I saw 'Homeless Ashes' at the Warwick Independent Film Festival and thought it a powerful, moving and well-researched account of the complex reasons that can drive some into homelessness. I thought it was directed with verve and imagination, had well-chosen, evocative locations, was well acted and had an effective score. Most impressive of all was its strong appeal for empathy and concern for the many that are struggling to survive on the streets. It is worth remembering that last year alone 729 people died on Britain's streets. I hope 'Homeless Ashes' gets distributed widely because it may help pressure the government to take the issue of homelessness a great deal more seriously.
220 Reviews
Emotional Indie Filmmaking and an Impressive Debut Feature!
babellec8 April 2021
Strengths:
-- Cinematography
-- Score
-- Emotion
Weaknesses: -- Too many characters -- The script could have used another pass (cut a few characters, shorten some of the dialogue-heavy scenes) -- The dialogue recording picks up background noise at times -- Occasional sloppy cuts between shots
This is one of my first written reviews for a movie I have ever posted. I am a huge cinema fan. I have watched a movie or two a week since I was a teenager. I went a step further than most and have watched hundreds of hours of making-of documentaries, while also taking online film theory courses. What prompted me to post this is that it is #indieapril and as an indie author, I understand the importance of reviews and social shares. I broke my "rule" on written movie reviews to share this because I am in awe of the feat.
Go into this knowing it is an indie release. A passion project made through sheer will, grit, and determination. It has flaws but it also has moments of cinematic gold! This is a colossal achievement and I have mad respect for them taking a swing like this outside the traditional avenues.
Homeless Ashes is at its strongest when the score and cinematography are carrying the scene. Some of the long, slow takes where the camera and sound suck you in will make you forget this is an indie. This project is also strengthened by some great emotional moments and heavy topics that help to overcome the weaknesses I noted above.
What gets me excited is that the director's next project is horror. I think his cinematography and use of the score will shine and I hope it is a tighter, more focused script. If he can dial into his strengths, while having a polished script to keep the plot and characters focused, great things will come.
Keep making movies!
Weaknesses: -- Too many characters -- The script could have used another pass (cut a few characters, shorten some of the dialogue-heavy scenes) -- The dialogue recording picks up background noise at times -- Occasional sloppy cuts between shots
This is one of my first written reviews for a movie I have ever posted. I am a huge cinema fan. I have watched a movie or two a week since I was a teenager. I went a step further than most and have watched hundreds of hours of making-of documentaries, while also taking online film theory courses. What prompted me to post this is that it is #indieapril and as an indie author, I understand the importance of reviews and social shares. I broke my "rule" on written movie reviews to share this because I am in awe of the feat.
Go into this knowing it is an indie release. A passion project made through sheer will, grit, and determination. It has flaws but it also has moments of cinematic gold! This is a colossal achievement and I have mad respect for them taking a swing like this outside the traditional avenues.
Homeless Ashes is at its strongest when the score and cinematography are carrying the scene. Some of the long, slow takes where the camera and sound suck you in will make you forget this is an indie. This project is also strengthened by some great emotional moments and heavy topics that help to overcome the weaknesses I noted above.
What gets me excited is that the director's next project is horror. I think his cinematography and use of the score will shine and I hope it is a tighter, more focused script. If he can dial into his strengths, while having a polished script to keep the plot and characters focused, great things will come.
Keep making movies!
Redemption
twashbur10 January 2021
This independent film funded with tireless herculean effort by all involved, including the actors, is Marc Zammit's directorial debut. UK actor Marc took on the challenging lead role and did not disappoint. Being in the US, I learned anout the film from the fund raising and waited a long time before international distribution. Homelessness is everyone's issue and is global, each story unique to the person living it. It can happen to anyone at any time so "seeing it" & "revealing it" gives those souls back power. Zammit chose his cast with meticulous care, the performances of each and every one of them is indeed haunting. It is an emotional film on many levels the writing pushes the viewer and you can't look away. I wish everyone could see this film and be a little wiser and more compassionate to the homeless community in their own backyard. Most people just need a chance to change their misfortune and process grief to heal. Helping to be a light in their darkness is a great first step. My only regret for the film is an editing one, the besutiful score by Mark Wind in parts of the film swallows up the dialogue and the viewer strains to hear the story. It lost impact due to this one error which was frustrating. However, the storyline and the rest of the acting and directing never gets lost and it stays with you long after viewing. Nominations were well deserved on this film project. Marc Zammit is on my director's radar looking forward to his next effort.
