From Page to Screen: A Story Rooted in Hope
“In our increasingly digital world, with the constant overload of information, it’s easy to feel disconnected from what is truly real.”
The Inspiration: A Mother’s Journey
When my son began his healing journey, I wasn’t just a mother—I became an unwilling expert in resilience and a witness to profound transformation. That experience became the foundation for my first screenplay, The Healer. It’s a reframed version of our story: mine, as a mother desperately seeking help, and his, as a young man fighting to find his way back from a dark place.
From Corporate Change Agent to Screenwriter
I still work in the corporate world, partnering with major financial clients to drive transformation. But during a period of personal reflection, I asked myself where my true passion lay. I’d always dreamed of writing for the screen. It was now or never.
I enrolled in a master’s program in screenwriting, and when the first assignment came, I knew exactly what story I had to tell.
The Story of The Healer
The film follows Jake, a troubled teenager whose mother enrols him in equine-assisted therapy. There, he forms a life-changing bond with a horse—an emotional connection that transforms his path.
My professional mission is to challenge the status quo. My creative mission is to tell stories that embody that same spirit of change. The Healer is a cinematic exploration of understanding, community, and the fierce hope that fuels human resilience.
Who I Am
I’m a mother, a businesswoman, a screenwriter, an equestrian, and an agent for change.
As a child, I was drawn to the silent wisdom of horses. Their soulful energy and calming presence captivated me. After university, my career took centre stage—first in recruitment, then in outsourcing, where I now lead teams driving transformation.
But I knew I needed to reconnect with a childhood passion: writing.
As a screenwriter, I saw an opportunity to use my diverse experience to tell a story about human nature and resilience—for those moments when you feel lost, when the light at the end of the tunnel seems out of reach.
“Storytelling is the beating heart of human connection—the thread that weaves our histories, values, and dreams into a shared tapestry.”
Mental Health, Disconnection, and the Need for Change
We’ve lost our ability to be present. In a world of constant digital noise, our younger generation is suffering. With male teenage suicide at an all-time high and public services often ill-equipped to help, we must seek support from our communities and explore alternative therapies.
Nature, real relationships, and being in the moment—these are the foundations of well-being.
Our Story
My son struggled with his mental health as a teenager. Private counselling focused on symptom control, not the root cause. Desperate for a better solution, we found healing—through horses.
We were lucky. I still have my son. But too many young people fall through the cracks. That reality changed me. It sparked a new story—one that could bring hope to others.
The Power of the Horse
Long before dogs, horses were man’s best friend. They’ve journeyed with us through history, offering strength, companionship, and healing.
Research shows horses can synchronize their heart rate and energy with humans, reflecting our emotional state without judgment. They live in the moment. That’s how they survive—and how they help us heal.
“Pain and suffering are intrinsic to the human experience. In our increasingly virtual world, we are more disconnected than ever.”
In The Healer, this human-horse connection is central—a celebration of the emotional, non-verbal bond that leads to profound breakthroughs.
Jake’s journey from urban chaos to rural calm was a deliberate choice. The city represents digital overload; the countryside offers space to breathe, connect, and heal.
Authenticity in Storytelling
I drew on personal experience and spent time with equine-assisted therapists—including undergoing a session myself—to ensure authenticity.
Jake’s emotional arc spans anger, fear, compassion, grit, and resilience. His transformation is deeply human. Apollo, the horse, was also carefully scripted to mirror Jake’s emotional state—running from aggression, returning in moments of vulnerability.
“The Healer is a story of hope. I wanted to show that no matter how dark things get, there is always a way back.”
From Script to Screen
Producer Lee Mancini, director Will Jewell and director of photography Philippe Thuery brought this story to life in ways I never imagined. I was involved every step of the way—from story development and location scouting to working on set.
Seeing my characters come to life was overwhelming and emotional. The cast and crew embraced the story’s message with heart and dedication.
To make it even more special, my son Ed worked on set as a runner and had a cameo role. He loved every minute. That week was one of the best of my life.
What’s Next
I’m currently writing the feature-length version of The Healer—a prequel exploring the lives of supporting characters and how their paths converge at the Equine Therapy Centre. There are so many rich, emotional stories to tell, and I can’t wait to share them.
If this film sparks debate about mental health or helps even one family, it will have fulfilled its purpose.
About Trudy Williams
Trudy Williams is a Client Partnering Director at AMS and will complete her MA in Writing for Script and Screen at Falmouth University later this year. She lives in Reigate, Surrey, with her two children, Harriet and Edward, their dog Alfie, and her horse William.