‘FILTHY ANIMALS’ (2024) Superbly unhinged vigilante shit, and that’s a compliment.

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freestyle-digital-media-logoFILTHY ANIMALS

Filthy Animals poster

James T. North provides audiences with delicious and wickedly dark humor in his latest film. Set on Christmas Eve, FILTHY ANIMALS tells the story of two misfits, Lars, a thrill-seeking drug enthusiast, and Freddy, a bodybuilder recently out of rehab, who hunt down child sexual predators.

FilthyAnimals_grd04_Rec709_1.529.1.png - Powered by Box - app.box.comThis oddball team of modern-day outlaws fearlessly tracks down society’s worst with hypnotic nonchalance. It is no wonder the film had a field day on the festival circuit—the cast rules. Raymond S. Barry is phenomenal as Lester. Mena Elizabeth Santos is equally deranged, letting the intrusive thoughts win.

FilthyAnimals_grd04_Rec709_1.624.1.tif - Powered by Box - app.box.comRyan Patrick Brown delivers an unexpectedly gentle turn as Freddy. Focusing on gains rather than violence, his love for his Baba and adoration for Westerns fit perfectly into this weird puzzle. Austan Wheeler delivers a comedically unhinged performance playing Lars. He is a coked-up loose cannon and motivator/bad influence for Freddy. Wheeler’s toxic aggression gets a pass due to his vigilante goals.

FILTHY ANIMALS standoff stillRobby Ngai‘s editing is applause-worthy. North provides enough meat to expand into a series. There is much to explore within these characters. Each one deserves an entire episode for their backstory.

FilthyAnimals_grd04_Rec709_1.945.1.png - Powered by Box - app.box.comThe film celebrates the morally grey areas of life. The fantasy sequences bleed into the narrative like a gift. Memorable, singular, and sensorial FILTHY ANIMALS is the epitome of cult indie filmmaking.

 
Freestyle Digital Media’s newest crime thriller FILTHY ANIMALS with a Western, holiday twist, opens in select theaters and will be available on VOD on Friday, December 13th.

 

Written and Directed by JAMES T. NORTH

Produced by ELYUSHA VAFAEISEFAT, KENDRA GAGE NORTH, and JAMES T. NORTH

Starring RYAN PATRICK BROWN, AUSTAN WHEELER, MENA ELIZABETH SANTOS, PETER LARNEY, and RAYMOND J. BARRY

96 minutes | Crime, Thriller | 2024 | English | USA

MPA Rated R for language, violence, sexual references, drug material

 

Official Site: www.filthyanimalsmovie.com

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11468144/

Instagram: @FilthyAnimalsMovie

Facebook: @FilthyAnimalsMovie

X: @FilthyAnimalzzz

#FilthyAnimalsMovie    #ABadDayInTheSouthBay

 

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‘Screams from the Tower’ (DWF NY 2024) A gay, coming-of-age story of friendship, fearlessness, and the future.

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POSTER-DWFNY-2024-480x709Screams from the Tower

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Filmmaker Cory Wexler Grant gave DWF NY 2024 audiences belly laughs with the East Coast debut of SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER. The film follows best friends Julien and Cary as they vie for a morning radio spot at their high school in the early 90s. Getting there is only the beginning. As the show evolved, so did its creators and fans.

The script is quirky, whippy, and bold. The dialogue settles into 90s jargon in such a natural way you might think it has been sitting on a shelf since. I mean that as a compliment. Each character has unique flaws and big feelings. The chemistry between every cast member is outstanding. Even the parents and teachers are memorable.

David Bloom gives Cary a solid best-friend connection and comic foil for Richie Fusco. Opposites attract in every sense. Other notable performances from Ryan Golf, Madison Tevlin, Amanda Bruton, and TJ Lee round out the hilarity.

Richie Fusco has genuine Ducky meets Ferris Bueller energy playing Julien. From his style to his humor, he effortlessly commands this ensemble. His journey of self-discovery drives SCREAMS from beginning to end. He oozes charm.

Knowing that the film is an homage to Grant’s teenage years makes every aspect more delicious. As a theatre kid from the class of ’99 growing up on John Hughes films, this film tapped into every bit of my coming-of-age individuality. Grant taps into the loneliness of secrets and the handling of creative kids. I felt this film in my bones.

Screams from the Tower Trailer:

WRITER/DIR: Cory Wexler Grant
PROD: Alexander Wenger
CAST: Richie Fusco, David Bloom, Madison Tevlin

“Screams from the Tower” Synopsis:
“Screams from the Tower” is a gay, coming of-age comedy that follows Julien, his best friend Cary, and their outcast friends through high school in the early 90’s. Julien and Carys dream of having their own show on the high school radio station is finally realized, bringing them popularity and infamy they never imagined.

“Screams from the Tower” Directors Note:
“Screams from the Tower” is broadly based on my teenage years, growing up in the 1990s in the Chicago suburbs. I wanted to write a gay, coming-of-age comedy in the style of the late great John Hughes who only ever hinted at the concept of being gay in his movies but was so very instrumental in highlighting the growing pains of the nerds, weirdos, and outliers. I didn’t want to focus on the trauma experienced by so many queer kids or even the passion surrounding unrequited teenage crushes. So many young adult gay movies have already illustrated these themes so well. Instead, I wanted to make a broader movie to which more people could relate. Focusing on the absurd, painful, and often laughable journey of self-discovery and identity exploration every teen goes through before graduating and leaving the lives they know.
I wanted to show the generation currently enduring high school the technological and cultural changes which have occurred since I was a kid – not out of nostalgia – but to highlight areas of cultural and social change and the areas which have not. Mostly, I hope they find it funny. I hope they can empathize. I hope they can identify in the same way those who lived it can. “Screams from the Tower” is a love story, but not a romantic one. This movie is a love letter to an old friend who forever changed my perception of the world. He taught me how to be proud, stranger and fearless. This movie i s in large part, for him and all the “weird” kids out there.

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‘B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.)’ (DWF NY 2024) Jeskid’s new short film takes on the absurdity of the rat race.

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POSTER-DWFNY-2024-480x709B!tch I’m Early

B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.)


In under six minutes, DWF NY 2024 audience winner B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.) manages to be quintessentially New York and entirely universal in climbing the corporate ladder as a woman. This generational battle of two women, who are more alike than they realize, pit themselves against each other for an office promotion. Quite literally racing to the office only to discover someone unexpected in their way at every turn. Actresses Michelle Batista and Jesenia revel in their slapstick abilities, viscous tongues, and fearlessness. Violinist Elizabeth Tsung provides the score in real time, and it is magic. The fast-paced editing is to die for. Filmmaker Jesse “Jeskid” Cowell delivers the laughs and a climax that hilariously satisfies everyone.

B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.) Trailer:

“B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.)” Synopsis:
In the corporate world, being FIRST is all that matters. Two women, a generation apart, find themselves locked in an absurd battle for a coveted promotion. Desperate to outshine each other, the ladies escalate their rivalry from petty arguments to an all-out race to the office. “B!tch I’m Early” delivers a masterclass in comedic timing and mounting tension with an eclectic, diverse cast to back it up. This six-minute gem manages to pack the punch of a full feature, hilariously skewering corporate culture while reminding us that in the rat race, we’re all running in circles.

