Talking To: Kaitlyn Boxall
Kaitlyn Boxall is a 20 year old film director hailing from London. Her newest film, Behind Closed Doors, explores domestic violence in collaboration with the Women’s Aid Charity. Taken from her mother’s struggle with domestic violence, Boxall crafts an important message into the film. We sat down to talk to her about how personal the story is, the news of a sequel, and the rise of domestic violence during the pandemic.
• Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself; where are you from, where do you live?
I am a British born Film Director and was originally born in Croydon where my Mother fled domestic abuse. I then started off in a women’s refuge at 3 weeks old in Chatham.
I now currently live in Welling, which is within the London Borough of Bexley.
• How did you get into the film industry?
I have always been an incredibly creative person. The first time I held a camera, I felt an instant passion and the motivation to create inspiring content. I think it’s the aspect of being able to catch a moment and play it back. I also love the freedom of creativity that the world of media offers, and as I have grown older, I have found myself drifting towards filmmaking, where I can express inspirational ideas, turn them into stories that cast a powerful impact on viewers.
• Do you prefer to be behind the camera rather than in front of it?
I have always preferred to be behind a camera rather than in front. I have never really wanted to be on a stage in front of loads of people, but I have always excelled in working on-set, in a busy filming environment which motivates me as a creator. I like to be the person behind the cameras, making the product come together, making something memorable for viewers.
• Are you involved in the majority of the process (e.g. writer, producer and director)?
I am always involved in majority of the production process, in terms of storyline writing, directing and producing. I have always thrived off my own inspirational ideas, turning them into big projects and making them successful productions. With each production I create, I see it as the next step up, me growing as a creator and showing how far I have come.
My mother has been my number one teacher in all aspects of life, and my creative side comes from her. She has helped me to grow as a person, and I also thank those who have worked alongside me in my productions.
• Your newest film is Behind Closed Doors, released this year, is quite a personal story – can you tell us what it’s about and where the inspiration came from?
The film is inspired by true events of my mother's experience with domestic violence. She fled to a women's refuge with me at 3 weeks old. My mother was with my Father for 2 years. He begged for children, so she became pregnant with me at the age of 30.
Her domestic violence begun once he had full control. She left her job, (looking after 72 elderly people) as she fell pregnant. She lived at his flat in Thornton Heath (London Borough of Croydon), throughout her whole pregnancy. This is when the violence started, so my mother's abuse continued throughout her whole pregnancy. She could not escape until I was born.
My mother and I talk about it now. My mum always remembers how he said to her, "I will not be happy until you and the baby in your stomach are in a coffin. "She always took full force of each beating, to protect her pregnancy bump. This being said, the film has a lot of personal segments within it.
My mother met many women during her time at the refuge. She is so thankful, although how hard it was, that I was only 3 weeks old. So, I, myself, do not hold any memories of those dark times. Many women in the refuge, had older children, who had already witnessed so much.
I pledge to any victims; do not let your children witness such horrific actions of violence! I understand it can be difficult, but a lifetime of abuse can be changed to a lifetime of happiness. You can do it! It is heart-breaking, as you probably still love your abuser, because they make it seem normal. You end up knowing no different.
The emotional impact has affected my mother, and still does to this day. Once my dad realised that my mother was gone, he took her to court for parental responsibility just to spite her. Till this very day, he has never used it and has never ever been a part of my life. He only ever wanted pure control.
‘Behind Closed Doors’ has been produced in collaboration with the Women’s Aid Charity, who I have worked closely with in terms of maintaining accurate research to the subject matter. This was important to me as the story is not intended to be a copy of mine and my Mother’s story. The film is intended to be relatable to families across the world, who may be experiencing abuse and I want viewers to be able to take inspiration from it.
Despite the film having the ability to relate to a wide audience, it has also been able to express the personal segments within the characters. These specific characteristics within the characters and elements within the storyline, show how it is inspired from true events and real-life people.
• Thank you for sharing something so personal with us. Do you think it’s an important message to get across, particularly with the rate of domestic violence increasing by 20% during the pandemic?
Due to the significant rise of domestic abuse cases in lockdown, this is a subject in film that really needs to be addressed. It was the coronavirus lockdown which pushed me to bring this storyline to life. So many victims of domestic abuse have come forward, because of the film. With this in mind, I know this would be incredibly moving and so powerful for as an article. Because it has helped to change so many lives.
• What has the response been like to the film?
The response on the film, ‘Behind Closed Doors’ has been overwhelming. Knowing my film has made a difference to people is such a heart-warming feeling. If I can save at least one woman with this film, then I know I have achieved that...
To all victims who are living domestic abuse, before lockdown and during, I promise you that there is hope! Material things do not matter, the big posh house, the out lookers looking in, thinking your life is perfect. The psychological affect is devastating. Get out, and do not be ashamed to ask for help. Peace of mind is invaluable. You CAN start again, and you WILL.
• There is a sequel in the pipeline also – how did that come about? When is it due to be released?
After the overwhelming responses on ‘Behind Closed Doors’, my production team and I made the decision to put a sequel into production, but we did not originally plan to do this. I did not expect to gain so many responses from the film, which took me by surprise. Despite this, I am so pleased to be pursuing in a part two, and it has been an absolute pleasure being able to work with the cast and crew again.
By working on a sequel, we have also been able to form a bigger crew which has allowed me to produce the best quality and content possible. None of it would be possible without our amazing team.
The sequel will be highlighting how much victims of domestic abuse, have suffered throughout the covid19 lockdown. How they are trapped indoors with their abusers, and have lost every bit of access to the outside world. Domestic abuse has been at its prime since the pandemic hit, but is sadly not addressed enough!
Home is not a safe place for everyone, and that is very important for everyone to take into consideration. The sequel will be released late May. The specific release date will be announced on the official trailer, which is due out very....very soon!
• Has the pandemic and lockdown impacted your plans for the future?
The lockdown has without a doubt made all aspects of life more challenging since the rise of this pandemic. In my eyes, the pandemic has made everything more difficult for young people. However, I have not let this stop me from carrying out my productions, and I have still been able to grow as a creative individual.
I have looked at the lockdown in a positive light. With this in mind, I feel the lockdown has granted me opportunities in ways I did not expect.
• What is next for you?
I have so many interesting ideas that I want to pursue after “Behind Closed Doors”. I have so many projects in mind and very eager to put them all to screen! I won’t divulge these new productions just yet! You will have to wait and see...