A film about fire, family and reconnection.

"In Dust and Ashes" is writer/director Tom Seah's VCA graduating film. Produced by Nikki Tran, this short is currently in pre-production and due to be shot from the 22nd-28th of August, with an expected December release at Melbourne's ACMI cinemas.
_________________________________________________________________________________



Going back and forth from Singapore and Australia every year, one thing that always hits me is how much things can change when you're not looking. Attending far too many funerals within the span of the last three years and seeing my family age, I began to see how time really moves at such a relentless pace, and how every moment missed is a moment lost.

In Dust and Ashes is a film about Michael and Anton who have always gotten by as father and son in their lukewarm relationship, but when Anton's mind begins to slip, Michael must rediscover his identity as a son, or risk losing his chance at saving his father from eternal loneliness.

The film spans across different times and places, looking into the life of junior firefighter and rescuer Michael Morris, and how he handles the one life he cannot save. It explores our delicate chances at reconnection, and the moments when we realise how much our parents really mean to us.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Since beginning pre-production at the start of the year, we have been incredibly lucky to assemble a core group of superbly talented and passionate crew from within VCA itself and those already working in the film industry.

With our shoot dates fast approaching, we’ve locked in most of our locations, found our cast, and are finalising details for logistics and scheduling as well as gathering art department props, sets and final crew members. Things are coming together with everyone working hard round the clock to help bring our script to screen! :)
_________________________________________________________________________________

Although the core of our story is a relationship drama, there are elements of production essential to the building the world of fire fighting that are our biggest challenge, and it'll be nigh impossible to make this film without a little help from our friends!

We have a fire sequence. Yes, we do! But we are not over-enthusiastic lawless arsonists and pyromaniacs who'll set fire to anything just to get our film made. Special effects need involvement from industry pyrotechnic professionals and a safety team, which we have already engaged.

To achieve the authenticity of the world of fire fighting - from the engine right down to their uniforms and tools - we will need to source and hire them too since they are not easy to come by!

We're doing everything in our power with the great team we have behind us to make sure this film does not disappoint!!