Brave and Beautiful
laurajeanmarsh26 February 2020
I was lucky enough to see Homeless Ashes last night at Everyman Baker Street. I can honestly say I am blown away. Blown away by the performances, directing and cinematography. And blown away by how brave, honest and beautiful it was. It shows human nature in its rawest form. And highlights the chain of problematic causes it takes to lead an individual down the 'wrong path'. I truly believe this film will make an impact on how we see homeless people. It should and it will make us see individuals without homes, as human beings, like ourselves. With stories, and families. Marc Zammit clearly is a very talented director and performer, but what makes him unique is that he is in tune with the human heart and has clearly illustrated this in his feature film debut. I am so excited to see what he does next. And what this beautiful film will do for our community.
Thumbs up for making it but nothing else
annieringading11 December 2019
I have to give it up to anyone who can get a movie made and I think the team behind this film should be proud of themselves on that fact but on that fact only.
This film has been years in the making, mainly by the 3-year crowdfunding campaign, which brought in a lot more than what was put on the screen. The producer/director/leading man should have picked one role and stuck to it (preferably not the acting, weak screen presence, even weaker screen character). His inability to multi task shines through as all three areas are left wanting. Such a missed opportunity to actually show the plight of the homeless and give some honest resolve but unfortunately this film serves to be nothing more than a puff piece to, one can only assume, to bolster the perception that Mr. Zammit can have his cake and eat it.
No danger, no consequence, no heart. The film is filled with nothing but clichéd troupes that have been done with more gusto a thousand times over, but what do you expect from a debut writer who must have peed his pants a little to getting the gig.
With films that are crowdfunded, you can afford to produce a poorly presented project like this, because there is no waiting investor watching their money go down the drain. I'd be interested to see what unfolds next for this team on projects that they will have to be responsible to return a profit and recoup investment.
Nevertheless, they did do what they set out to do and no one can take that away from them.
This film has been years in the making, mainly by the 3-year crowdfunding campaign, which brought in a lot more than what was put on the screen. The producer/director/leading man should have picked one role and stuck to it (preferably not the acting, weak screen presence, even weaker screen character). His inability to multi task shines through as all three areas are left wanting. Such a missed opportunity to actually show the plight of the homeless and give some honest resolve but unfortunately this film serves to be nothing more than a puff piece to, one can only assume, to bolster the perception that Mr. Zammit can have his cake and eat it.
No danger, no consequence, no heart. The film is filled with nothing but clichéd troupes that have been done with more gusto a thousand times over, but what do you expect from a debut writer who must have peed his pants a little to getting the gig.
With films that are crowdfunded, you can afford to produce a poorly presented project like this, because there is no waiting investor watching their money go down the drain. I'd be interested to see what unfolds next for this team on projects that they will have to be responsible to return a profit and recoup investment.
Nevertheless, they did do what they set out to do and no one can take that away from them.
Makes you think
Expresso_Mick5 April 2020
A touching, human story of trauma, survival and strength
luke_richards_9227 February 2020
Saw this great film last night and it is amazing the hard work that Director/ Actor Marc Zammit has achieved with this film. A touching human story of Frankie as he survives the struggles of being homeless in modern Britain and trying to get by with very little prospects.
There are many strengths in Zammit's directional debut. Each actor gives a strong performance, bringing life to characters that each represent a sense of pain or loss. An urge just to get by and survive to the next day. You can tell in performer connected with their character and through that gave them life and a voice.
I have to give a shout out to the cinematography of Richard Oakes, who makes in shot exuberant and majestic, with certain shots standing out from Chico finding a young Frankie to the one of the films more comedic scenes.
Marc and co. have truly put their blood, sweat and tears as well as passion in making this four year project come to life and give a voice to those who are ignored or deemed invisible. Homeless Ashes is proof the impact that a independent film can have on an audience, especially within a saturated market of big budget franchises. A film of our time and will raise awareness of the homeless situation in the UK and hopefully inspire people to share to those who have very little.