“B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.)” Director Bio:
Jesse “Jeskid” Cowell has been honing his filmmaking craft for over 30 years. Refusing to wait for his big break, Jeskid took to the web in 2003 and has since created over a thousand pieces of content. He has written and directed two independent features online, was one of the first vloggers (pre-YouTube), and has innovated at every stage.
A Webby Award winner with nearly a billion views for his directing and producing work, Jeskid’s impact is undeniable. His film is featured in a chapter of a USC textbook, and his comedy series garnered 10 million views in 2022. Jeskid’s journey proves that art thrives when a determined artist stays true to who they are. Stories must be told. Movies must be made. Creators, like Jeskid, must create.
“B!tch I’m Early” marks Jeskid’s latest foray into one of his favorite genres, the cinematic-comedy made popular by filmmakers such as Edgar Wright and Mike Judge. With an Office Space-like flair, Jeskid mixes a surreal comedy style with the pace of an action movie. Joined by a terrific, diverse cast, he has surrounded himself with talent and has had the time of his life bringing this new vision to fruition.

“B!tch I’m Early (B.I.E.)” Director Statement:
I love seeing talented people shine and doing everything in my power to create cinematic universes in which they can. Throw some social commentary, action and laughs in there and I am a happy filmmaker.

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‘CANCHAS’ (DWF NY 2024) A poignant short and snapshot of our collective trauma

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From the moment it begins, DWF NY 2024 short film CANCHAS perfectly captures the chaos, fear, and unresolved trauma of COVID-19. The story follows a dermatologist who has become a vital frontline worker. The intimate hand camera work immerses the audience in those new and meticulous routines we created in masking, social distancing, sanitizing, and disinfecting.

Watching brings back all the PTSD for this writer of having a three and four-year-old in Manhattan during those days. Unlike so many of our lifelong city dwellers, we did not flee. It was an experience entirely different from suburban living.

CANCHAS is a beautiful platform for leading lady Anuska Martínez. She is equal parts vulnerable, strong, stoic, and resilient. Like NYC, Madrid’s nightly applause from windows and balconies in support of frontline workers felt like a single moment in the day to live in the hope of survival as a human race.

In seventeen minutes, Paula Blanco Pérez delivers a raw and personal short film that hits every emotional note, returning us to the days that challenged the globe in ways I hope we never experience again. It deserves your applause and perhaps a feature-length version.

DWF NY 2024 selection

CANCHAS Trailer: https://vimeo.com/934664452

CANCHAS will have its world premiere at DANCES WITH FILMS NYC on Sunday, December 8. The film follows Bárbara, a dermatologist turned frontline worker in Madrid during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, who endures exhaustion and heartbreak as she fights for her patients against the virus. CANCHAS offers a poignant glimpse into her journey of quiet courage amid an overwhelming crisis.

The film is very personal to Paula, as Bárbara is based on her mother’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. She can discuss her creative process and insights on capturing the essence of a global crisis through the lens of an intimate, personal story.

 

PAULA BLANCO PÉREZ – Director / Writer / Co-Editor

Paula Blanco Pérez is an award-winning filmmaker from Madrid, Spain, who has been making movies in Arkansas for eight years. She has a bachelor’s degree in digital filmmaking and a master’s in film from the University of Central Arkansas. She was Director of Education at Fayetteville Public TV and won a Telly Award for the “Cinematic Rig FPTV Promo” she directed. She has also directed and produced several short films like “Dust,” “Mirona,” and “Dandelion,” which won Best Student Film at the Freedom Festival International 2022 and Best International Film at The Continental Film Festival-Tokyo Edition 2022. She has also directed music videos like “Mistakes & Dear Shadow,” which was nominated for Best Student Film at the California Music Video and Film Awards 2023, commercials, and much more! Her latest film, “Canchas,” was the first international production at the University of Central Arkansas, where she shot it in Spain. She is ambitious and motivated to continue making films that combine her Spanish and American culture!

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‘DOUBLE EXPOSURE’ (DWF NY 2024) Guilt, regret, time loss, and ghosts from the past.

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POSTER-DWFNY-2024-480x709DOUBLE EXPOSURE

Double Exposure still 1

Filmmaker Howard Goldberg brings DWF NY 2024 audiences a tale of emotional torture. When Peter’s (Alexander Calvert) ex-girlfriend Sara (Caylee Cowan) shows up in his life unexpectedly, the past and present mysteriously collide. The struggling artist grapples with guilt over what happened to his first love. Opening with a Sondheim quote was undeniably clever, but this puzzle is missing at least half its pieces.

I’m not sure where to begin with DOUBLE EXPOSURE. The opening scene had such potential, but the film quickly goes off the rails into a nonsensical oblivion of unresolved trauma and supernatural bafflement. 

Caylee Cowan is… not great. She doesn’t respond to her castmates. She recites words. It’s naive to the point of mugging. Simon Kim delivers an over-the-top cliche of toxic masculinity. I’m blaming Goldberg here for the entirely gross and offensive dialogue. The rest of the cast is fantastic. Alexander Calvert and Kahyun Kim hold it together. Unfortunately, they are fighting an uphill battle with an incredibly confusing screenplay. 

The story is all over the place. It genuinely felt like there was no script supervisor on set. I could not keep overlapping timelines straight at all. The Wizard of Oz-esque finale is just as messy. DOUBLE EXPOSURE cannot decide what kind of film it wants to be. 

DOUBLE EXPOSURE

North American Premiere

USA, 2024, 93 min.
FRI DEC 6 @ 8PM

WRITER/DIR: Howard Goldberg
PRODS: Julia Verdin, Howard Goldberg
CAST: Alexander Calvert, Caylee Cowan, Kahyun Kim

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‘PEAS AND CARROTS’ (DWF NY 2024) Evan Oppenheimer dishes out the laughs at the World Premiere of his latest film.

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PEAS AND CARROTS
***WORLD PREMIERE | DANCES WITH FILMS 2024 ***

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Evan Oppenheimer‘s hilarious DWF NY premiere PEAS AND CARROTS centers on 16-year-old Joey, the daughter of two one-hit wonder band members from the 90s. A glitch with the kids’ star projector opens a portal to an alternate universe where everybody only says three words: “Peas and Carrots.”

The Wethersbys, your typical New York family of quirky creatives, navigate their musical relevance and the children’s eclectic personalities. Joey longs to take the lead on a newly formed family band, but underlying feelings and said alternate universe has other plans.

The deliberate lens change between worlds is genius. There is a Nickelodeon quality about the entire production, and I do mean that in the highest regard. The score is authentically fun.

Playing the youngest Wethersby, Callum Vinson is adorable as Topper. Talia Oppenheimer has superb comic timing as middle child Mickey. Andrew Polk delivers acerbic wit as producer Woody.

