Rebecca Gibney stars as a grieving mother in a moving short film for Anzac Day by her son Zac, 18

Rebecca Gibney depicted a grieving wartime mother in a short film directed by her teenage son Zac Bell for Anzac Day.

The 57-year-old actress shared the film on Instagram on Monday, explaining it had been written, directed and produced by Zac. 

‘In honour of Anzac Day here is Zac’s short film, Dearest Mother. Written, directed and produced by @zacpuff,’ she said of the 18-year-old’s film. 

‘In his words… over 130,000 men lost their lives at Gallipoli… They all had mothers. Lest We Forget. #anzacday #weshallrememberthem’.

The film appears to have been set during World War I, and shows Rebecca as a mother, reading letters from her young son on the frontline.

As she sits down to reply, she’s overwhelmed by the sound of gunshots, rendering her unable to write.

Talented teen: The 57-year-old actress shared the film on Instagram on Monday, explaining it had been written, directed and produced by her son, Zac Bell (left)

Her final letter from her son details his terror as he describes the deteriorating conditions at Anzac Cove.

The film then ends with Rebecca standing on a deserted beach, as she envisions her son, Harry, walking towards her.

She embraces him, only for it to be revealed that Harry had died at war, with his mother seen sobbing as she wraps her arms around herself.

Bright future: Zac also shared the moving video on his Instagram page, sharing the film’s outro in his caption: ‘Over 130,000 Men Lost Their Lives At Gallipoli, They All Had Mothers’

Zac also shared the moving video on his Instagram page, sharing the film’s outro in his caption: ‘Over 130,000 Men Lost Their Lives At Gallipoli, They All Had Mothers.’  

‘In honour of Anzac Day here is a Short Film I made last year titled “Dearest Mother”. Lest We Forget,’ he added.

Rebecca shares Zac with her husband of 21 years, production designer Richard Bell.

Following in her footsteps: In January, she revealed the talented teen was leaving home to study at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in Wellington

In January, she revealed the talented teen was leaving home to study at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in Wellington.

‘So just arrived in Wellington to find a flat for our boy who’s leaving the nest to start studying at Toi – his childhood dream. We are so proud but… When did that happen??’ she wrote on Instagram at the time. 

‘I knew it was coming but not sure I’m ready… so to all those new mums who are missing sleep and wondering when it will end – trust me – it goes way too quick. Enjoy every single moment. Love this boy beyond…’ 

‘To all those new mums who are missing sleep and wondering when it will end – trust me – it goes way too quick. Enjoy every single moment. Love this boy beyond…’ she wrote on Instagram in January