Food is central to our lives; we cook it, eat it, share it, and gift it. Whether it’s a first date or a birthday party, food often becomes the focal point of many occasions. However, certain foods can be life-threatening for an increasing number of people. My son, Max, has severe food allergies, and navigating the past three years has been a challenging journey filled with allergic reactions, hospital visits, ongoing tests, and mounting worry. As a mother, I constantly think several steps ahead, grappling with big questions: Can he go to school? Will he be invited to birthday parties, and should we risk attending them? What kind of life will he have? Can he still enjoy the same experiences as others? Can he travel safely?
For individuals with severe food allergies, close family and friends must understand how to respond in emergency situations. Greater awareness and empathy can create safer environments for those with food allergies, yet there remains a significant lack of understanding and compassion.
Although I didn’t win the competition, I am incredibly proud of my achievements with Max’s Mission. The ripple effect within the allergy community has been profound, connecting me with brands, medical professionals, parents, and others who have all praised the initiative.
Writer & Director Tash Dowdall Edit, Colour & Sound Tash Dowdall Copywriter Caroline Slade
Max’s Mission
Here is my entry for Editfest 2023, Filmsupply's annual 30-day video editing competition. Max’s Mission is a fictional charity that supports those
with life-threatening allergies by helping them live life to the fullest.
What People Are Saying
“Tash, this is truly wonderful.
You should be proud.”
— Dr Helen Evans-Howells, GP & Allergy Specialist Doctor
“I have watched this 5 times crying. I would have given anything to have seen this on TV when I was young (even now), thank you.”
— @behindtheallergy, Anaphylactic of 30+ years
“WOW. Incredible.
It's a well-planned, ideated, scripted, beautifully curated film with the sharpest edit possible. Incredible. It’s a 5***** from me.”
— Simon Black, Global Brand Strategy Consultant
“Such a powerful video.
I cry every time.”
— @jillkennedy16, Allergy Parent
Behind the scenes
To bring the film to life, I collaborated with the brilliant creative copywriter Caroline Slade. Having worked together on numerous client briefs, I was overjoyed to team up again, knowing how talented she is. While Caroline crafted a beautiful script, I sourced footage, selected and cut the music, picking sections of the track that best supported the narrative flow and matched the required 60-second duration, and handled all editing in Adobe Premiere Pro.
To add depth, I layered in sound effects and graded the final edit. After recording a guide voice-over, I shared it with a professional VO artist, who told me mine was better and that I should record it myself. So I did! Using a microphone I bought on Amazon and Adobe Audition, I recorded the final VO.
Creating this film was like an intense therapy session. It was a deeply personal project, and I loved making something that could emotionally connect with other allergy families.
