Turning Grief Into Beauty: Our Short Documentary with Minhi England and Artful Ashes

At Coho Films, some of the most impactful projects we take on are the quietest—the ones rooted in loss, memory, and healing. One of those stories is Artful Ashes, a short documentary centered on Minhi England, a gifted glass artist who transforms human cremains into timeless, beautiful works of art.

This project, filmed with deep respect and care, explores how art can offer comfort and connection for those navigating grief—while also paying tribute to Minhi’s late husband, fellow glass artist Jesse England.

A Personal and Powerful Journey

Artful Ashes is more than a company—it’s a service of remembrance. Using a tablespoon of cremated ashes, the team handcrafts vibrant glass sculptures that preserve the essence of a loved one in a swirl of color and light. For Minhi, this process became deeply personal after the passing of her husband Jesse, whose memory and artistic legacy continue to inspire her work.

Minhi, who was later featured on Netflix’s Blown Away, shares in the film how she uses glass as a language of healing, infusing her pieces with meaning, memory, and a sense of presence. Her story is one of courage, craftsmanship, and quiet strength in the face of unimaginable loss.

Filming with Sensitivity and Intention

Telling Minhi’s story required a cinematic approach grounded in care. We focused on capturing delicate visuals that highlighted the meditative rhythm of glassblowing while never overwhelming the emotional narrative. Every shot was designed to reflect the warmth and humanity at the heart of the Artful Ashes mission.

From glowing furnaces to swirling color lines infused with ashes, the film reveals the intimate and sacred nature of the memorial creation process.

Helping Others Heal

Through this short documentary, we hoped to honor not only Jesse’s life but also the countless others whose memories are preserved through Artful Ashes. The company offers both in-person sessions and secure mail-in options, ensuring that each creation is handled with respect, precision, and care.

As Minhi says in the film, “You’re not just working with ashes—you’re working with love.” That sentiment echoes through every frame.

Interested in telling stories that sit at the intersection of art, healing, and humanity?
Coho Films crafts cinematic documentary content that gives space for emotion and celebrates resilience.