In Andrew Robertson's Refuge, "fear comes home." Our very own Derek Anderson has impressions for Refuge, and readers can view the write-up below in its entirety. Also: new posters for Yoga Hosers and Witchula, an All Girls Weekend trailer, poster, and release details, and the 2016 Lower East Side Film Festival lineup.
Refuge Impressions: Pillagers roam the woods in search of their next meal... and victims, but scarier than their blood-spattered weapons or cold and unmerciful souls is a daughter’s cough reaching the ears of her quietly desperate father. Welcome to the post-apocalyptic world of Andrew Robertson’s Refuge, a survival horror film that's lean and mean, yet still has a lot of heart.
In a world that is a shell of what it used to be, a husband and wife do everything they can to keep their daughter safe. They survived what killed so many others, but they are not alone. Sinister scavengers are closing in on their home. A brutal showdown is inevitable, and the casualties could be the last shreds of humanity.
Bolstered by an eerie and effective score by Carbon-Based Lifeforms, Refuge is gut-punch filmmaking that drops dramatization in favor of brutally realistic depictions of post-apocalyptic life. Enhanced by solid acting from a core cast that dives headfirst into the material, Refuge might leave you with watery eyes or maybe get you thinking about how precious love is in a world stripped down to its bones, but either way it's guaranteed to stick with you long after watching it. If you haven’t already, I strongly suggest seeking this one out on VOD. - Derek Anderson
Synopsis: "Refuge chronicles the struggles of a family trying to survive in the wake of a deadly and mysterious catastrophic event that has brought America to its knees.
The film stars Amy Rutberg (Elementary, Daredevil), Carter Roy, Sebastian Beacon, Eva Grace Kellner (Boardwalk Empire) and Chris Kies (The Blacklist) as a band of survivors in what was once a thriving American suburb that has now devolved into a lawless world of roaming gangs and dwindling resources.
Despite their efforts to remain hidden from the pervasive marauders and dangers that surround them, the family is ultimately discovered and forced to fight for survival. But, fighting back has its consequences."
Refuge is available now on iTunes, Amazon, and VOD. For more information, visit:
Trailer from Toronto After Dark:
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New Poster for Kevin Smith's Yoga Hosers: "15-year-old yoga-nuts Colleen Collette and Colleen McKenzie love their smart phones and hate their after school job at Manitoban convenience store Eh-2-Zed. But when an ancient evil rises from beneath Canada’s crust and threatens their big invitation to a Grade 12 party, the Colleens join forces with the legendary man-hunter from Montreal named Guy Lapointe to fight for their lives with all seven Chakras, one Warrior Pose at a time. Depp, Depp the younger and Smith the younger are returning in the roles they created for TUSK."
Written, directed, and edited by Kevin Smith, Yoga Hosers stars Lily-Rose Depp, Harley Quinn Smith, Justin Long, Austin Butler, Adam Brody, Ralph Garman, Tony Hale, Natasha Lyonne, Haley Joel Osment, Vanessa Paradis, Tyler Posey, Genesis Rodriguez, Jennifer Schwalbach, Jason Mewes, and Johnny Depp. Yoga Hosers hits theaters on July 29th (with a limited sneak peek release on July 28th) from Invincible Pictures.
Trailer via JoBlo:
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All Girls Weekend Trailer, Poster, and Release Details: Press Release: "Writer-director Lou Simon’s anticipated follow-up to Hazmat hits VOD July 12th. Genre icon Jamie Bernadette (I Spit on Your Grave: Deja Vu, Axeman, The Bunnyman Massacre) heads up an “amazing” *cast in a film that “grabs your attention right from the start and it keeps you glued to the screen the entire time”**
Childhood friends try to rekindle their friendship during a weekend in the mountains. Soon the women get lost and now, alone and hungry, they must battle the elements, each other, and an unforeseen force that is determined to stop them from leaving.
From the visionary Lou Simon, the director comes All Girls Weekend starring Jamie Bernadette, Katie Carpenter, Gema Calero, Karishma Lakhani, and Sharron Calvin.
All Girls Weekend available on demand July 12th."
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Lower East Side Film Festival Lineup: "The Writers Guild of America, East and the Lower East Side Film Festival are pleased to present a horror and suspense screenwriters panel at the newly opened Ludlow House on Tuesday, June 14 at 6:30pm.