PEAS-AND-CARROTSAmy Carlson and Jordan Bridges are a joy to watch as Laurie and Gordan. Their chemistry is spot on. Kirrilee Berger is a pure delight as Joey. She has a natural star quality akin to Jane Levy or Rachel Sennott. She brings an effervescent energy to the screen.

A clever device comes in the form of a bedtime routine. The dialogue is genuinely hilarious. When Joey enters her dream state, the cast’s commitment to the Peas and Carrots gag is laugh-out-loud funny. Each new scene provides more insight into this mysterious alternative universe. PEAS AND CARROTS manages to weave existentialism into a family film about confidence and identity. It’s a delicious treat, peas, carrots, rhubarb and all. Stick around for the musical credits and a sweet surprise. You’ll be begging for seconds.

DWF NY 2024 selectionDirected by: Evan Oppenheimer (Alchemy)
Produced by: Edward Schmidt, Jay Zellman
Starring: Kirrilee Berger (Unsung Hero), Amy Carlson (“Blue Bloods”), Jordan Bridges (“Rizzoli & Isles”), Andrew Polk (Armageddon Time), Kelly McAndrew (In the Family), Talia Oppenheimer (The Magnificent Meyerons), Callum Vinson (“Chucky”), Laurissa Romain (Top Five), Dan Thompson (A New York Story), Faith Gitchell, Krishna Doodnauth, Angel Desai (“NCIS: New Orleans”), Gabriel Rush (Moonrise Kingdom), Ajay Naidu (Office Space)

Joey Wethersby is a typical 16-year-old New York girl — if your typical New Yorker had parents who were in a one-hit wonder band in the 90’s. And if your typical New Yorker found themselves traveling every night to a bizarre alternate reality, where everybody only says three words: “Peas and Carrots”. Joey finds herself navigating this weird new world, while also dealing with her changing family dynamic, after she suggests that she and her parents (and, to her chagrin, her siblings) form a new band and start rocking out together.

About Evan Oppenheimer
Peas and Carrots is the eighth film written and directed by Evan Oppenheimer. His other films are The Magnificent Meyersons, Lost in Florence, A Little Game, The Speed of Thought, Alchemy, Justice, and The Auteur Theory.

The Magnificent Meyersons is currently on the Starz network, after being theatrically released twice, in 2020 and 2021. Lost in Florence, shot entirely in Italy, was released around the world in 2017 by MGM and Orion Pictures. A Little Game, Evan’s first family film, was called “a classic in its own right” upon its release in 2014, and won Best Feature and Best Actor at the International Family Film Festival. The Speed of Thought, a science fiction thriller, was released nationwide on-demand, as well as in numerous countries around the world, and is currently being adapted for a television series.

Alchemy, a romantic comedy, was subsequently a New York Times Highlight, the TV Guide Movie Pick of the Week, a Washington Post Best Bet, and an Us Weekly Pick. Justice was recognized as the first narrative film to deal with the after-effects of 9/11. It premiered at the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival, and was lauded in The New York Times (“A genuine surprise”), TV Guide (“Admirably subtle”), and The New York Daily News (“There’s no denying the film’s emotional core”).

Evan’s first film, The Auteur Theory, made on a shoestring budget of $70,000, screened in festivals worldwide, winning numerous awards. Reviewers have called it “ingenious”, “among the best first features I have ever seen”, “one of the best independent films of the year”, and “easily the funniest indie film since Clerks”.

After graduating from Yale University with a B.A. in English, Evan was an editor for three years at Atheneum Publishers. He then moved on to NYU Film School, where his student film Cross Road Blues won first prize at the University Film & Video Association Student Film Festival.

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‘PERSONA’ (2024) A clever, chameleon nightmare.

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gravitaslogo2020PERSONA

Persona poster

Director Mike Ho and screenwriter Blyth Kemp deliver a chaotic bullet train of panic and blurry flashes with PERSONA. Two trapped women with vastly different outlooks must come together to survive the isolated cabin of a serial killer. As each spirals in and out of manic episodes, the other counters her with brave calm. They must work together to survive the unthinkable.

Persona Set Stills for PR-36Sophia Ali is Sam, a fiery, take no shit woman whose severe injury and unresolved trauma threaten to end her fight. Ali nails every beat. You are rooting for her every second she is on screen.

Persona Set Stills for PR-56Shanti Lowry gives Tricia a hopeful nature. Underneath is a mess of cryptic hallucinations and garbled memories. Lowry moves through the character with grace amongst the unpredictable.

There is one performance that blows the viewer away. Andrew Howard is unforgettable in a purely schizophrenic, award-worthy turn.

Persona Set Stills for PR-4Ho’s editing is quick and clever. Some of the most effective moments come as the women imagine rescue scenarios for better or worse. PERSONA taps into every true-crime-obsessed female fear. It’s like some demented practice run for very real circumstances. The film boasts an explosive final act. This pulse-pounding, dark ending is worth the wait.

PERSONA Trailer:

SHANTI LOWRY & SOPHIA ALI STAR IN PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER PERSONA
AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL/ON-DEMAND DECEMBER 3RD, 2024

 

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‘YEAR 10’ (2024) A frightening glimpse into humanity’s darkness. What can we learn from this dialogue-less apocalyptic thriller?

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Blue fox LogoYEAR 10

Year 10 poster

In a post-apocalyptic world of cannibals, a man (Toby Goodger) fights wild dogs, nature, and a violent tribe to save his love (Hannah Khalique-Brown) and avenge his father (Duncan Lacroix).

Filmmaker Benjamin Goodger brings audiences a pulse-pounding apocalyptic thriller in YEAR 10. After the world has turned to cannibalism, one man embarks on a dangerous journey of vengeance and medicine to save the woman he loves. 

Year10_Grab000002Somber natural lighting sets the tone for Year 10 from the get-go. The sweeping and ominous score plunges us deep into this near-future reality of sadness and violence. The team raises the bar even further by including heartbeat sounds, heavy drums, and dazzling strings. 

year 10 still 2The film is a genuine family affair. Scan the credits for the many Goodgers involved in this magnificent production. Charlie Googger‘s handheld camera work is immersive and beautifully choreographed.  Year 10 is quite a feat. This feature-length film with zero dialogue captivates with stunning performances wrought with panic and desperation. Toby Goodger is outstanding. His furious passion and fearless energy carry the entire movie. 

year 10 Toby goodgerThe script juxtaposes two survival styles, one of heart and kindness, and the other savagely selfish and brutal. The lack of dialogue never lessens the intensity. If anything, it allows raw emotion to convey each beat. YEAR 10 taps into the best and worst of humanity’s most feral instincts.

