Erica Ash Talks About Postpartum Short Film ‘Post Life‘Posted by Wilson Morales
November 19, 2015
Erica Ash, who’s currently seen on Starz’s Survivor’s Remorse and BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood, stars in a short called ‘Post Life.’ Written, directed and produced by a team of minority women, the film delves into what happens after a tormented mother tragically loses her three-month old daughter. The film is directed by Salli Richardson-Whitfield, known for the ABC Family show Stitchers and hit film, I Am Legend, is executive produced by Nina Yang Bongiovi (Dope, Fruitvale Station) and written and produced by Nikki Love (Pass the Light, The Last Fall).
Ash plays the role of Cheryl McIntosh, spotlighting the struggles of postpartum from an African American woman’s perspective.
Postpartum psychosis drove Cheryl McIntosh to kill her own infant daughter. Now, recently paroled to her old neighborhood, she finds she is ostracized by her very own community. Labeled a “baby killer”, she is finding it difficult to start over and regain some semblance of normality in her life. Unsure of her future, Cheryl begins the tumultuous road to getting re-acclimated to society. However, her hopes for a new life are shattered as her past begins to take over.
The film touches on tough topics such as postpartum psychosis, infanticide, suicide, mental illness, and unforgiveness.
Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Ash about her involvement with the short film.
What attracted you to the project?
Erica Ash: I was skeptical about this being a real disease and once I found out how real it is I felt there was a divine reason it landed on my desk. I know how it feels to be unheard and unrecognized. So I think I have at least that stake in sharing this aspect of these women’s stories.
Although it’s a short, how did you get into character?
EA: I had conversations with the producer as well as women from the Postpartum Support International organization (who were gracious enough to come to the set to answer questions and offer suggestions) and read articles about it. Then I just opened myself up emotionally and asked the universe to lead me to the most authentic service to the post partum psychosis community possible through my character interpretation.
How was working with Salli as a director?
EA: This was my first experience with Salli as a director. Previously we worked together as actors on the comedy series Real Husbands of Hollywood. This was a first for her as well since she’d never seen my work outside of comedy. But it flowed as if she’d always directed me and I’d always done drama. It really was a kismet experience! We had a lot of unspoken communication! It felt like she could just give me a look and I just knew what she wanted. I truly feel this is an anointed project.
What do you think will be the sell should it be made into a film?
EA: As with me I believed people will be drawn in by curiosity. “What in the world would make a woman kill her own child??!!” “What kind of woman could do that??!!” As a single woman with no children I was drawn in and believe curiosity will span all demographics, gender, races and age groups! The entertainment value of the strong performances (especially from someone mostly known for comedy) will draw people in, once they’re in they’ll be informed, once informed they’ll spread the word and more women will start getting the diagnosis, care and healing they need!
Filmmakers also announced that “Post Life” is officially affiliated with Postpartum Support International, an organization dedicated to offering training, resources and most notably, support for women dealing with such pregnancy and postpartum issues.
