Indie Spotlight

2013/02/10 17:42:26 +00:00 | Tamika Jones

The new edition of the Indie Spotlight contains the latest independent horror news sent our way. In this week's feature, we have the first information on this year's CineMayhem Film Festival, details on Return to Nuke 'Em High Vol. I & II, the first photos from Warhouse, and much more:

CineMayhem Film Festival Announced: "Created as a way to pay homage to and celebrate the spirit of independent filmmaking and those unafraid to take risks with their storytelling, CineMayhem's diverse line-up includes advanced screenings of two highly anticipated genre projects including Magnet Releasing's visceral horror anthology THE ABC's OF DEATH and Breaking Glass Pictures' mindbending drama K-11 directed by Jules Stewart (CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE, MORTAL KOMBAT).

CineMayhem is also thrilled to announce that it will also be hosting the World Premieres of ROADSIDE directed by Eric England (MADISON COUNTY) and the latest short film from Ryan Spindell (KIRKSDALE), THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM as well as the West Coast Premieres of two other short films- Paul Davis' (BEWARE THE MOON: REMEMBERING AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON) HIM INDOORS and SPLIT THE CHECK by Patrick Rea (NAILBITER).

Other feature films currently selected for the CineMayhem Film Fest include BREATH OF HATE by Sean Cain (SILENT NIGHT, ZOMBIE NIGHT), COLDWATER by Dave Parker (THE HILLS RUN RED) and THE SLEEPER by Justin Russell. CineMayhem will also be screening several other award-winning short films including FAMILIAR by Zach Green, KILLER KART by James Feeney and FOXES by Lorcan Finnegan as well as a few retro indie horror screenings to be announced soon."

Ticket information and the full CineMayhem line-up will be announced later this month; to keep up with all the CineMayhem to come this March, fans can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CineMayhem  or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CineMayhemFilmFest."

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Photos and Poster for Warhouse: "In the role of Royal Marine, A.J. Budd, Joseph Morgan stars in this brutal psychological and supernatural thriller, in which he finds himself trapped in the Warhouse. Imprisoned, he is forced to fight for his life against grotesque, inhuman opponents. He must kill every day or die himself. His one glimmer of hope comes in the form of a diary, left by a former occupant of the house, WWI Lieutenant Edward Sterling, played by Matt Ryan."

To learn more about Warhouse, visit: www.warhousethemovie.com

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Return to Nuke 'Em High Vol. I &II: "The Troma Team is pleased to announce that fans will enjoy a great line-up of familiar faces: Leesa Rowland (Class of Nuke 'Em High 2 & 3), Lemmy from Motorhead, Lisa Gaye (Class of Nuke 'Em High 2 & 3), Debbie Rochon (Tromeo & Juliet, Poultrygeist), Brick Bronsky (Class of Nuke 'Em High 2 & 3), Dan Snow (The Toxic Avenger 1-3), Ron Jeremy (Terror Firmer, Citizen Toxie), Rick Collins (Troma's War, The Toxic Avenger 2 & 3), Robert Prichard (The Toxic Avenger, Class of Nuke 'Em High), Joe Fleishaker (Troma's War - Poultrygeist), Mark Neveldine (Director, Crank series, Ghostrider: Spirit of Vengeance), and the mysterious World Champion.

This announcement comes as Troma Entertainment launch its indiegogo.com campaign for a brand-new documentary, entitled, Occupy Cannes, a follow up to Troma's acclaimed 2002 documentary All the Love You Cannes. In addition to serving as a guide to the Cannes Film Festival for independent filmmakers, Occupy Cannes will document the world premiere of Return to Nuke 'Em High Vol. 1 at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Return to Nuke 'Em High Vol. 1 & II is a satirical sci-fi comedy event film with themes ripped straight from today's headlines: the contamination and degradation of the world's food supply, rampant bullying, and love triumphing over prejudice. The film is in the same vein as other classics such as Class of 1984, Rock 'n' Roll High School, and Carrie, but seen through the unique vision of Lloyd Kaufman and the Troma Team."

For more information on Return to Nuke 'Em High Vol. I &IIOccupy Cannes, and the Troma Team, visit: www.troma.com

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Chronicles of the Dead "Apocalypse Part 2": Zombie web series, Chronicles of the Dead, release their second full length "graphic account depicting the historic and never to be forgotten, zombie apocalypse."

Written and directed by Brian Hernandez, Chronicles of the Dead, stars Moneer Yaqubi, Julia Lehman, Lyndsey Doolen, Brenda Koo, Valenzia Algarin, Aaron Leddick, and Ryan Hannah King.

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Release Details for Vanishing Waves: "Artsploitation Films is pleased to announce an LA theatrical release date for Kristina Buožytė’s VANISHING WAVES. The film will open at the Laemmle NoHo 7 in Los Angeles on April 12, 2013. The film will debut theatrically in the U.S. at Cinema Village in New York on March 15.