The esteemed panel will include Academy Award-winning screenwriter Ted Tally (THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, RED DRAGON, THE JUROR), Writer/Director Chris Sparling (ATM, BURIED, THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE), Writer/Director Ingrid Jungermann (WOMEN WHO KILL, winner 2017 Tribeca Film Festival Best Screenplay Award) and Writer/Director Jeremy Saulnier (GREEN ROOM, BLUE RUIN, MURDER PARTY).
Please note, this panel is FREE and open to the public, but everybody who’d like to attend must RSVP to guarantee access!
LUDLOW HOUSE
139 Ludlow Street
New York, NY 10002"
Press Release: "Thursday, May 19, 2016 --- Online Ticket Sales for the 6th Annual Lower East Side Film Festival go on sale today!
Opening Night - Thursday, June 9 - Opening the festival this year is the New York Premiere of the ART OF THE PRANK, a feature documentary about New York artist JOEY SKAGGS, the godfather of the media hoax. Famed for such media fictions as the Celebrity Sperm Bank, the Cathouse for Dogs, the Fat Squad, and Portofess (the mobile confessional booth), all reported as fact by prestigious journalists, Joey Skaggs is one of America’s greatest living satirists. When he decides to pull off the most demanding hoax of his career, filmmaker Andrea Marini gets a unique view into the mind of this most unconventional man.
Opening Night Party will be at Drom this year and will include a performance from SHAREEF KEYES & THE GROOVE.
Friday, June 10th at Midnight, The Lower East Side Film Festival will be hosting the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the beloved 90s film, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II: SECRET OF THE OOZE (1991) at Sunshine Cinema. In addition to the screening, there will be miles and miles of pizza, complimentary beer & wine, and some very special appearances! This year the LESFF will host a variety of unique theme nights for their short films, including: “i heart NY” June 12th, “Ladies Night” June 13th, “Sweet Revenge Shorts” June 14th, and “Mind F*ck Night” June 15th.
Saturday, June 11th - “Gay Night Pool Party & Dive-In Movie” will again be hosted by OUT Magazine at Sixty LES.
Tuesday, June 14th - The Lower East Side Film Festival & Writer's Guild of America East (WGAE) are excited to be hosting a HORROR & SUSPENSE SCREENWRITERS PANEL at newly opened Ludlow House. The esteemed panel will include Academy Award winning screenwriter TED TALLY (The Silence of the Lambs, Red Dragon, The Juror), Writer/Director CHRIS SPARLING (Buried starring Ryan Reynolds, The Atticus Institute), and Writer/Director JEREMY SAULNIER, (Green Room, Blue Ruin, Murder Party).
Closing Night - Thursday, June 16th - To close out their 6th year, LESFF will host the World Premiere of THE BABYMOONERS written and directed by writer/comedians Shaina Feinberg & Chris Manley, starring comedian and radio show host DAVE HILL (Inside Amy Schumer, @Midnight, This American Life), CHRIS ROBERTI (LESFF 2013 Best of Fest Winner How To Follow Strangers), JEFF SEAL, MAEVE HIGGINS, and MARSHALL YORK. Two weeks before the birth of her first child, New Yorker Shaina Feinberg, recounts her reluctant journey to motherhood in a video letter to her son. Clearly influenced by old Woody Allen films, her letter becomes a series of vignettes that include her newly sober The Lower East Side Film Festival 50 Eldridge St., 3rd Floor New York, NY 10002 husband, her goofy Upper West Side parents, an adorable Shih Tzu, a neurotic shrink and her own views on daytime television.
Features this year include:
THE RAINBOW KID (NY Premiere) directed by Kire Paputts is a gritty coming of age story that follows Eugene, a teenager with Down syndrome, on the journey of his life. Obsessed with everything rainbows, his obsession acts as an escape from his real life, which is a mess: he’s bullied at school, the girl he likes doesn’t notice him, and his mother is terminally ill. Worse, he discovers that he and his mom are on the verge of being evicted. Eugene decides to take matters into his own hands. He’ll find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Eugene will save the day. The Rainbow Kid is a story of growth, coming of age, and most of all, hope.
AMERICANA (NY Premiere) written and directed by Zachary Shedd, and starring DAVID CALL (Tiny Furniture, James White, NBC’s Smash, Gossip Girl). Two years after alcoholism and depression drove Avery Wells from his home and career, the San Francisco film editor finds himself back in the city - sobered up and coerced into finishing a cut of a new film – Americana. Avery relents and takes the job, due to his connection to the film’s star – his sister Kate - and the convincing of the film’s producer. And then, at the peak of refound faith in his abilities, Avery’s sister Kate is murdered. Grief and relapse set in as Avery’s suspicion of conspiracy grows.
