Ashes of a Dying Ember (Short Film)

In a powerful blend of reality and memory, Hadi, a refugee in London, confronts his past through encounters with two ghostly versions of himself, all seeking peace from the lingering scars of war.

Genre: Drama

THE STORY

Hadi Al-Amaery, a Syrian refugee in London has taken to the

woods after being the victim of a corner shop robbery gone wrong. There, under a blanket of stars and in the shadow of a warming fire he faces his past self who experienced the war back in Syria and the persona of the refugee he consequentially became after his arrival. The dying embers of Hadi Al-Amaery are newly stoked by the raging fire in his heart.

Through all the trauma and the grief that reignites his anger at the world and his place in it, he still wishes to heal; to overcome; to balance the scales of his existence, thus he compartmentalises his experiences and reconstructs himself - A clean burn.

THE CHARACTERS

Hadi (30)

A Syrian refugee, the one who guides his past selves. Hadi is determined; courageous yet vulnerable. He is in a psychological struggle with the different versions of himself that existed before and after his asylum journey.

Dan (20)

A thuggish type from a disadvantaged background who blames the world for his misfortune. Dan is angry; agitated and unbalanced individual who is capable of inflicting serious harm at a moments notice. He tries to rob the shop where Karolina works, and stabs Hadi.

Karolina (29)

A Ukrainian refugee, who works in the corner shop. Karolina is an optimistic and level-headed young woman. Having a similar experience to Hadi’s she is the anchor that keeps him grounded.

Rick (50s)

An old and frail homeless man in front of the shop, he is thankful for Hadi’s unexpected help.

INSPIRATION

1. Al-Mutanabbi (915 – 965) was an Arab poet, he is considered as one of the greatest poets in the Arabic language. For over a thousand years, the poetry of Al-Mutanabbi, one of the most prominent and influential Arab poets at the Abbasid court of Sayf al Dawla in Syria, has been used in Arabic literature as a reference and a proof of his wisdom, intelligence, pride, and insight.

Al-Mutanabbi started writing poetry when he was nine. He wrote broadly on love, politics, battles, and mundane problems like his own medical concerns. He had an oeuvre of 300 folios of poetry when he died in 965 CE, the victim of a political assassination. His poetry has been translated into more than twenty languages world- wide and is accorded proverbial status in today’s Arab world for the wisdom and values it espouses.

2. In 1969, a Swiss-American psychiatrist named Elizabeth Kübler-Ross wrote in her book “On Death and Dying” that grief could be divided into five stages. These five stages were originally devised for people who were ill but have been adapted for coping with grief. This theory of grief then became known as the Kübler- Ross model. According to Kübler-Ross, the five stages of grief are:

denial / anger / bargaining / depression / acceptance

POEMS

1. The Lion

When the lion bares his teeth,

do not fancy that the lion shows to you a smile.

I have slain the man that sought my heart’s blood many a time,

Riding a noble mare whose back none else may climb,

Whose hind and fore-legs seem in galloping as one,

Nor hand nor foot requireth she to urge her on.

And O the days when I have swung my fine-edged glaive

Amidst a sea of death where wave was dashed on wave!

The desert knows me well, the night, the mounted men

The battle and the sword, the paper and the pen

2. An excerpt from the panegyric to Syf al-Dawla

“I am whom the blind man could see my verse,

And (I am) who made a deaf man hear my words.”

3. A young soul

A young soul in my ageing body plays

Though time's sharp scythes my weary visage raze

Hard biter in a toothless mouth is she

The will may wane, but she a winner stays

Spare me to win glory's forbidden prize

Glory in hardship, sloth in comfort lies

Em'nence is not with cheap comfort bought

Hear the honey gath'rers bee-stung cries!

No indolent dreaming dawdler am I

Nor am content, while riches I descry

Life's heaving tides of woe shall spare me not

Unless I, its unblocked courses defy.

Courage to reason second place must take

For valour should not balanced judgment shake

But if both in a hard soul united are

Then Glory’s realms their own demesne shall make

THEMES

Asylum and displacement

Asylum seekers flee persecution and war, seeking protection under international law. In the UK, asylum and displacement issues for refugees are marked by a complex and often contentious process. Upon arrival, they face a rigorous application procedure to prove their need for sanctuary. The British government provides temporary housing and basic support while claims are processed, though many experience prolonged uncertainty and limited access to work and/or education. The public opinion on immigration and asylum policies remains divided, influencing political discourse and potential legislative changes. Despite these challenges, numerous non-governmental organizations and community groups work tirelessly to support the refugees' integration and advocate for their rights

and well-being.