Lukas (Marius Jampolskis) is assisting a scientific research team by functioning as a patient in a series of heavily monitored (and medicated) sensory deprivation experiments wherein he is attempting to make some form of contact with the subject, Aurora (Jurga Jutaite), a young woman who has been locked in a comatose state for some time. Doctors initially hope for just a vague reaffirmation of consciousness, but the experiment takes an unexpected twist when Lukas and Aurora actually develop a strong psychic link in their mutually altered forms of consciousness…and their link quickly evolves into a romantic, sexually charged relationship. As Lukas hides this data from his researchers, he and Aurora meet secretly and passionately in a series of surreal dreamscapes created by their collective minds, but their union is tragically doomed to collapse around them."

For more information on Vanishing Waves, and to watch the film's trailer, go to: www.artsploitation.com

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Trailer and DVD Release Details for Riddle: "College student Holly Teller (Elisabeth Harnois) is drawn to the mysterious small town of Riddle, Pennsylvania in search of her missing brother. Against the will of the local Sheriff (Val Kilmer) and town elder (William Sadler), she begins to unravel a mystery connected to an abandoned psychiatric hospital on the edge of town, uncovering a terrifying past the town in determined to keep hidden."

Riddle was directed by John O. Hartman and stars Elisabeth Harnois (TV’s CSI, Mars Needs Moms), Val Kilmer, Diora Baird, and William Sadler (Man on a Ledge, TV’s Fringe). Riddle will be released on DVD on February 19th, 2013.

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Official Trailer for The Devil's Dozen"After a successful star-studded premiere at the historic Chinese Theater in Hollywood, which included cast members, Jake Busey (Identity), Billy McNamara (Chasers), Dante Basco (Hook, Blood and Bone), Sophie Turner (The Martini Shot), Erik Aude (Bounce, The Cutting Edge: Going for Gold), Omar Gooding (Baby Boy, Family Times), Carla Toutz (Clear Lake WI, The Martini Shot), Gianni Capaldi (The Martini Shot), Grace Johnston (Beaches, The Martini Shot), Michael Cade (General Hospital), and Sammy Durrani (The Martini Shot), Director Jeremy London releases the official trailer The Devil’s Dozen.

The Devil’s Dozen is a riveting supernatural horror/thriller where twelve strangers find themselves in a life or death game where sins are judged and every choice is a testament to their character. The innocent must strive to maintain their integrity will the guilty must pick each other off one-by-one. Dubbed “spine chilling” and “a scary, psychological rollercoaster ride” by the Examiner, The Devil’s Dozen has all the elements of a successful horror flick.

For more information, the latest news, the official trailer and interviews with the cast please visit the official Devil’s Dozen Movie website at: http://www.thedevilsdozenmovie.com."

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Details on Malice: The Webseries: "MALICE is an original web series created by veteran film maker, Philip Cook. The story concerns the Turner family's supernatural adventures in their late Grandma's home. Teens Alice Turner (Brittany Martz) and Abbey Turner (Rebekkah Johnson) not only have to endure the trials of adolescence but also have to survive the dangers emanating from the old home. And when family members start disappearing, Alice - the sixteen year-old with an active imagination - must go down the "rabbit hole" and confront a shocking revelation. The show also features Mark Hyde as Dad/Nate Turner and Leanna Chamish as Mom/Jesse Turner. And then of course there's the creepy landscaper, Jed, played by Matthew Gulbranson."

To watch all eight episodes of Malice: The Webseries, go to: www.youtube.com/MaliceDownUnder

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Deadly Renovations Now on Vudu: "Nail guns, murder and mayhem abound in this dark thriller about millions in stolen cash. This Midnight Release stars DJ Perry, Johnny Dark, Lana Wood & Terence Knox. The film released 4th quarter of 2012 and in 2013 released in Scandinavia and contains to expand as it gains momentum. The film was directed by Robert Gwinn and produced by DJ Perry and Charles Pisaeno."

In addition to purchasing the film, Vudu users can watch a two minute preview on the site as well. We have provided the trailer below.

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Casting News for Cell Count II: Blood Count: "It is now the Freeman Brothers’ profound pleasure to announce that horror icon Bill Oberst Jr. will be coming onboard for the upcoming sequel entitled “Cell Count II: Blood Count.

“Blood Count” starts where the first film left off and takes our survivors on a high speed journey filled with monsters and fugitives. It is a bloody high octane counterpart to the slow burning original film Cell Count.

Bill will be playing the part of Ernest Freemont, the leader of the remaining humans in the quarantined land. His intentions seem sincere but are then put in question once we find out his relationship with Dr. Keller as well as how his unique side effects reveal themselves in unexpected ways.

The Freeman Brothers are also working on a Special Edition of the movie for DVD and Blu-ray, including behind the scenes videos and audio commentaries, to be released later in the year.

Find out more and stay up to date with Cell Count at: www.cellcount-themovie.com."

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Gregory Blair's Deadly Revisions and The Straying: Deadly Revisions, starring Bill Oberst Jr., explores how "hypnotherapy and drugs are used to help an amnesiac horror writer, but are the terrifying images that surface real or imagined?" The film is currently in post-production, and information on Deadly Revisions can be found at www.deadlyrevisionsmovie.com.

