of the Month. How was working with Dipo Ola and what qualities were you looking for in the performance, especially given the film’s unusual setting and emotional weight?
BW: What I loved about working with Dipo was how collaborative he was. He fully embraced the emotional complexity of the role while also bringing a calmness and restraint that made the performance incredibly powerful. Dipo has such a magnetic screen presence, but what impressed me most was his vulnerability. He allowed the audience to access the character’s fear, confusion, and hope in a very honest way.
TMFF: The film offers, as you describe, a “deeply human answer” to what happens when we die. What do you hope audiences feel or reflect on after watching it?
BW: I didn’t necessarily want the film to provide definitive answers so much as create space for reflection. If audiences leave thinking differently about love, loss, or their own relationships, then I feel the film has done it’s job!
TMFF: After such a strong festival response, what’s next for The Impending White Light? Are there more screenings or festival submissions planned?
BW: Yes, the film is on its festival run at the moment. It’s been entered into film festivals all over the world and we are slowly starting to get some very positive feedback! You can follow us over at @FieldEndFilms on Insta where we will post the latest updates on the film.
TMFF: Are you currently developing any new projects, and do they continue exploring similarly existential or emotional themes?
BW: Yes, I am constantly writing at the minute! We are quite keen to make one particular project that has similar, emotional themes. But we are in very, very early stages of that, so we will see!
TMFF: Thank you for your time, Ben, and congratulations again on the success of The Impending White Light. We look forward to seeing where the film goes next.
BW: Thank you so much! We really appreciate the nominations and wins! Hopefully see you soon!
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