HYMN OF HATE

12 mins

Directed by Matt Kennard

Written by Matt Kennard

Starring; Russell Tovey, Thomas Turgoose, Andrew Knott

Hymn of Hate takes its title from the Ernst Lissauer poem of the same name. A nationalistic and patriotic hymn, written during WW1 to stir up a tribal hatred of the English:
We have all but a single hate,
We love as one,
We hate as one

At the Somme; still in the hours of daylight, Sergeant George May, always the first man into action, and Private Billy Booth, have been sent to patrol the deadly No Man’s Land by a young, inexperienced officer, eager to assert authority over his men, some of whom are twice his age and far more experienced. As a military man with twenty years service, Sergeant May has learnt how to take orders. Unquestioning, patriotic and loyal to the cause, it’s simple for Sergeant May; he believes all Germans hate him and he hates (and fears) them. Only when he finds himself in No Man’s Land with Private Booth – a fresh-faced, more objective and idealistic young man – stumbling upon an armed but mortally wounded German soldier, does everything he believe in begin to fall apart. Could he actually have more in common with his enemy, than those he trusts to give him his orders?

“A truly affecting short film from a team of very talented filmmakers showing a class and respect beyond their years.” – The Filmmaker Magazine

“A heartfelt and moving short film. Poignantly made to mark the hundred year anniversary of World War 1.” – Theatre and Art Reviews

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