Year 10 Trailer:

YEAR 10 – Intense Apocalyptic Thriller In theaters and on VOD December 6th


Genre: Horror/Sci-fi / Apocalyptic Thriller
Distributor: Blue Fox Entertainment
Production company: Family Pictures
Directed by: Ben Goodger
Written by: Ben Goodger
Produced by: Bill Kenwright
Executive Producers: David Gilbery, Naomi George
Cast:Toby Goodger, Duncan Lacroix, Hannah Khalique-Brown, Luke Massy, Emma Cole, Alexander Anderson, King Gayle, Jessica Zerlina-Leafe, Tom Gaskin
Logline: In a post-apocalyptic world, a man battles cannibals and wild dogs to save his love and avenge his father.
Synopsis: 10 Years after the fall of civilization, cannibalism has become the only option for humanity’s dwindling survivors. When a violent tribe murders his father and steals the medicine keeping his love interest alive, our protagonist must embark on a treacherous journey battling the elements, packs of vicious wild dogs, and the cannibal group, or else lose the only thing he has left.

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21154574
Runtime: 97 minutes
Country: UK
Language: English

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‘GASBAG’ (DWF: NY 2024) A hilarious pilot that breaks the niche space

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GASBAG poster

Lynn Rosen‘s Season 2 pilot for her web series GASBAG features some of NYC’s best theatre performers. Rosen’s dialogue is hilarious. The cast is outstanding. Lead Chad Kessler is an undeniable star with the unrelenting energy of a catnip-high feline. This genuine ensemble overflows with talent, wit, and comic timing. GASBAG deserves a proper budget. While the show is quintessential New York, it reaches far beyond a niche audience. This Friday, you can catch the pilot at this year’s DWF: NY. More details on production and tickets are below!


Gasbag follows George Nordstrom (Chad Kessler), a lovable over-talker who is discovering what he really wants and who he really is…at age 42. His overbearing mother, meddling neighbor, and dysfunctional coworkers at The Marcia Powell Travel Agency sure don’t make it easy, but thanks to his can-do spirit, some loving shoves from his brash cousin Jean, and the liberating realization that he’s gay, George is learning to love silence. He may even learn to love himself.

WHO: Lynn Rosen is a playwright and screenwriter who is currently co-writing a musical about feminist Flo Kennedy with Pia Wilson, featuring music by Rona Siddiqui. The project is commissioned by Theatreworks Silicon Valley and received a grant from the National Alliance for Musical Theatre in 2023 and residencies from The Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals in 2023 and 2024. Rosen previously co-created the award-winning comedy web series Darwin, directed by Carrie Preston (Elsbeth) and featuring Michael Emerson (Lost), and has sold two television pilots to major networks. She is a New Dramatists alumna and co-founder of the pop-up theater production company The Pool. “I’m thrilled to premiere GASBAG, our offbeat “series that could”, at DANCES WITH FILMS: New York,” says Rosen. “DWF: NY is the perfect fit for GASBAG because it features a spunky NYC vibe and notable NYC talent, and because GASBAG is the epitome of the scrappy “can do” spirit that Dances With Films celebrates.

Chad Kessler spent a decade creating a multitude of roles in the hit off-Broadway comedy “MyBig Gay Italian Wedding” franchise and its two sequels. On-screen, he can be seen on Amazon’s Emmy-nominated series Tainted Dreams, and is also a recurring voice on Pokemon! and Nickelodeon. He adds, “The story of a late-blooming gay fella trying to find his path in life while navigating a world he never felt he fit into resonated deeply with me. George is an endearing oddball whose hilarious-and often stymied-efforts to evolve is something everyone can relate to. Also, Lynn’s script and my co-stars are so beyond funny. We couldn’t stop laughing even after our director yelled ‘cut’.”Also featured in GASBAG’s principal cast are notable NYC theater performers such as DramaDesk winners Mia Katigbak and Mary Bacon, Lortel-nominated actress Danielle Skrasstad, and TV stars Deirdre Lovejoy (Rhonda Pearlman on THE WIRE, Cynthia Panabaker on THEBLACKLIST) and Jackie Tohn (Esther on NOBODY WANTS THIS, Melrose on GLOW).

George freaking out close up_ Sherri behindWHEN: Friday, December 6 at 12:45 PM EST

WHERE: Regal Union Square,850 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

MORE: Gasbag started life as a pandemic-era web series, which inspired the creators to produce the TV pilot, which builds on the action and characters in the web series. They have also already started working on new episodes of Gasbag to distribute in the future. Tickets are available here.

Gasbag - Chad Kessler (L) and Mia Katigbak (R)Gasbag – Pilot

Running Time: 24 minutes

Directors: Christopher Gerson, Julie Kramer

Creator/Writer/Executive Producer: Lynn Rosen

Executive Producer: Chad Kessler

Producer/Director of Photography: Charles Grubbs

Producer/Music by: David James Boyd

Editor: Teresa Cicala

Cast: Chad Kessler, Danielle Straakstad, Tina Chilip, Trey Gerrald, Mia Katigbak, and Mary Bacon with Deirdre Lovejoy, and Jackie Tohn

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‘THE FIX’ (2024) A runaway train of complex storytelling and visual intrigue.

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gravitaslogo2020THE FIX

TheFix_ PosterFilmmaker Kelsey Egan brings audiences THE FIX. The near future film occurs where toxic air is slowly poisoning the population, and only the wealthy have access to treatment. Ella exists in the shadow of her recently deceased supermodel mother. Thinking she’s taking a party drug, Ella accidentally ingests an experimental synthetic, causing accelerated and unpredictable mutations inside and out. Ella becomes the target of both the drug dealers and global big pharma Aethera. THE FIX is much more nuanced and endlessly intriguing. It is sci-fi, action, thriller, and everything in between. 

THE FIX_Master_Frame Grab_01.09.39.18Icon Clancy Brown plays Aethera patriarch. Anytime he appears in a film, it elevates the entire production. Robyn Rossouw delivers a fear-soaked performance as Ella’s best friend, Gina. Huge accolades for Keenan Harrison and Tina Redman as they prove their acting chops, but I’ll let you discover their vital roles on your own. It is truly A+ work from both.

Daniel Sharman gives Eric zen confidence before revealing a sinister motive. The arrogance pours off of him. He is perfectly punchable in his underlying deep-seated daddy issues and self-loathing. Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things) owns this film. She gives Ella similar energy to Mila Jovovich in the Resident Evil franchise. Van Dien is an effortless badass. With each new role, she proves her talent. I hope she’s getting the dollar amount she deserves.

THE FIX_Master_Frame Grab_01.23.13.21Production is spectacular. Props are sleek, costumes are clean but unique, and the sets are just as applause-worthy in their minimalist glory. The special FX makeup team gives us top-notch originality. 

The script mimics global politics with a razor-sharp edge. COVID is undoubtedly an inspiration, and the similarities to something like Spiderman are undeniable, but THE FIX offers a unique version of the origin story trope. Beautifully woven into Egan’s work, you cannot miss the magical creature allegory.

The Fix (2024) - www.imdb.comTHE FIX could seamlessly expand into a multiple-season series. There is so much well-developed canon that audiences would tune in without hesitation. Tackling ethics, capitalism, and the fragility of humanity, THE FIX has arrived to entertain and challenge.