Mental health in relation to grief and trauma response

Grief and trauma significantly impact mental health, often leading to a range of emotional and psychological responses. Individuals experiencing grief may face profound sadness; anger; and confusion, while trauma can manifest as anxiety; hyper-vigilance; and intrusive memories. These responses can disrupt daily functioning, relationships, and the overall well-being.

The interplay between grief and trauma can intensify symptoms, potentially leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).The access to mental health support, including therapy and support groups, is essential for individuals to process their emotions; develop coping strategies and gradually heal from these extreme experiences.

Identity in the diaspora communities in England

The meaning of “Identity” in a diaspora community is a dynamic and multifaceted concept, reflecting the blend of cultural heritage and the adaptation to a new environment. For many individuals, identity encompasses the preservation of traditions, languages, and values from their countries of origin, while also integrating aspects of the target culture. This duality fosters a unique sense of belonging and resilience, often manifesting in vibrant cultural expressions, community organizations, and social networks.

The experience of living in a diaspora can strengthen solidarity within the community, as members navigate the challenges of maintaining their cultural identity amidst broader societal pressures to assimilate. This intersection of cultures contributes to the rich, di-

verse tapestry of England's social fabric.

Violent crimes against ethnic minorities and the rise of knife crime in London

Violent crimes against ethnic minorities as well as the rise of knife crimes are pressing social issues, reflecting deeper systemic and societal problems in today’s London. Ethnic minorities often find themselves disproportionately affected by violence, rooted in racial

discrimination, socio-economic disparities, and marginalisation.

The increase in knife crime, particularly among youth, has heightened concerns about safety and community cohesion. Contributing factors include gang activities; lack of opportunities and inadequate social services offered. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies involving law enforcement; community engagement; education and economic support to foster safer and more inclusive environments for all residents in London.

DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE

March 2024

13th of March

Initial meeting in London between Henn and Hadaya, discussing possibilities of a short film focusing on the refugee experience in London. Discussing multiple refugee communities in the UK (Syria; Ukraine).

16th of March

Karim Hadaya on the refugee experience: “It’s like a fire inside, slowly burning out”. Decision on the title “Ashes of a dying ember” by Yasmin Henn.

April 2024

3rd of April

Henn focuses the idea into a neorealist setting in a UK city (London) while enhancing the themes through an element of magical realism (the main character existing in multiple stages of their life simultaneously). Research into films about gritty realism in London suburbs, e.g Painkiller (Kseibati, 2011).

5th of April

Research into grief and trauma response 8th of April. Suggestion by Karim Hadaya to implement the element of poetry.

12th of April

Research into the poetry and philosophy of Al Mutanabbi. Decision to focus on Al-Muttanabi’s poetry of wisdom. 1st Draft Milestone

23rd of April

Videochat between Henn and Hadaya, shaping the protagonist Hadi. Hadaya’s research on Syrian metaphorical meanings on names and places.

2nd Draft

May 2024

14th of May

At the 2nd Draft stage first edit by Karim Hadaya. Translation and explanation of ancient Arab poetry structure by Hadaya, refitting the split verses into the script.

3rd Draft

15th of May

Preliminary discussion on production design, budgeting and casting needs. Location ideas and scouting were discussed.

18th of May

Henn and Hadaya edit dialogues.

4th Draft Milestone

20th of May

Finishing touches on the Script. Rearrangement of verses to better fit pace and rhythm of the poetry. Addition of a small poem on identity loss by Yasmin Henn.

5th Draft

21st of May

Preliminary discussion of festival strategy; potential script doctoring and financing.

29th of May

Script doctored by Saul James.

6th Draft

June 2024

3rd of June

Edition of a montage sequence to the script.

7th Draft - FINAL DEVELOPMENT MILESTONE

Budget

We will use the funds to cover the costs of the following stages: production, post-production, festivals & PR/marketing.

Our principal photography date is currently set for the 13th of September. Sharing this campaign will provide us with the necessary exposure to achieve our target goal in time for production, so please share the Crowdfunder amongst your circles.

Mood Board & Visual References