Ashes: Georgina Haig’s darkly comedic dive into love and grief

Georgina Haig and Michael Caton in Ashes.

In the realm of short films, Georgina Haig’s directorial debut, Ashes, stands out as a poignant exploration of grief, punctuality, and the unexpected ways our loved ones continue to shape our lives even after they’re gone. Written, directed, and starring the multi-talented Georgina Haig, Ashes is a darkly comedic gem that tackles the complexities of loss, while injecting a unique blend of humor and raw emotion into the narrative.

The story revolves around Frances, played by Haig, who finds herself in a bizarre posthumous prank orchestrated by her late father, James, played by Australian acting icon Michael Caton. Bereaved and grappling with the loss of her father, Frances misses the crucial appointment to collect his ashes. In a twist of fate, James takes it upon himself from the afterlife to rectify his daughter’s habitual lateness, weaving a tale of tough love, self-discovery, and the strange ways in which the departed can continue to influence the living.

Georgina Haig, known for her versatile roles in both Australian and US film and television, brings a wealth of experience to her directorial debut. With a career spanning over fourteen years, Haig has showcased her talent across genres ranging from comedy and fantasy to sci-fi and horror. Her roles in notable projects such as Once Upon a Time and Snowpiercer have contributed to her unique storytelling perspective, evident in the thought-provoking, punchy, and genre-bending narrative of Ashes.

Haig, a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, has taken a personal and heartfelt approach to Ashes. The film is a reflection of her own experience, inspired by the unexpected and heartbreaking failure to pick up her father’s ashes on time. In her own words, “My much adored father was the most punctual person I knew. So when he passed away in 2022 and I completely missed the appointment to pick up his ashes, I was devastated on some complicated levels. But crucially I also thought, How ironic. Why did I do that?”

Georgina Haig

The film explores the themes of transformation and change, using an emotional slap in the face as a catalyst. Haig wanted to create a narrative that is raw, truthful, funny, and visually striking, capturing a specific moment in the emotionally ragged post-death process.

As Georgina Haig continues to make her mark in the film industry, she is already looking ahead to her next project. Currently developing the female-driven horror feature The Echoes Fade Not, centred around mysterious occurrences at an elite all-girl boarding school, Haig demonstrates her commitment to telling stories that are both compelling and unconventional.

In Ashes, Georgina Haig has crafted a short film that not only serves as a personal exploration of grief but also resonates universally. With its dark humor, emotional depth, and unique narrative perspective, Ashes is a testament to Haig’s talent as a storyteller and filmmaker. This darkly comedic journey into the afterlife is bound to leave a lasting impression on audiences, inviting them to reflect on their own relationships and the impact of those who have left us, while imparting a newfound appreciation for punctuality.

Ashes will screen at the Stellar Short Film Festival on March 2. Details here.

Sponsored content: Promote your film or festival by emailing cinemaaustralia@gmail.com today.