The Fix Trailer:

Available on VOD this Friday, November 22nd



Synopsis

A toxic compound infects Earth’s atmosphere. Pharmaceutical giant, Aethera, sells immunity… but most can’t afford the daily dose. When a troubled model takes a new drug at a party, she suffers a shocking transformation. Pursued by a dangerous gang and authorities in cahoots with Aethera, she hunts for a “fix” to reverse the drug’s effects, only to discover her mutations may be the key to saving the human race.


Director: Kelsey Egan

Producers: Greig Buckle, Allison Friedman, Jeremy Walton, David Lyons and Egan

Executive Producers: Showmax, Moo Studios and Van Dien.

Cast: Grace Van Dien, Daniel Sharman, Keenan Arrison, Tina Redman, Robyn Rossouw, Tafara Nyatsanza, Nicole Fortuin and Clancy Brown

Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller

Language: English

Runtime: 98 minutes

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‘THE SHADE’ (2024) A slow burn of manifested grief and reclamation of power.

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Filmmaker Tyler Chipman brings us the tale of a young man reeling in the aftermath of unresolved childhood trauma. THE SHADE is a slow spiral into darkness. 

Ryan is the middle child and the man of the house since his father’s death. He is someone who tries and fails to hide all the pain. Upon the unscheduled return of his older brother into the house, Ryan must confront the demons lurking just beneath the surface or else.

It’s so nice to see Brendan Sexton III again. He is such a force of nature and a fantastic addition. Germain Arroyo is Ryan’s best friend, Nicholas. His energy is a much-needed break from the sullen overtone. He is a star. 

TheShade_Still06_1920x1080Laura Benanti plays the family matriarch, Renee. She adds authentic warmth to every role. Even if her scenes are few and far between, she steals every single one. Dylan McTee plays the eldest brother, Jason. He exudes hurt with an overly aggressive demeanor that perfectly suits the role. 

Chris Galust gives Ryan a wounded exhaustion that pours off him. Suffering from unspeakable childhood trauma all while trying to keep his chaotic family together, Galust delivers an emotional rollercoaster, panic attacks and all. 

TheShade_Still07_1920x1080There are a few particularly memorable shots by cinematographer Tom Fitzgerald. Heather Benson and the makeup department give us startling work. They deserve all the applause. 

The film is a slow burn with a tense low vibration under each beat. It is 45 minutes until the menace manifests outside the immense toxicity between the two eldest brothers. Ten minutes later, a chill goes down your spine. 

TheShade_Still01_1920x1080What gets the pulse-pounding is undeniably well done. Chipman and cowriter David Purdy use dreams as a gateway to terror. Perry Blackshear‘s WHEN I CONSUME YOU would be a great companion watch for THE SHADE. Similar themes weave throughout both films. Come to think of it, add Jennifer Kent’s THE BABADOOK to that list. 

Mental health, anguish, and horror combined to create a unique narrative approach. My advice to audiences is to be patient. Focus on the performances and the underlying metaphor. It is a powerful payoff.

The Shade Trailer:

THE SHADE

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

11.22.24



127 MIN | THRILLER | HORROR | DRAMA | PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER | NR TV-14



MULTIPLE FESTIVAL AWARD WINNER!

WINNER Best Special Effects – Days of the Dead Film Festival

WINNER Best Directing – Days of the Dead Film Festival

WINNER Best First Time Filmmaker – Days of the Dead Film Festival

WINNER Jury Award Best Feature Film – Snowdance Independent Film Festival

WINNER Silver Audience Award – Brooklyn Horror Film Festival

WINNER Jury Prize Best Feature Film Director – FogFest

WINNER Jury Prize Best Actor in a Feature Film Chris Galust – FogFest

WINNER Jury Prize Best Feature Film – FogFest

NOMINATED Best Feature Film, Best Villain, Best in Show, Best Actor Chris Galust,

Best Stunts, Best Cinematography, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Production Design – Days of the Dead Film Festival

NOMINATED Best Writing – FogFest



Directed by

Tyler Chipman



Written by

Tyler Chipman and David Purdy



Produced by

David Purdy



Director of Photography

Acton Fitzgerald


Starring

Chris Galust, Laura Benanti, Dylan McTee, Mariel Molino, Germain Arroyo, Brendan Sexton III, Sam Duncan, Michael Boatman


SYNOPSIS

Ryan Beckman, a 20-year-old college student from a declining town in the northeast, struggles with a debilitating anxiety disorder following his father’s death. His older brother, Jason, returns home unexpectedly while battling his own demons. Together with his younger brother James, Ryan struggles to break the destructive cycle threatening their family as an ancient darkness closes in on them.




RATING: NR TV-PG

RUN-TIME: 127 minutes

THEATRICAL RELEASE: September 20th

DIGITAL RELEASE: November 22nd

STUDIO/DISTRIBUTOR: Level 33 Entertainment

GENRE: Drama, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Horror

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‘DREAM TEAM’ (2024) An homage that rides the bit to the bitter, coral-covered end.

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Yellow Veil Updated logoDREAM TEAM

Dream Team poster

Filmmakers Lev Kalman and Whitney Horn bring us an absurdist homage to 90s basic cable TV thrillers. DREAM TEAM follows the episodic escapades of two hot West Coast INTERPOL agents who uncover an international, interspecies mystery involving psychic coral, a sexually suggestive scientist, and an invisible coworker with a very vindictive streak. Do you remember when you used to fall asleep in front of the television in middle school and wake up at 2 am only to find some weird low-budget movie playing? DREAM TEAM takes you back in a time machine of half-awake ideas and visual nostalgia.

Dream team NoAgents No and Chase (Esther Garrel and Alex Zhang Hungtai) leisurely follow the trail of deaths but mostly sport tight clothes and make innuendos. The script occurs in episodes featuring a repeated title sequence and undeniably clever cheeky titles.

The 16mm cinematography is Chef’s Kiss, from the extreme handheld close-ups to the shaky handheld everything else. The editing by Whitney is a masterful fever dream of overlapping superimposed fades and soft-core imagery (many aquarium shots. A lot.) The amount of B-roll outnumbers the actual plot. Each element nails the 90s aesthetic, with appropriately absurd costumes and a wealth of black light.

Dream team 1The script is intentionally utter nonsense. If you want to learn about coral, DREAM TEAM is your jam. Performances across the board are spot-on for mediocre porn overdramatics. I feel like watching on mushrooms would be an experience. There are so many moments of WTF I lost count 30 minutes in. At that point, it is best to throw your hands up and tell yourself, “Sure, why not?” My favorite scene involves an invisible coworker. I was also thankful for the break in what I assume are meant to be channel surfing breaks in the narrative pattern.

Dream team 2It is easy to see why Jane Schoenbrun acts as executive producer. The neon color pops are right up her alley. Listen, coming from someone who starred in two of these things many years ago – do not even try to look that shit up on the internet, I will hunt you down- DREAM TEAM owns the bit. The question remains whether audiences will tolerate it for 90-plus minutes.

