The Brain Cancer Centre's living memory

Created by The Royals and sensitively helmed by Michael Hili through FINCH for The Brain Cancer Centre, this heartrending campaign portrays the life-changing moment Amy Stephenson’s 19-year-old son, Lachie, was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma. 

Through intimate, immersive storytelling and thoughtfully-crafted set design, Hili brings Stephenson’s memories of Lachie to life, splicing real photographs with heartwarming childhood moments before striking viewers with the earth-shattering moment of his terminal diagnosis. 

The title, Room of Tears, came from the words Amy recalls Lachie saying after his diagnosis: “Jeez Mum, we could swim out of here in your tears”. It is part of the first phase of a year-long initiative that uses the power of making private moments public to raise awareness. 

“Collaborating with Amy, the mother whose story served as the foundation for our project, was an immensely rewarding experience" explained Hili. "Her exceptional courage, candidness, and sense of humour proved to be indispensable not only to the project's narrative but also in giving a sense of accountability to me as a filmmaker. Through our collaboration with Amy, we delved deep into understanding Lachlan as a son, a friend, and a human being, as well as comprehending the profound impact of brain cancer on her family's life.”