By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – “Burnt Ashes,” a short film directed by Freehold Township High School senior Avery Cohen, will be screened during the Brightside Tavern Film Festival in Jersey City. The film festival will take place from March 3-5.
“Burnt Ashes” will be screened on March 4 at the Brightside Tavern, 414 Bright St., Jersey City. Avery’s film will be among a group of works to be screened between 6-7:50 p.m.
“Burnt Ashes” has received nominations in the categories of Best Actor, Best Concept and Best New Jersey Short at the festival, according to a press release.
Avery said “Burnt Ashes” tells the story of an aimless 19-year-old who begins to see things in a different light after a young man he meets shows him how to do so.
Avery’s interest in filmmaking originated from an early fascination with moving images. After receiving a flip camera as a gift, his passion for filming grew.
“One step after another, I would soon learn to appreciate and love filming things,” the young man said. “This led me to creating my own shorts, which evolved into what they are today.”
He cited renowned filmmakers Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino as being among his influences.
“Watching tons of classic films gave me an underlying appreciation for the little things that film gives to us in our everyday lives,” he said.
Avery, who is working on a new screenplay, has no shortage of ideas for future projects.
“Not a minute goes by where I lack an idea for a scene or a short,” he said. “That is the beautiful thing about film. You can see anything from your daily life and re-imagine it as a scene in a film. That is one of the many pleasing parts I appreciate about my passion to go into this field.”
With one of his films now set to appear in a festival, Avery considers himself to be fortunate.
“I feel incredibly fortunate,” he said. “It is a huge step in the right direction and I would not be able to achieve this progress without the overwhelming help of my parents, Brenda and Scott, my older brother, Josh, and of course, my many friends and extended family members who never cease to inspire me constantly.”
“Burnt Ashes” may also be viewed on YouTube.
