Director Ian Thomas Ash’s first feature documentary is the story of Vicki, a single mother struggling with addiction, and her young son, Jake. The film opens as Vicki and Jake are beginning a new chapter in their lives, moving from a homeless shelter into their own council house. But however hard Vicki tries creating a home for herself and her son, she is unable to ignore old problems and avoid new ones that arise. Shot with hard-headed honesty, Vicki and Jake combines uncompromising interviews, scenes of drug abuse and touching intimacy between mother and son. It is a film of extremes, and as Vicki finds herself losing control the story shifts to the relationship between Vicki and the film-maker, neither of whom will give up their quest for a happy ending without a fight.
Ian Thomas Ash
Ian Thomas Ash is from upstate New York, and graduated from the University of Plattsburgh with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Theatre. Upon graduation he moved to Bato-machi, a rural town in Japan, where he taught for three years. During this time he began to experiment with filmmaking. His early pieces include short films about a modern Japanese Noh play, the tea ceremony and a promotional video for a Japanese singer. He also made his first feature-length film, ‘Documenting Us’ (2003). After earning an MA in Filmmaking from the University of Bristol (UK) in 2004, Ian returned to Japan where he is working on his next documentary project.
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The Ballad of Vicki and Jake
Great Britain
2005, 90', color, video
Directed by:
Ian Thomas Ash
Screenplay by:
Ian Thomas Ash
Cinematography:
Ken Kwek
Edited by:
Lizzie Minnion
Music:
Jonah
Producers:
Ian Thomas Ash, Ken Kwek
Produced by:
Ian Thomas Ash
Festivals & Awards:
Visions du Réel 2006, Nyon - Winner of the Regards Neufs Prix du Canton Vaud