 

The trippy, surreal, sci-fi/comedy
DREAM TEAM
opens at Metrograph NYC on Nov. 15th
 
The acclaimed 16mm satire of 90s softcore action is produced by I SAW THE TV GLOW writer/director Jane Schoenbrun
 
 

The third audacious feature from Lev Kalman and Whitney Horn (L FOR LEISURE, TWO PLAINS & A FANCY), DREAM TEAM once again blends the filmmakers’ wild genre pastiches into sociopolitical parables, creating a truly unforgettable – and beautifully weird – cinema experience. The critically-acclaimed sci-fi/comedy debuted at 2024’s International Film Festival Rotterdam and stars Esther Garrel and Alex Zhang Hungtai.

An absurdist homage to ’90s basic cable TV thrillers, DREAM TEAM follows the episodic escapades of two hot West Coast INTERPOL agents who uncover an international, interspecies mystery involving psychic coral, a sexually suggestive scientist, and an invisible coworker with a very vindictive streak.

DREAM TEAM kicks off a retrospective of Kalman and Horn’s filmography at the Metrograph in New York City. Their previous two features will play In Theater as part of the “Retro-Futurism: The Films of Lev Kalman & Whitney Horn” series, and screen via Metrograph At Home.

Distributed by Yellow Veil Pictures, the satirical sci-fi/comedy is produced by Lev Kalman, Whitney Horn, Sarah Winshall, Pierce Varous, and I SAW THE TV GLOW director Jane Schoenbrun.

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‘HIPPO’ (2024) Weirdness overdrive with a side of satire.

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Hippo - MAIN POSTER

Mark H. Rapaport‘s curious tale of two step-siblings struggling to come of age amongst sexual urges for each other. HIPPO is a deadpan satire is like nothing else.

Rapaport and star Kimball Farley serve as co-writers. They give Hippo a precocious vernacular similar to the dialogue in Dawson’s Creek but with a darker edge. The absurdity of the narrative works because the siblings are homeschooled. It’s genuinely perfect in this era of online indoctrination of our male youth. It is incel heaven.

(L - R) Kimball Farley as “Hippo” and Lilla Kizlinger as “Buttercup” in the dark comedy, HIPPO , a Kinematics release. Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

(L-R) Kimball Farley as “Hippo” and Lilla Kizlinger as “Buttercup” in the dark comedy, HIPPO, a Kinematics release. Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

Eliza Roberts, wife of our narrator Eric Roberts, is hilarious as mother Ethel. Her eternally optimistic attitude is incredible. Jesse Pimentel is ceaselessly smarmy as Craigslist predator Darwin.

Lilla Kizlinger as “Buttercup” in the dark comedy, HIPPO , a Kinematics release. Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

Lilla Kizlinger as “Buttercup”  Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

Lilla Kizlinger delivers a delightfully morose performance as 17-year-old, Buttercup. Desperate for physical connection, her urges bend in a dangerous direction. Kizlinger is flawless.

Kimball Farley gives the titular role a quirky and dramatic overtone that captures the unfiltered chaos of a teenage boy’s mind. He bleeds toxic masculinity that is so over the top it is humorous. It reads incel. He is fantastically punchable.

Kimball Farley as “Hippo” in the dark comedy, HIPPO , a Kinematics release. Photo courtesy of Kinematics.

Kimball Farley as “Hippo” Photo courtesy of Kinematics.


The film occurs in 1994, and the production team nails the aesthetic with wardrobe and props. The delicious black-and-white cinematography and the cartoon-like score are perfection. Overall, HIPPO is an irreverent look at adolescence and a hyper-antiquated personification of gender roles. Also, it’s weird as hell.

Trailer:

HIPPO will be available in select Theaters on Nov. 8.

 

The film was written by Mark H. Rapaport (The Scary of Sixty-First) and Kimball Farley (Andronicus) and was directed by Mark H. Rapaport. It stars Kimball Farley, Lilla Kizlinger (Semmelweis), Eliza Roberts (National Lampoon’s Animal House), and Eric Roberts (Runaway Train).

It examines the coming-of-age of two step-siblings: Hippo, a video-game-addicted teenager, and Buttercup, a Hungarian Catholic immigrant with a love of classical music and Jesus. Like the Ancient Greek Aphrodite, Buttercup’s love is unrequited by a brother who prefers to indulge in the art of war and chaos. The result is a hormone-fueled, tragicomic waking nightmare that must be seen to be believed. 

Run Time: 100minutes | Rating: Not Rated

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‘DARUMA’ (2024) The healing power of kindness and the importance of representation shine bright.

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DARUMA

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Director Alexander Yellen and writer Kelli McNeil expand their 2018 short film of the same name to glorious big screen life. DARUMA tells the story of, Patrick, a bitter wheelchair user, discovering he has a four-year-old daughter from a forgotten fling. He quickly learns that he cannot parent her as she needs and enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor Robert (double amputee) to transport her to live with her maternal grandparents on the other side of the country.

daruma PatrickDaruma deals with addiction, PTSD, and redemption in an honest way. There is zero sugarcoating. Immersive camera work helps place the viewer in Patrick’s emotionally injured mindset by placing the camera in his lap whenever he gets intoxicated in a club. Yellen’s overall cinematography is spectacular. His choice to mix follow shots, close-ups, and stunning drone footage while our players embark on their road trip captures Daruma’s vulnerability and heart.

Little Victoria Scott gives Camilla authentic sweetness. She’s a lovely addition to this cast. Barry Bostwick lends his unassailable talent to Daruma. Whatever role he plays, you can bet on some seriously affecting moments.

daruma RobertJohn W. Lawson is undeniably charming as curmudgeonly neighbor Robert. His nuanced backstory is the perfect foil for Tobias Forrest. You’ll fall in love with him. Forrest gives his all, leaning into Patrick’s flaws and working to find his suppressed humanity. Forrest nails each beat. He and Lawson share relatable chemistry. It’s a dramedy duo you didn’t know you needed.

Yellen and McNeil deliver a genuine road movie with struggles and hopeful healing vibes. If you aren’t welling up by the film’s ending, check your pulse. Representation is vital to authentic storytelling. The world needs more films like DARUMA. The film will be honored at the Directors Guild of America on Dec. 9th at the first-ever Indie Awards. It is much-deserved recognition.

The film will be screening for a week in theaters in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, DC, and Minneapolis Nov 15 – 21, 2024.  

 

 
ABOUT THE FILM: 
Executive produced by 2X Oscar winner Peter Farrelly, DARUMA tells the story of, PATRICK, a bitter wheelchair user, discovering he has a four-year-old daughter from a forgotten fling. He quickly learns that he cannot parent her as she needs and enlists the help of his cantankerous neighbor ROBERT (double amputee) to transport her to live with her maternal grandparents on the other side of the country.
 
CNN said the film is the first authentically cast film in US film history to star two leads with disabilities in a narrative not about overcoming disability and on September 9th, our filmmaking team was invited to an event at the White House to celebrate the 34th signing of the ADA. 
 
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‘MAX DAGAN’ (Tuscan Film Festival 2024) Compelling performances drive this drama home.

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MAX DAGAN

max dagan poster

Terre Weisman brings festival audiences MAX DAGAN, the story of a father convicted of manslaughter and a son who works tirelessly to get him out, wading through years of secrets, lies, and corruption.