STREIT'S: MATZO AND THE AMERICAN DREAM directed by Michael Levine. In the heart of New York’s rapidly gentrifying Lower East Side stand four tenement buildings which, since 1925, have housed the Streit’s Matzo factory. An iconic New York institution and a fifth generation family business, the Streit's factory and the Streit family itself have long held firmly to tradition: the owners, great- and great-greatgrandchildren of the company’s founder, occupy their ancestors’ desks, while dozens of factory workers, many of whom have been working at the factory for 30 years or more, churn flour and water into matzos through ovens as old as the factory itself. A story of tradition, of resistance and resilience, and a celebration of a family whose commitment to their community, to their heritage and to their employees is inspiring proof that the family that bakes together, stays together.
Notable Short Films this year include:
BTH: THE BRADLEY THEODORE DOCUMENTARY directed by Benjamin di Giacomo offers a unique glimpse into the life and mind of the thriving New York City based artist Bradley Theodore. The Turks and Caicos native is known for his vibrant skeletal paintings of the most iconic names in fashion like KARL LAGERFELD and ANNA WINTOUR. We are taken through a day in the life of the artist and his creative process. and also feature appearances by JILLIONAIRE of MAJOR LAZER and world-renowned fashion photographer ANTOINE VERGLAS.
VIDEO (NY Premiere) directed by Randy Yang is about a young woman's racist remark captured on video by two teenage black girls.
MUCK directed by Bruce Smolanoff, a dramatic short film about Mel, a 20-year old female open mic comedian who lives with her tabloid-obsessed mother in Queens. Abandoned by her father and born into a family of unfulfilled hopes and dreams, Mel is a bottled fight waiting to erupt. Her one outlet is through stand up comedy and she misguidedly seeks validation and acceptance from a misogynistic male comedian and is determined to make her mark as she navigates the late night, off the grid open mic scene.
MEGHAN IS ON A BENDER (NY Premiere) directed by Chioke Nassor (writer and director for NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers). Girl + booze + sex = Meghan is on a Bender.
THE RAIN COLLECTOR (NY Premiere) directed by Isabella Wing-Davey. In Victorian England, some women confounded expectations of what was appropriate and proper by engaging in scientific work.
THE HONEYS AND BEARS (NY Premiere) directed by Veena Rao. Members of the Harlem Honeys and Bears, a synchronized swim team for seniors, describe the freedom of the water.
JOLLY BOY FRIDAY (NY Premiere) directed by Weston Razooli. While scheming to rob their coke dealer, a web of betrayal unfolds amongst three unruly friends. On the day of the robbery, their plans are turned upside down when Jolly Boy arrives with his entire gang, the Sofa Boys.
NOTICED (NY Premiere) directed by Limor Diamant. When a lonesome postal worker discovers one night that a peeping tom lives across from her, a growing fascination with him sends her on a surprising journey.
KILLER directed by Matt Kazman (Sundance Film Festival 2016 Official Selection). A coming of age short film about a young boy named Dusty, who, when masturbating for the first time, something very bad happens.
SUPERIOR (NY Premiere) directed by Erin Vassilopoulos. A stranger passing through town sparks a teenage girl’s desire to distinguish herself from her identical twin sister. As one sister struggles to break free, the other insists on preserving their distinctive bond.
NAPOLEON IN EXILE (NY Premiere) directed by Michael Lukk Litwak and starring CAROLINE LAGERFELT (Gossip Girl, Minority Report, Nash Bridges) is the story of a mother attempting to help her autistic son transition into the real world.
Judges for LESFF 2016 include: ETHAN HAWKE (“Boyhood” “Maggie’s Plan” “Born To Be Blue”), casting director and producer CINDY TOLAN (“Straight Outta Compton" “Blue Valentine”), STEVE FARNETH (Cinetic Media), and RAUL CASTILLO (HBO series “Looking” member LABryinth Theatre).
Venues include the famous Landmark Sunshine Cinema, Hotel Indigo, the new Ludlow House, The Standard East Village.
Sponsors for this year’s fest include HOTEL INDIGO, MODELO, LAGUNITAS, and wine courtesy of THE HIDDEN SEA.
The Lower East Side Film Festival showcases low-budget and innovative independent films from all across the globe in all categories: features, shorts, documentaries, experimental, foreign, animation, web series, and music videos.
