Molly’s Dad – a new film

A father, a letter, and the question nobody should have to answer. A new film from C81 Studios, released ahead of LIFI26.

In 2024, David’s daughter Molly died by suicide. In Molly’s Dad, he talks about her life, her last days, and the letter she left him.

This film is a rundown of life, and about the part nobody prepares you for: breaking the news to her grandparents, and the question that followed him out of the room. Are you ashamed?

It’s an old view, and it’s still a common one. Suicide was a criminal offence in England and Wales until 1961, and the language never quite caught up. We still say “committed”, the way we would of a crime. We still talk as though a family has admitted to something. David’s answer is the reason we’re programming this event.

Content note: this film discusses suicide and bereavement. Support information is at the foot of this page.

An ordinary family

David is clear about one thing, and he asked us to be clear about it too. They were an ordinary family. Mum, dad, two children and a dog, living in Leeds. Kids who worked hard at school. Parents who worked hard for them. Treats when the exams were passed.

He wanted the film to show that, and it does. Not because it makes the story more affecting, but because it makes the story more true. This happened to a family like yours.

Why we asked David to go first

On Wednesday 7 October, Leeds International Festival of Ideas hosts How do we talk about suicide? at Leeds Playhouse. There will be a panel, and the people on it know this subject from every side: research, campaigning, broadcasting, and lived experience.

But before the panel, we wanted to hear from someone who has had to find the words for himself, after getting in touch with the festival and meeting us a few times. It was apparent David was keen to share his story ahead of the event. It felt right that we asked him to go first.

We filmed with David on 12 August in Leeds. One interview, one day. There is no presenter and no expert cutting in to explain what he means. It’s his account, in his words, at his pace. The film runs to 34 minutes, and it earns every one of them.

He talks about Molly: who she was, what she was like, what she cared about. He talks about the day in April 2024 when she went missing, and the days that followed. He talks about the letter. 

We’re not going to tell you what he said. You should hear it from him.

The words we use

You’ll notice the film, and this piece, say that Molly died by suicide. Not “committed”. The distinction can sound like a nicety until you have sat with a family and heard what the old word does to them. Committed belongs to crimes. It hung around long after 1961 because nobody thought to take it down, and it still shapes how people react, in the room and afterwards. The question David was asked is the old law, still talking.

Changing the words won’t change what happened to Molly. But it changes what happens next, to the family, and to the next person who is trying to work out whether they can say it out loud. That is what the event on 7 October is about. Not whether we should talk about suicide, but how.

If you need support

If you are struggling, or worried about someone else, Samaritans are there day and night, every day of the year. Call 116 123 for free, or email [email protected]. 

If you have been bereaved by suicide, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) run a national helpline on 0300 111 5065 and support groups across the UK. 

Leeds Mind will also be supporting the event at Leeds Playhouse.