The cast is fantastic. Jay Mohr makes a particularly smarmy appearance. Michael Madsen is perfect as a corrupt cop. Lisa Roumain is spectacular as Ilene. She brings unresolved trauma to the screen in a visceral way.

Max Dagan still from DP Tim BanksRob Morrow gives Albert a down-to-earth quality that we’ve come to love about him. I’ve been a solid fan since he starred in NUMB3RS with David Krumholtz. Morrow’s humanity is quintessential for the heaviness of Albert’s circumstances.

Zachary Gordon is the highlight of the film. Get him in more leading roles at this stage of his career. His effortlessly strong presence fills each scene. Gordon begs your attention.

The script is relatively predictable, except for one late reveal that had me simultaneously yelling, “WTF?”. It’s something you’ll have to witness to understand. Overall, the editing and storytelling style feels disjointed. Even at only an hour and thirty-plus minute run, the cuts feel like snippets of a Law & Order series rather than a single film.

That said, the performances are top-notch. They earn your views. The underlying message of hope, resilience, and redemption will undoubtedly resonate with a broad audience.

You can get tickets to Max Dagan at the Tuscan Film Festival Here

 

Max Dagan (Zachary Gordon) strives to exonerate his father, Albert (Rob Morrow), who has been wrongfully sentenced to 15 years for the manslaughter of a State Trooper. Armed with a vintage Fender guitar, Max faces a corrupt detective (Michael Madsen) and must confront painful family issues, including reconciling with his estranged uncle (Rob Brownstein) and collaborating with the daughter (Lindsey Dresbach) of the deceased trooper. As he seeks evidence for his father’s compassionate release, both families discover unexpected connections in their shared struggles.

tuscanff 2024 poster

 
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‘LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE’ (2024) A family-friendly true story of survival.

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LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE

lost on a mountain in Maine posterBased on the harrowing true story and book of the same name, Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger’s Lost on a Mountain in Maine follows 12-year-old Donn Fedler‘s nine-day journey lost in the wilderness. When a father-son hike goes awry, Donn must fight to survive.

Lost-on-a-Mountain-in-MaineThe film opens with archival footage of one of the 1939 searchers as he describes the danger of the terrain. More interviews interspersed throughout the narrative, with Donn’s childhood friend and brother Ryan, reinvigorate your emotional investment. Idan Menin‘s cinematography, Andrew Drazek‘s editing, and Garth Stevenson‘s truly affecting score come together beautifully.

lost on a mountain in maineCaitlin Fitzgerald delivers a lovely performance as Ruth Fedler. She captures that mother-child bond perfectly. Ruth’s relentless efforts to find help are inspiring, and Fitzgerald nails her calm ferocity. Paul Sparks, who I loved as gangster Mickey Doyle in Boardwalk Empire, plays Don Sr. with a much-needed complexity. Fitzgerald and Sparks have a genuinely sweet chemistry. 

lost on a mountain in MaineLuke David Blumm is outstanding as our lead, Donn. He is spirited and charming, effortlessly filling the frame with each fully fleshed-out beat. He’s a star.

Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a solid family film highlighting not only Donn’s extraordinary story but masculinity, fatherhood, childhood, and marriage in a timeless fashion. I can see this becoming a fantastic learning tool for The Scouts. Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a tale of perseverance and faith whose final moments are heartwarming and celebratory.

LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE Trailer:


A Moving and Inspiring Family Adventure Film From Producer Sylvester Stallone

In Theaters Nationwide This Friday,
November 1st!
World Premiere – 2024 Maine International Film Festival

Directed by: Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger
Written by: Luke Paradise
Produced by: Sylvester Stallone, Braden Aftergood, Dick Boyce, Ryan B. Cook
 
Starring: 
Luke David Blumm (“The Watcher”)
Paul Sparks (“House of Cards”)
Caitlin FitzGerald (The Trial of the Chicago 7, “Succession”)
Griffin Wallace Henkel (Armageddon Time)
Ethan Slater (Universal’s upcoming Wicked)
 
Based on the book by the same name, the film tells the inspiring story of a 12-year-old boy, who, separated from his family by a fast moving storm, must fight to stay alive during his nine-day adventure lost in the backwoods of Maine.
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‘CELLAR DOOR’ (2024) A solid thriller with a killer ending.

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lionsgate logoCELLAR DOOR

cellar door poster

Director Vaughn Stein brings us CELLAR DOOR. Following a loss, couple John and Sera seek a new beginning. A mysterious man offers to gift them his elegant home. But, it comes with one unusual caveat. They must never open the cellar door.

Laurence Fishburne is Emmett Claymore. His iconic presence and voice offer equal parts comfort and sinister edge. Scott Speedman is John. This anxiety-soaked performance keeps you on the edge of your seat, reeling you into the slow-creeping plot. Jordana Brewster is Sera. She offers enthusiasm and hope through her grief, which feels wholeheartedly inspiring. Writers allow her to pull off an illusion that makes the film something special. Speedman and Brewtser’s chemistry is solid.

Cellar Door Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes - www.rottentomatoes.comThe set is marvelous. Wood-paneled rooms mixed with modern updates, a sprawling terrace, and an exterior straight out of Great Expectations, the audience falls in love with the house at first glance.

Screenwriters Sam Scott and Lori Evans Taylor toy with our emotions. The mystery simmers, and what we don’t see creates a boundless tension. The plot has sprinkles of What Lies Beneath and Gone Girl, focusing on themes of temptation, betrayals, secrets, and boundaries. CELLAR DOOR delivers a classic, tense build-up of scenarios, boasting a delicious final twist. It’s the best of the Faustian subgenre.

Cellar Door Trailer:

In Select Theaters and On Digital November 1st

Directed by: Vaughn Stein

Written by: Sam Scott & Lori Evans Taylor

Starring: Jordana Brewster, Scott Speedman, Laurence Fishburne

Produced by: Tom Butterfield, John Papsidera, Craig Perry, Sheila Hanahan

~

Rating: R
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Runtime: 97 Mins

Looking for a fresh start after a miscarriage, a couple (Brewster and Speedman) find themselves being gifted the house of their dreams from a wealthy homeowner (Fishburne) with one caveat – they can never open the cellar door. Whether they can live without knowing triggers shocking consequences.

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‘ELSE’ (Screamfest 2024) A visually consuming wonder.

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Screamfest 2020 banner logoELSE

else 1

A mysterious disease that merges living beings with their physical surroundings leads to a lockdown. After a one-night stand, uptight and brilliant hypochondriac Anx and free-spirited, flighty Cassandre find themselves in forced cohabitation. This odd couple fills the hours dancing, having sex, walking down memory lane, and chatting with neighbors through the vents. When suddenly confronted by an attack inside the apartment, Anx and Cassandre’s survival mode turns into something entirely different. ELSE supplies the shivers to Screamfest 2024 audiences. Get ready for some serious weirdness.

else 2Beautiful camera work has an immersive feel. Eccentric production design initially mirrors Anx’s graphic artist occupation, eventually morphing to match the ever-evolving circumstances of the disease. There is a Tim Burton/JimHenson-esque quality to the creature fx. A grotesque whimsy that makes it difficult to look away.

