Ncuti Gatwa, the former star of "Doctor Who", is to executive produce a new short film called "Passing Through", written and directed by his former co-star Niamh Marie Smith. Marie Smith appeared in the 2024 "Doctor Who" Christmas special "Joy to the World" as Sylvia Trench, and the collaboration marks a reunion between the two. The project signals Gatwa's move into producing and his backing of emerging British talent.

Described as a "modern, queer take on a meet-cute", the film follows two strangers who meet on a train station platform in December, exploring themes of grief, connection and the importance of small interactions. Marie Smith will star alongside Gemma Laurie ("Shetland", "The Long Shadow"), and it is Marie Smith's second short. The team includes BAFTA-winning cinematographer Sunshine Hsien Yu Niu, producers Augusta Woods and Sarah Boyks, and casting director Becky Rossmaur. It is produced by Track Films, Blank Canvas Pictures and Loinnir Pictures, with filming starting soon and a release planned for later this year.