Written / directed by David Arthur / 2025 / 12 min

In the ruins of a forgotten park, an estranged father and daughter reunite, but together they must also face the devastating truth that has torn them apart.

After Red Ash (2024), David wanted to further explore the story of what happened to the absent brother character in that short. In developing their family story - along with biographical details from his own background - he wrote the stand-alone short film Swan Songs. Knowledge and love of classical music is the shared bond that plays out this time, but the timeframe and setting are similar to Red Ash: over a single day, using a neglected park as it’s backdrop. This time however, dream logic and the emotional stakes are pushed further.

This production was again self-produced with the support of Forest of Black as executive producers and the ambitions were larger, with two main cast throughout (the role of the deceased was taken on by another Castlemilk acting legend this time: Stephen McCole, alongside the brilliant Elysia Welch playing his daughter), and a strong supporting role (by fellow editor Lee McKellar playing a Parky). David is in talks (with himself) about a third film, to make this into a trilogy.

Swan Songs premiered in competition at the BAFTA-qualifying Glasgow Short Film Festival, has been selected in competition for three BIFA-qualifying festivals, and won 6 awards at the Fisheye Film Festival including best UK short, best screenplay and best director.