Matthieu Sampeur and Edith Proust give us magnificent performances. The script possesses a dark inevitably the longer they are together. Director Thibault Emin, alongside co-writers Alice Butaud and Emma Sandona, delivers a surprising link to childhood trauma in Anx. The existential aspect creeps up on you and burrows under your skin. The psychosexual element is bonkers. ELSE is a genre-obliterating love story.

Premiere Type: LA Premiere
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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‘THE HOUSE FROM’ (2024) A nostalgia-filled, pop culture delight.

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smodfest 2024 selectionTHE HOUSE FROM
The House From... (2024) - www.imdb.com

Tommy Avallone‘s film delves into the positive and negative effects of being the homeowner of famous homes. Jason Lee narrates with his perfectly delicious tone and delivery. From Twilight to Home Alone, and Full House to Sex And The City, THE HOUSE FROM is every movie and television fan’s dream doc.

The House From Full HouseThe editing is clever. For example, one former owner of Jesse’s house in Breaking Bad house was a teacher, so Avallone cuts to scenes of Walter White in his chemistry classroom. She was able to buy her son his first car from the profits of filming. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the current owner of Walter White’s house aggressively hates tourists.

The House From FridayTHE HOUSE FROM counters this negative fan experience with the owner of The Goonies‘ home. Susan Preston got a bad rap. This redemptive story is authentically heartwarming. Bushnell Ave, in South Pasadena, is the ultimate film fan’s dream. From Back to the Future to Old School, it boasts several famous houses, and the owners love the fans. The Rubio House in Altadena is iconic. I lost track of the number of films and television shows listed by the owner, Liz. Ethan Embry visits the house, and his excitement and nostalgia are infectious.

The House From Home AloneThe doc also uses TikTok and other social media clips of fan visits. The behind-the-scenes footage from Home Alone takes the cake. The lovely neighbors across the street took camcorder video from their front yard during the 1990 production, and it is a coup for Gen X and Millennials.

Some locations become pilgrimages, delivering the warm fuzzies and catharsis for fans. From museums to Airbnbs, whether these locations are now for-profit venues or warm family homes, THE HOUSE FROM is a joy from start to finish. Audiences will find themselves smiling and maybe even digging up some old VHS tapes from their parent’s basements after the credits roll. Speaking of, stick around for even more fun.

The House From Trailer:


The documentary premiered at Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle Film Festival in New Jersey on October 25, 2024. It will be released on Fubo and executive producer Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort Channel on October 27, 2024, and will be available on VOD platforms the next day.

 

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‘Me, Myself & The Void’ (2024) Interview with filmmaker Tim Hautekiet about his mind-bending indie gem.

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Me, Myself & The Void

me Myself & the Void poster

ME, MYSELF & THE VOID is one of the year’s most inventive films. I got to chat with filmmaker Tim Hautekiet about the entire process. You can find a few Behind-The-Scenes photos and our conversation below. Do not miss this one. You have no excuse since the film is on VOD right now!! 

Synopsis: Trapped in a mysterious void outside the bounds of time and space, a struggling stand-up comedian must investigate how his body wound up motionless on his bathroom floor and wake himself up before it’s too late.

Tim! Congratulations on such a unique, engaging, and endlessly funny film. What sparked this screenplay and where did you start? The mystery aspect is delicious. You had me think everyone was guilty at any given time. 


My co-writer Nik Oldershaw and I spent a long time trying to figure out how to crack the hook of the film. We knew we liked the idea of a film set in a void world with minimalistic props and set design portraying the locations to the audience but we didn’t have a story that tied it all together. Once we landed on the idea that it was going to be about a character who was trapped inside a void world and was going to have to investigate his own memories to identify how he wound up there, that’s when we first saw the true shape of the story. We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the mystery aspect as that’s definitely what compelled us to write the story and figure out who Jack really was. me Myself & the Void still 22. The varying visual aspects are so cool, from the black and white to the halo effect. Those specificities keep the audience relatively grounded in Jack’s chaotic “space and time.” What did this storyboarding look like? With all the elements involved, I imagine it was a huge wall or an entire room.


We used a variety of different techniques to visualize everything. We had a very tight shot list and I got to collaborate with Conor Fitzgerald to create certain key frames from the film in order to be able to better communicate with our various department heads. For some of the more complicated sequences, I worked with a storyboard artist called Sam Vest. In particular, sequences where Jack tries to move his body in the void world and that then causes movement in the real world.

3. How many days did you shoot for, and (speaking of visuals) how long did the editing take? 


We shot for 15 days in November 2021 and then did a single pick up day the following summer. We started editing as soon as the film was wrapped and the edit took approximately a year because it was a small team of myself, Ryan Turner, and Ryan Blewett jumping in whenever we could. The process worked quite well to keep things fresh, you’d hand over the edit and then get to see it again with fresh eyes after the next editor put their spin on it.me Myself & the Void still 14. Can you tell us about casting Kelly Marie, Chris, and Jack? Their chemistry is magic. Did you let them play with dialogue during the shoot?


I’d been a fan of Chris and Jack for a long time and had enjoyed the pleasure of working with them on two different short sketch projects prior to reaching out to them about Me, Myself & The Void. They are incredibly gifted improvisers so if time allowed on set, we’d let them run with a couple of alternative takes if we already had a take that was true to the production script.

As for Kelly, I hadn’t worked with her before but she and Jack briefly shared a scene in “Sorry For Your Loss” and I remember thinking they performed so well together. She’s also got incredible comedy chops and watching her bounce off Chris and Jack in a scene was always fun to watch.

I’m so proud of the entire cast. Jack, Chris, Kelly, Akilah Hughes, James Babson, Kristin Carey, and Darren Durpree Washington… Not to forget Gio Randazzo who played Jack’s body double. We couldn’t have made this film without them.BTS 1 Me, Myself, & the Void5. The set is incredible. As a theatre nerd, it was immersive enough for the imagination to fill in the blanks and for the cast to play on. How did you decide on a unit set?


Thank you so much! Our production designer Katie Theel, art director Bethany Struble, and their entire team really outdid themselves. They had to build the full apartment set first and then slowly strip it away as we entered the void. We thought it could present an interesting opportunity to make various set design elements crucial to the story. What pieces need to remain in order for the audience to still grasp the shape of where our characters are in the void.


BTS 2 Me, Myself, & the Void6. Would you and Nik consider a franchise with new characters? I would be the first person watching the interactions of other people’s minds swirling with what-ifs!


Haha! I’ll confess we conceived of this project as a one-off but never say never. We loved making this film and if the opportunity to do another psychological “void” deep dive into a character presented itself, we’d certainly consider it.


Thank you so much for chatting about Me, Myself, & the Void. It’s a total gem, that took me off guard in all the best ways, so all my applause to you!

Me, Myself, & The Void Trailer:

You can check out Me, Myself & The Void on VOD now!!

 

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