[the story]
"One of my mentors, to whom I attribute so much of who I am as a filmmaker today, once said to me that 'a film is the culmination and representation of who you are as a filmmaker at that moment in your development'. Nothing could be more true about Ashes. This film is not only an exhibition of the things I've learned film-wise since my last project, but a reflection of who I have grown into as a person. This same mentor challenged me to put more of myself in my work and I feel that is what lead to the creation of this short film.
Coming from a single parent home, my mother has a huge influence in my life. I love her, she frustrates me greatly, but I would be nowhere without her. I was raised and cared for by very strong women throughout my life; my mother, my grandmother, my aunt. As I grew older and learned what they had to endure while bearing the responsibilities they did, it only astounded me how strong they were in the face of adversity. We humans break sometimes. Sometimes something comes along and cracks our shell. I was raised by a set of women who had been hurt and had to be strong for their children. It is very important that my stories and my characters reflect the strength of women, particularly in a world that marginalizes women and their stories.
I almost drowned as a child and later in my life, I was burned very badly. From those two events I have developed an odd love and absolute reverence for water, and a quiet fear and earned respect for flame. Those elements of me make a prominent appearance in this piece. The story of the phoenix is fascinating; a bird consumed in flame just to rise from the ashes. But here, we focus on after the fire and before the rise. After the flame has consumed what we have, what of the ashes?
Ashes is an intimate portrait of the culmination of the growing up experience in a house of damaged people. How do broken people deal with their damage? How do broken people interact with one another? After the flame, what of the ashes?"
- RJ Dawson
[the synopsis]
To be directed by RJ Dawson,
Ashes is about an island-bound girl searching for a way to the mainland as her
relationship with her mother falls apart.
Ashes is a short, character
driven, dramatic film about Ash, an apprehensive teen girl who lives and works
on a small island that is only accessible by
the ferry she works for. Her mother, Lena, dejected and coping poorly with
the absence of her husband, constantly harasses Ash about holding on to
keepsakes of her father; a collection of model boats. When Ash decides not
to throw them out, Lena takes it upon herself to destroy them. Seeing this
as proof her mother will never respect her, Ash resolves to leave home and find
a way off the island.
This is a very personal story about a child and a parent growing up together after a situation that affected them both more then they are willing to admit. Ashes features two strong female characters who not only are dealing with their own emotional battles, but coping with how the other is dealing with that same battle. The story is an emotional and powerful examination of a the parent-child relationship. This film ask "what about the things that are left behind?" After everything is consumed, what of the ashes?
[the team]
- Director/Writer | RJ Dawson
- Producer | Anna Puerta
- Director of Photography | Darius Dawson
- Executive Producer | Sean Ross
[the cast]
![]()
[our goal]
We have the
best cast we could have ever asked for and an amazing crew. Ashes will be an outstanding film and
more. However, we need YOUR support to produce this film to its full
potential.
Our total
budget for the film is $8,000. We have put thousands of our own money into this
project because we believe in it, and we ask that you believe in us, too. We're asking for $3,000 to help complete our funding. Funds
contributed during this campaign will help pay for:
Cast
Housing (Cast & Crew)
Transportation
Location Permits
Set Design
Cinematography Equipment
Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe
Sound Mixing
Lighting
Craft Services
Post Production
Film Festival Submissions
and more!
[the impact and our mission]
I feel Ashes will have an impact when it is done because it is contributing to the progress of diversity in cinema. Such a powerful film with two leading female characters, portrayed by immensely talented actors, can only help push for more equality in the industry and in society. I also feel that this film will help highlight the intentional and unintentional effects people have on one another. I often feel like relatives do not realize how what they say and do effect the ones around them.
Ashes is set to be a very, very big production for us. We plan on shooting in two different states over a weeks time and transporting cast, crew and equipment from coastal location to coastal location. We are set to produce the best film possible with experienced crew and very dedicated department heads who wish to take the opportunity to do their best work. Where we will encounter difficulty is making sure we have what we need to be where we need to be. That is where you donations come in. This film will be made no matter what, but the more we have, the better we can make it. Accommodating the hardworking cast and crew through this shoot and securing the equipment we need is paramount in order to assure the best product and we'd like to ask your help in achieving that.
Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that not everyone who wants to support us can contribute financially. We also greatly appreciate donations of goods, services or even support via email and social media. Tell a friend about the project using the Indiegogo share tools, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. The more eyes fall on our project, the stronger it will become, and we appreciate anything that you do to support us. Thank you so much for your time and contribution to Ashes!
Email: ashes.a.film@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ashes.the.film