Blackhorse Road director Danny Baalbaki is set to release ‘Stop Gap’ which depicts a young boy’s experience in the asylum system
By Ellie Page
A still from Stop Gap, Credit: Apparition Films
Blackhorse Road filmmaker Danny Baalbaki is set to release a short film centering the plight of child refugees in the asylum system.
Stop Gap follows the story of Khalil, a child refugee trapped in the UK’s asylum system, set against the backdrop of recent social unrest. Danny describes as a “raw and unflinching” portrayal of displacement, resilience, and the search for belonging in modern Britain.
Set in a gritty, post-industrial corner of the UK, the film follows Khalil, a mute refugee boy who, after surviving a traumatic journey to England, finds refuge in an abandoned warehouse. There, armed only with imagination and scraps of cardboard, he begins to build a world of wonder.
Director Danny Baalbaki, Credit: Ellie Page
Having experienced first-hand what it means to flee a warzone while visiting family in Lebanon, director Danny brings lived insight to a subject that too often remains distant and abstract. He says: “This is a story about borders, community, and what it means to find home in a world that too often looks away.”
The production has been driven by a local cast and crew, reflecting Walthamstow’s wealth of creative talent. The team’s ambition is not just to premiere at film festivals, but to share Stop Gap in community halls, schools, and campaign spaces, creating dialogue where it matters most.
Producer Ellie Page said: “This is an independent, not-for-profit project made with heart. We want to tell this story truthfully, but also make sure it reaches people directly – not just in cinemas, but in classrooms and community centres. The support of our local community is what makes that possible.”
Funding remains the final hurdle. The filmmakers are now appealing to the public to help cover post-production costs – editing, sound, and grading – to bring the story fully to life.
To support the project, visit this link
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