PRAGMA was written by Lucy Heath who began to look at ‘romance’ from a more analytical and practical perspective, this approach alongside the numerous reality dating shows like MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT inspired the film’s story. Ellie Heydon directs this British romantic comedy and Golden Globe winner Jason Sudeikis serves as executive producer. PRAGMA will screen in June at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Pragma, the institution, is the ultimate extension of online dating, where young graduates are algorithmically matched and then partake in a week’s worth of hilariously intense practical compatibility assessments to find them their most suited “life partner”. After multiple fast-tracked dates with various disappointing suitors, Willow the protagonist must decide whether or not to follow her instincts or go with her head and listen to a programme that’s been algorithmically designed to find her a “stable” partnership.
Ellie Heydon is a Director with a background in theatre and dramaturgy. As an actor, she worked as a series regular on HARLOTS for BBC and Hulu, as well as several international feature films, for which she has won 9 ‘Best Supporting Actress Awards. She has been directing since 2017. She co-founded Siberian Lights, a platform working to unite, celebrate and provide opportunities for female-identifying creatives around the world.
Lucy Heath is a multi-award-winning writer and actress. Lucy’s last film BETTER, directed by BAFTA Award Winner Michael J Ferns, won the prestigious Iris Prize, screened at Raindance Film Festival and featured on Channel 4 and Apple TV. BETTER received 5 stars from Indie Shorts Mag, and she also received a nomination for Best Actress at the British Short Film Awards.
The film was produced by Phil Dunster alongside Fay Mohamed and the beautiful cinematography was created by Simona Susnea. PRAGMA will screen at Tribeca Film Festival on Friday, 10th June at 9:15 pm and Wednesday 15th June at 9 pm.
Tribeca information: https://tribecafilm.com/films/pragma-2022