Go see this film.
There are many strengths in Zammit's directional debut. Each actor gives a strong performance, bringing life to characters that each represent a sense of pain or loss. An urge just to get by and survive to the next day. You can tell in performer connected with their character and through that gave them life and a voice.
I have to give a shout out to the cinematography of Richard Oakes, who makes in shot exuberant and majestic, with certain shots standing out from Chico finding a young Frankie to the one of the films more comedic scenes.
Marc and co. have truly put their blood, sweat and tears as well as passion in making this four year project come to life and give a voice to those who are ignored or deemed invisible. Homeless Ashes is proof the impact that a independent film can have on an audience, especially within a saturated market of big budget franchises. A film of our time and will raise awareness of the homeless situation in the UK and hopefully inspire people to share to those who have very little.
Go see this film.
Powerful and Transformative
ninokadic3 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is a film that needed to be made. The acting is extremely good, especially from Marc Zammit, who excelled as Frankie, Jamey May, who gave us a touching and self-aware portrayal of Nicole, and Ritchi Edwards, who gave us one of the most touching moments of the film as Al.
This is an honest film that does not romanticise or diminish the reality of being homeless. The plot is deep and complex, as well as very dynamic, featuring both subtle and direct twists. Some of my favourite moments of the film illustrate this quite well.
For example, the moment when Frankie meets a woman dancing on the street, who is first afraid of him but changes her attitude once she sees how apprehensive Frankie becomes when he notices that he scares her. The scene when they dance together is one of the few lighter, less gritty moments of the movie. It is also one of the most human. That lightness is quickly negated shortly thereafter.
Another such moment features Al, a homeless, disabled veteran who is attacked by a drunk man who is not homeless. That man offers Al a drink, but he refuses. That is a rather direct subversion of the viewer's expectations, but there is a more subtle one as well. When the drunk man attacked Al, I expected him to snap and fight back (rightfully so!), but that does not happen. Al gets beaten up and is helpless until Frankie steps in to help him. The homeless veteran is thus portrayed as a man with a quiet kind of dignity, but also as someone who can be weak and afraid, like the rest of us.
The final moment, when Frankie meets his mum, is where the film could have ended and I would have been completely fine with it. When she ponders about what he went through during his 11 years of being homeless, the shaky "it doesn't matter" uttered by Frankie, through tears, is soul-crushing.
Overall, I loved this film. I warmly recommend it to everyone and I am so glad that it sets a precedent for the future. We need more films that unapologetically tackle serious issues - art that is a true mirror of our world.
This is an honest film that does not romanticise or diminish the reality of being homeless. The plot is deep and complex, as well as very dynamic, featuring both subtle and direct twists. Some of my favourite moments of the film illustrate this quite well.
For example, the moment when Frankie meets a woman dancing on the street, who is first afraid of him but changes her attitude once she sees how apprehensive Frankie becomes when he notices that he scares her. The scene when they dance together is one of the few lighter, less gritty moments of the movie. It is also one of the most human. That lightness is quickly negated shortly thereafter.
Another such moment features Al, a homeless, disabled veteran who is attacked by a drunk man who is not homeless. That man offers Al a drink, but he refuses. That is a rather direct subversion of the viewer's expectations, but there is a more subtle one as well. When the drunk man attacked Al, I expected him to snap and fight back (rightfully so!), but that does not happen. Al gets beaten up and is helpless until Frankie steps in to help him. The homeless veteran is thus portrayed as a man with a quiet kind of dignity, but also as someone who can be weak and afraid, like the rest of us.
The final moment, when Frankie meets his mum, is where the film could have ended and I would have been completely fine with it. When she ponders about what he went through during his 11 years of being homeless, the shaky "it doesn't matter" uttered by Frankie, through tears, is soul-crushing.
Overall, I loved this film. I warmly recommend it to everyone and I am so glad that it sets a precedent for the future. We need more films that unapologetically tackle serious issues - art that is a true mirror of our world.
Sensitive and touching
AlexaLondon2027 March 2020
A great first feature from director Marc Zammit - really touching look at homelessness showing sensitivity and insight. Credit to the director to have achieved so much on a small budget.
