Contaminated Blood Scandal drama stars acclaimed West-End actor Jamie Muscato and Olivier-award nominated actress Anoushka Lucas.

Produced by Academy Award® winning Slick Films and starring acclaimed theatre actor Jamie Muscato (Heathers, Moulin Rouge!) and Olivier-award nominated actress Anoushka Lucas (Oklahoma, Elephant), What We Wished We Could Be is the story of a couple who must sacrifice their dreams in order to confront their devastating reality: the consequences of the contaminated blood scandal. 

Inspired by the events that have devastated the UK’s haemophiliac community, the story delves into the heartbreak, courage and sacrifice of the victims of the blood scandal, and their loved ones. Screenwriter Jenna-Louise Hawkins draws on her own experience in loving one of the blood scandal’s many victims. 

The film employs the tactile feel of 16mm film to create the “handmade” feel of a family photo album, inviting you into the day-to-day lives of a couple whose love for each other overrides their own individual desires and needs.

“Those statistics are people, who had to sacrifice their hopes and dreams and lives.”

Jenna-Louise Hawkins (Writer): “Haemophilia is rare, and as a result the contaminated blood scandal has passed so many people by, and it’s very easy to think of it in terms of high-level statistics, numbers of infection, numbers of deaths so on and so forth, in a way that doesn’t immediately connect with the majority of people’s lives. But those statistics are people, who had to sacrifice their hopes and dreams and lives. As the partner of one of the many victims of the contaminated blood scandal, I wanted to tell this story to give insight into what the consequences of the blood scandal look and feel like at a personal, human, day-to-day level.”

Luke Shelley (Director): “Such a challenging subject matter was a daunting prospect, but what really drew me to the semi-biographical story was the unflinching portrayal of a couple in love despite such uncompromising odds. The blood scandal’s many victims through the decades have gone unheard and unnoticed by the government and society in general. I felt that this film had the opportunity to spark real change and give those affected and infected a much deserved voice. When Jenna and I first started to develop the script, we knew that we had a responsibility to tell a story that would authentically depict those infected but also to resonate with a general audience, bringing them on a journey into the world of blood scandal. I am extremely proud of the film and very excited for people to see it.” 

Jamie Muscato: “Before I read the script for What We Wished We Could Be I had not heard of the infected blood scandal, but the more I learned of it the more outraged I became that recognition of this tragedy and its victims had been delayed time and time again. I feel very proud to be a small part in the story of the fight for the infected and affected.”

Anoushka Lucas: “It was such an honour and a pleasure to play Charlotte in What We Wished We Could Be. Before I read the script, I was embarrassingly ignorant about the legacy of the blood scandal – working with Jenna to understand Charlotte and her story, I found myself so upset and appalled by the treatment these patients received and the lack of care for the consequences of this. I hope this film leads to further support and recognition of those affected by the scandal, and those who love them.”

Sophie Stacey (Producer): “It has been a privilege to work with Jenna and Luke to tell this story. It is so easy for the infected and affected to become statistics so it was important for me to help bring a timely reminder of the human cost of this scandal and spark conversation to help provide momentum for such an awful miscarriage of justice.”

Chris Overton (Slick Films): “We are honoured to be part of What We Wished We Could Be. As soon as we heard about the project we knew it was right for Slick Films. It continues our work and aligns hugely with our mission to change the world through film. The blood scandal is a shocking miscarriage of justice and we feel there’s no better way to contribute to the awareness than through characters and story.”

What We Wished We Could Be will have its world premiere at the Academy Award® and BAFTA qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival, and currently has also been selected for the 20th edition of the Academy Award® qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival in LA in August 2024.