ASHES – CHAPTER 0, 4min., USA
Directed by Isaiah Matthew Griggs
In a mysterious facility, David, a captive, engineers his escape by tricking a guard. He evades pursuit through the building, discovering a lab and learning about his metahuman status. Outside the facility, he is captured by guards who mention his destructive potential. David wakes up in the lab, where his powers intensify and cause a powerful explosion. The short ends with David metaphysically floating in space, undergoing a transformative experience before unleashing a surge of energy.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
My goal for Ashes is to fully produce it into an animated series at some point. I have A general outline for the series’ story.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Well the idea for Ashes has been around in my google docs and has been featured in miscellaneous drawings and animations I’ve made for years. That being said, a proper episode or ‘chapter’, did not start getting made until 2022 and took a little over a year to finish with some help.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Very explosive

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Probably compromising quality in favor of completing the film on time.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was quite glad they seemed to enjoy the anime-inspired action. I also like that one person pointed out that it feels like there’s more to the story, and believe me, there is definitely more.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve always liked to make. It honestly almost goes as far back as I can remember.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Can’t say, I’m not sure. But I’ve definitely seen the Raimi Trilogy for Spider-Man a good amount, I’ve also watched “The Road to El Dorado” a lot on VHS.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Nothing really comes to mind, I’m just glad people get to see the work I’ve made.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Pretty good, it’s fairly straight forward.

10. What is your favorite meal?
lol pizza maybe

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I plan on making a follow up to this Ashes short.

Submit to the Chicago Feedback Film Festival: