Gordon Moody, the foremost responsible gambling charity, has partnered with Terminal, an upcoming short film that depicts a story about a young British man who struggles with a gambling addiction.
Rav, the protagonist of the story, played by Jax Singh Deol, is a man who becomes addicted to FOBTs (fixed odds betting terminals). The story behind Terminal is inspired by the personal experience of Sunny Bahia, the Director of the movie, who himself had a long-term battle with gambling addiction.
Terminal shines the spotlight on the interpersonal lives of gamblers and how gambling addiction affects their relationships with loved ones, mental health, and future. Moreover, the film also covers a crucial yet neglected aspect of minorities who suffer from gambling addiction.
Monica Shafaq, CEO of Gordon Moody, commented on the opportunity to contribute to this noble project:
We are thrilled to partner with Terminal to help shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals living with gambling harm, particularly within the British South-Asian community. This powerful film provides a much-needed narrative that speaks to the heart of the issue, allowing us to reach new audiences and foster a deeper understanding of the realities of gambling-related harm and the stigma faced by many which prevents them from reaching out for help. At Gordon Moody, we are dedicated to offering life-changing support, and we hope this film will spark meaningful conversations for those whom the film resonates with.
Gordon Moody, as part of its support for the film, will also host a panel discussion and an exclusive, private media screening on the 10th of April at the Birmingham Odeon Cinema.
Sunny Bahia, Director and Writer of Terminal welcomed the support from Gordon Moody, highlighting that this is much more than just a movie – it is a “conversation starter”.
Terminal is not just a film, it’s a conversation starter. Gambling addiction is a hidden struggle that often goes undiscussed, especially in communities where stigma and silence prevail. My goal with this film was to create a piece that is both artistically compelling and also socially relevant whilst remaining true to my own experiences with gambling harm. Having the support of Gordon Moody on this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I hope the film opens doors for more awareness, more support and ultimately, more lives saved.
In related news, Gordon Moody has signed former footballer and Premier League star Dean Sturridge as a brand ambassador in a partnership that will see the former footballer raise awareness about support recovery and gambling addiction.