Blair's upcoming project, The Straying, tells the tale of "two creatures with very different histories and world views who are thrust together with unexpected results." 

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Official Trailer for The Hospital: "Filmed in actual haunted locations, THE HOSPITAL mixes themes from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hostel, Saw, and Paranormal Activity.

Old St. Leopold's Hospital has many urban legends surrounding it, but the residents of Bridgeport all agree on one thing: tortured souls roam its abandoned halls. The mystery proves too much for a pretty young student who decides to investigate for her senior class project. Unfortunately, she does not find ghosts. She, instead, finds Stanley... serial rapist, murderer, and psychopath. As the young girl becomes Stanley's new pet, a team of young investigators descend on the hospital to "hunt some ghosts." Stanley sees nothing but fun and games in his future. But, what Stanley does not know is that the hospital truly is haunted and the restless spirits there are not happy with what he has been doing."

The Hospital stars, John Dugan (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Jim O’Rear, Daniel Emery Taylor, Scott Tepperman, April Burril, and Jason Crowe.

For more information on this film and to watch the trailer, go to: http://youtu.be/0jJRcnf6Czg

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Zombie Ed Now on DVD: "Wacky zombie comedy "Zombie Ed", directed by Ren Blood is out now on DVD, released by Brain Damage Films.

Loser Ed has a lame job, a beater car, a crappy apartment and no hope of a girlfriend. Ed doesn’t think things could get any worse for him until the day he woke up and found he had GONE ZOMBIE. Can Ed become the zombie he was born to be?

DVD Special Features:
-Deleted Scenes
-Zombie PSAs
-And More!

Zombie Ed stars, William C. Cutting, Kelly Petering, Trista Robinson, Myles Mclane, Melissa Bacelar, Kim Sønderholm, Pedro Mendoza, Tom Nyman, Marcus Proctor, Devorah Lynne Dishington, and many others."

You can purchase the DVD at the Brain Damage webstore, or over on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009YMEPI8/

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Impressions: Gut and American Mary

by Kristian Hanson

American Mary: American Mary is the second film from Jen and Sylvia Soska. The movie follows Mary (Katherine Isabelle), a broke college student who cannot catch a break when it comes to paying her bills. She decides to try stripping, but when she goes in for the interview, Billy Barker (Antonio Cupo) ends up needing her help on a guy who is near death. This begins her journey of illegal surgeries and the underground world of body modification.

The movie is a true delight because the cast is astounding. Tristan Risk plays the character Beatrice Johnson who has had plastic surgery to try and make her resemble Betty Boop. Her voice and upbeat nature helped to shine through and even stole the show from Mary whenever she was on screen. Antonio Cupo is another actor that has a great transition throughout the film. He goes from being a hard nosed strip club owner, to a sensitive and individual you care for. Paula Lindberg portrays Ruby Real Girl, who doesn't want to be looked at as a sexual object any longer, and instead, wants to be looked at like a doll.

The makeup and prosthetic work done by MastersFX is fantastic, especially given the budget. Paula is not even recognizable as she portrays the human Barbie doll with such passion and love. American Mary is a film that has you laughing at times, cringing at others but in the end, you are introduced to an amazing story from start to finish that leaves you feeling fulfilled. This film has been going around the world, playing the film festival circuit and the Soska Sisters are going with it, so don't miss it if they come to your town.

Gut: Gut is a horror film that starts off as a buddy comedy, but turns into a sadistic horror film rather quickly. The film centers around a family man with his wife and daughter, and his best friend whom he works with. One night, he goes over to his friend's house and they watch a horror film where someone cuts a girl open and places their hand inside her guts. After watching the video, the friend slowly fades into a life of delusions as the family man tries to keep his life on track and protect his family.

Gut works because of the comedy and camaraderie between the two main characters. Their acting comes off smooth and doesn't seem forced when they laugh at one another's jokes and humor. When the DVD is finally watched, the actors flip the switch brilliantly as we get to see the decline of the friendship and subsequent fear in the family mans eyes that his friend may be going off the deep end and might try to harm his family. Gut is an enjoyable film that pushes the boundaries between family and friendship that people should check out. It's currently available on a variety of VOD and digital services.

  • Tamika Jones
    About the Author - Tamika Jones

    Tamika hails from North Beach, Maryland, a tiny town inches from the Chesapeake Bay.She knew she wanted to be an actor after reciting a soliloquy by Sojourner Truth in front of her entire fifth grade class. Since then, she's appeared in over 20 film and television projects. In addition to acting, Tamika is the Indie Spotlight manager for Daily Dead, where she brings readers news on independent horror projects every weekend.

    The first horror film Tamika watched was Child's Play. Being eight years old at the time, she remembers being so scared when Chucky came to life that she projectile vomited. It's tough for her to choose only one movie as her favorite horror film, so she picked two: Nosferatu and The Stepford Wives (1975).