James Arden’s Director’s Statement About His Slam Dunk
BLACK CAB {which premiered at the HollyShorts Film Festival 2026} is, at its core, a family drama about a man trying to hold on to his sense of purpose as a husband, father and provider in a world quickly leaving him behind.
I wanted to make this film now because the script’s themes are so current – autonomous cars are starting to appear on London’s streets in 2026. In a wider sense, all of us are concerned about what the future holds, and I think we can all relate to wanting to preserve our place in the world. Harry is just a normal person, like us all, facing great change.
Over two years of research and development went into the script – interviewing real cab drivers and gaining real insight into a fast-changing industry. It’s easy to get caught up in exciting technological developments without considering the wider social impact on individual people.
Car technology is a perfect example of this: The convenience of Uber; the allure of a self-driving Tesla or Waymo. But all those people who make their living behind the wheel – cabbies, truck drivers, delivery drivers, emergency services drivers – will soon have to find new work – and millions will be left by the wayside.
I wanted to tell a story about an individual dealing with this developing crisis; how it effects him and his family life. Work identity defines so many of us – especially men as earners, providers and protectors – something Harry, despite his optimism, can’t escape when reality hits.
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Awards, Recognition
HollyShorts Film Festival 2026 (BAFTA / Oscar-Qualifying) | WORLD PREMIERE
– Aesthetica Film Festival 2026 (BAFTA / BIFA-Qualifying)
– Creative Circle Awards 2026 | BEST SHORT FILM – WINNER
– 1.4 Awards 2026 | Flying High – WINNER
There is film has an almost unique sci-fi flux