‘Fate: The Winx Saga’ Star Hannah van der Westhuysen to Make Directorial Debut with Short Film ‘Peter’ Starring Rising Talent Lee Braithwaite
Luke Westlake Scholarship alumnus Lee Braithwaite stars in new short film ‘Peter,’ directed by Hannah van der Westhuysen.
Hannah van der Westhuysen, best known for their role in Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga, is stepping behind the camera for their directorial debut with the emotionally resonant short film Peter. The film stars Lee Braithwaite, a London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) graduate and breakout performer from We Live in Time, who was also shortlisted for the prestigious Luke Westlake Scholarship.
A powerful story of identity and care across generations
Written by van der Westhuysen, Peter is produced by Oscar-winning Slick Films (The Silent Child) in collaboration with actor George Somner’s 13:8 Films. Somner is known for his performances in Sex Education and Gangs of London.
Peter centres on Elliott, a young trans man portrayed by Braithwaite, who is the primary carer for his father, Peter, who suffers from alcohol-related dementia. A pivotal moment unfolds when Peter offers Elliott some of his old clothes — a gesture loaded with emotional and symbolic weight. The short film explores whether this fleeting act of acceptance is a result of memory loss, or a genuine breakthrough in recognising Elliott for who he truly is.
“For me, this film is about dignity and identity — holding onto both when life threatens to take them away,” said van der Westhuysen. “In a deeply divided world, stories like Peter highlight the power of connection across generations.”
Peter is being developed in partnership with UK-based charities Not a Phase and the Alzheimer’s Society. As part of its mission, the film will be used to support fundraising efforts and raise awareness for both causes. “This film is more than a story — it is a tool for advocacy,” said the production team in a statement.
Lee Braithwaite: a rising name in British theatre and film
Lee Braithwaite continues to build an impressive career across stage and screen. In addition to his role in We Live in Time opposite Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, Braithwaite starred alongside Emma D’Arcy and Tobias Menzies in the National Theatre’s The Other Place, and recently led the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed production of Cowbois.
George Somner and 13:8 Films backing innovative British cinema
George Somner brings both acting and producing experience to the project. His latest short film, Man>Code, had its world premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival and was selected for over 20 BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying festivals, including BFI Flare.