Visually impressive and well made - hopefully the film will get wide distribution to help put pressure on the government to improve the situation of the homeless.
a fanciful idea of being homeless!
watcher201918 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A young boy kills his father and then takes to the streets. He looked about 10? He lived on the streets for 11years? Really? Nobody noticed someone as young as that among the homeless? Themajority of them seemed nice, helpful and willing to give you anything they could share? Unbelieveable! Street living is nothing like that. In that world its really is dog eat dog. Plenty of them takeadvantge of the young and the vulnerable. The camaderie shown in this film would be very rare indeed. I do not think homeless people are invisable. In fact inthe city where i live they are very visible indeed. I see and hear them all the time. I have seen them fight among themselves and they can be incredibly vicious. Yes, they all have a story and i am sure some are very sad. Others are very very ill. This is indeed a very fanciful tale of homelessness. On the plus side the lead actor was fabulous!
A team's labour of love
elle-615174 March 2020
I saw Homeless Ashes this week and thought it was just fantastic. Such a hard-hitting film that really makes you stop and think. I can see that the team poured their heart and soul into this and it paid off. Really great acting and cinematography. Well done to the whole team involved!
A meaningful & Heart touching Cinema !
purvam_00924 April 2021
A must watched.
Christopher_Tyson17 April 2020
I happened to stumble on this Movie on Video.. This film is not for the faint of hearted. A subject, few wish to tackle. Homeless Ashes does just that. Moving.... Needed is a box of Kleeneks. The cinema photography is a brilliant using of framing. The lighting as well. I could relate to this movie. I give it 10 stars.
Brilliant First Film!
clairgleave17 April 2020
Absolutely amazing achievement for a low budget film
Orianep21 May 2020
Such an important topic to finally be brought to screen through the many different stories homeless people have. No doubt that the film will help raise awareness, change people's opinions and hopefully make them better human beings by helping homeless people on a daily basis. Amazing directing debut for Marc Zammit, I cannot wait to see what he does next!
Moving, engaging and inspiring
simon-alphastar28 February 2020
I really enjoyed this. An interesting story with great performances especially from Marc Zammit, Jason Fleming and Angela Dixon. An excellent directorial debut too from Marc Zammit. Massive congratulations to all involved.
Great British drama, gritty at times, but with plenty of heart.
GaryPM12 May 2020
I've just finished watching the film on Prime and really enjoyed it. There's some great performances in there and I found it entirely engaging.
It's a very thought provoking story and quite moving at times. The Director, writer and cast did a great job in bringing a real issue (the homeless epidemic) out of the darkness, into the light. I hope this will start to make the general public realise that homeless people are human beings, that have real feelings, fears, problems and love within them. They are in a difficult position that given the right/wrong set of circumstances, could befall any of us.
I've read into how it took 4 years for new, young, British Director Marc Zammit to get this made, with financing through crowdfunding. I admire his determination and this seems like a real passion project for him. It must have taken an enormous amount of hard work to bring everything together. I think he should be very proud of what he's created here.
I did have a couple of sound issues in places (which may be down to my setup) where the levels were a little high/low and slightly out of sync for a scene or two.
I also felt that on a couple of occasions during the story, I would have liked to linger on the events/trauma that the characters had just experienced, a little longer. But I understand the choices made, as there's a lot to pack in, for the running time of just under 2 hours.
One thing that's apparent in all of the work that I've seen by the Director (showreel on his website), is that he really does have a great eye for capturing beautiful pictures on camera - be that stills or video. The visuals on this film are stunning - something I would have expected to see on a movie with a 'big' budget.
I'd like to come back and rewatch this at a later date, to leave a review that's more story focused.
With a portion of the revenue going to homeless charities, this is a great British film from a caring Director, who I believe is going places. I recommend you watch it for yourself.
I'm really looking forward to his next projects, to see what he does.
It's a very thought provoking story and quite moving at times. The Director, writer and cast did a great job in bringing a real issue (the homeless epidemic) out of the darkness, into the light. I hope this will start to make the general public realise that homeless people are human beings, that have real feelings, fears, problems and love within them. They are in a difficult position that given the right/wrong set of circumstances, could befall any of us.