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Previous Judges for The Lower East Side Film Festival have included SUSAN SARANDON, writer and director REBECCA MILLER, actor WILLEM DAFOE, Emmy-nominated actress LAVERNE COX, award winning actor PARKER POSEY, Golden Globe winning producer RACHAEL HOROVITZ, Academy Award Nominees DAN JANVEY (Beasts Of The Southern Wild), TRAVIS KNIGHT (ParaNorman), Emmy Winner JERRY KUPFER (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, 30 Rock), BLADIMIAR NORMAN of The Weinstein Company, comedian JUDAH FRIEDLANDER. Academy Award-Nominated, and Golden GlobeWinning Producer DANA BRUNETTI (House of Cards, Captain Phillips), Tony award-winning actor DENIS O’HARE (True Blood, Milk, American Horror Story), and Executive Producer of the documentary Ramones Raw and Grammy Award-Winning musician, MARKY RAMONE."
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New Poster for Witchula: Press Release: "HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - May 30, 2016 -- With an ever growing fan base already in the tens of thousands, Producers of the upcoming film, "Witchula," decided to reward their followers by revealing the first poster for the film. "Witchula," which media outlets are already referring to as the "real Expendables of horror," is already listed as one of IMDB's top 30 horror films to watch for in 2017. The film promises to offer homage to many classic horror films, so the Friday the 13th release date of the poster comes as no surprise to fans.
"Witchula," is an international production with MAB Studios in the United States and Silent Studios Productions in Great Britain. The poster was a collaboration between the companies, with both sides working painstakingly to give the fans something to talk about. MAB's Marcus Bradford says, "Our teaser poster went through 22 different designs with 3 original and individual designs to choose. From those 3, only 1 was selected. The 22nd draft is what you see today." And Silent Studios Productions' Jason Wright ("Zombie Playground", "Torture") adds, "Marcus and I have been talking for months about the design of a poster for Witchula. We wanted to give the audience a sneak peek into what Witchula is all about. Witchula is an amazing concept and the design for the poster had to have a wow factor to match this which both Marcus and I believe it now does. We have added elements within the poster like the pentagram and a vampire symbol to show this film is a hybrid and has a lot more to offer than first meets the eye. The coloring for the poster has been kept to a dark but mysterious design so to give it more intrigue but at the same time keeping that unique horror feel to match the film's intent."
The poster is fraught with symbolism: The pentagram and the upside down cross are commonplace within the horror genre, but many fans will not recognize the new symbol, the blood dagger, symbolizes the hybrid: witch and vampire. According to Bradford, "The usage of symbols represents power and position. A very cool imagery. After a couple symbols, we decided to go with traditional, ancient, universal symbols which would be recognizable and connect to everyone. Like a cross or any other well-known religious symbol." Producer and longtime horror aficionado John Blythe ("My Amityville Horror", "One Day When the Rains Fell"), says, "I feel Marcus and Jason's creative minds have given, "Witchula," a poster that not only gives the audience a preview of what to expect from a finished film, but also is a unique homage to the 1970's and 1980's horror films that we all grew up watching and love. I feel that important element is somewhat missing in many of the mainstream horror films we see today because the ad campaign from a marketing standpoint is what really sells to an audience."
"Witchula," combines several sub-genres into a project that is sure to delight horror fans.
LOGLINE: A group of college exchange students travels to a small and remote town situated on an exotic island; only to discover they are being hunted down by a powerful witch-vampire "hybrid" that seeks something in their possession.
The film already has horror icons Bill Oberst Jr. ("Take This Lollipop", "Criminal Minds", "Death House") and Eileen Dietz, the iconic demon in the classic film, "The Exorcist," attached along with indie favorite Marilyn Ghigliotti ("Clerks"). Producers promise great announcements in the coming weeks and months.
"Witchula," is also produced by Kirsty Richardson ("Extinction", "Zombikini"), Matt Chassin ("Krampus the Christmas Devil", "Seeking Valentina") and Pat Kusnadi ("The Id", "Down With David", "Good Samaritan"), who also is co-writing and co-directing with Marcus Bradford. Kusnadi sums up what Producers were going for "The poster has created a unique vision that will blow everyone's mind. This will give our fans a sneak peek into what to expect and the great things to come."
For More Information:
'Witchula' Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/witchulamovie
'Witchula' Twitter Page: http://www.twitter.com/WitchulaMovie
'Witchula' IMDb Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3707200/"
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).
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