I've read into how it took 4 years for new, young, British Director Marc Zammit to get this made, with financing through crowdfunding. I admire his determination and this seems like a real passion project for him. It must have taken an enormous amount of hard work to bring everything together. I think he should be very proud of what he's created here.
I did have a couple of sound issues in places (which may be down to my setup) where the levels were a little high/low and slightly out of sync for a scene or two.
I also felt that on a couple of occasions during the story, I would have liked to linger on the events/trauma that the characters had just experienced, a little longer. But I understand the choices made, as there's a lot to pack in, for the running time of just under 2 hours.
One thing that's apparent in all of the work that I've seen by the Director (showreel on his website), is that he really does have a great eye for capturing beautiful pictures on camera - be that stills or video. The visuals on this film are stunning - something I would have expected to see on a movie with a 'big' budget.
I'd like to come back and rewatch this at a later date, to leave a review that's more story focused.
With a portion of the revenue going to homeless charities, this is a great British film from a caring Director, who I believe is going places. I recommend you watch it for yourself.
I'm really looking forward to his next projects, to see what he does.
A great and true lesson can be learned from Homeless Ashes
cheekytigre26 February 2020
A thought provoking, tear jerker and heart string pulling movie. It is greatly set out within an issue, which a lot of people are stuck in. One that some would judge, rather than know and delve within the truths to help others. Very much worth watching.
Where there is sadness, lessons can be learned, and hope can also be built upon it.
Where there is sadness, lessons can be learned, and hope can also be built upon it.
Powerful Film with a Powerful Message
shawtime55-9-19384025 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Shining a light on homelessness & domestic violence.
Having had the opportunity to see this film, From my experience i find it quite rare nowadays to be so effected by a film and it's story- that was not the case with Homeless Ashes.
Incredibly moving a truly wonderful film with a powerful message.
HOMELESS NOT INVISIBLE
Congratulations to everyone involved BRAVO!
I don't think i will ever watch a washing machine-mid cycle, in the same way again. No spoilers!
Congratulations to everyone involved BRAVO!
I don't think i will ever watch a washing machine-mid cycle, in the same way again. No spoilers!
A compelling viewing event
justinkhayward26 September 2019
I was lucky enough to see this film at the Raindance Film Festival this week. It's a beautifully crafted work dealing with a difficult subject with care and compassion. As a debut feature film, Marc has created an immersive world which most of us will never see from inside, which lays out the stark brutality of homelessness and the breadth of reasons as to why this occurs. Whilst not perfect, it's a satisfying and emotional journey, made all the more compelling by the gorgeous cinematography, thoughtful score, excellent performances and great use of location. Huge congratulations to Marc and the team for bringing this important film to the cinema, and raising all of the money himself when no studio thought it would have an audience.
Disclaimer: I backed the production of the film but I do not get any financial compensation.
Disclaimer: I backed the production of the film but I do not get any financial compensation.
Powerful, moving & thought provoking!
suzy-424 November 2019
I was lucky enough to catch Homeless Ashes at the Southampton Film Festival. Such a powerful, moving and thought provoking film with great performances. The Cinematography and locations were fantastic, Marc and the team should be so proud of this piece of work. I would highly recommend you see it!
Hauntingly beautiful
susie-16121 October 2019
I was privileged to watch this film at the recent Raindance festival in London. Knowing this is an independent film, funded with determination, dedication and conviction by Londoner Marc Zammit - making his directorial debut, and taking on the challenging lead role - I am counting the days before this remarkable film finds international distribution. Homelessness is a global issue, and everyone should see this film. Zammit chose his cast with meticulous care, the performances of each and every one of them is haunting; from the sweeping score by Mark Wind to the magic of Richard Oakes' cinematography, writer George Willcox's dialogue transports you to a place you never want to go, and yet you become so invested in each character and each of their stories, you cannot fail to feel involved. I am not ashamed to say I cried....a lot. But more importantly, I no longer walk past a man or woman huddled in a doorway.
Beautiful and moving
anette-martinsen26 September 2019
Shining a Light
dougmauldenlocke25 September 2019
Homeless Ashes shines a light on subject matter not discussed enough. It's a brave undertaking to give a voice to the voiceless. A passion project for its Director and Star, it would have been a challenge for any filmmaker and Marc Zammit took it all the way.
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