Week 23: This week's rolling film blog, looking at the latest movie news and trailers from the British and international indie film scene.
Film News & Trailer Talk As It Happens, Week Commencing 5th June - 11th June 2023.
Indie film news as we get it from the UK, US, Australasia, Europe and beyond...
GOD’S PETTING YOU is available on UK Digital Platforms from June 9th.
Outline: God’s Petting You is a dark and twisted comedy that explores the depths and depravity of the Brighton underworld. At a self-help group Cheeky young Charlie, a down on his luck heroin addict, falls in love with the ravishing ‘Tattoo Girl’, a struggling sex addict. Teaming up they hatch a hair-brained scheme to steal a small fortune from a criminally inclined porn star, a plan that's guaranteed to fail. Or is it?
George Webster and Skye Lourie
Film trailer drops for Junaid Syed's UK sci-fi, WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE ATTACK.
Get ready for WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE ATTACK, a British sci-fi adventure directed by Junaid Syed. Join three young astronomers as they face a deadly Martian Invasion and fight for their lives. Starring Sam Gittins, Vincent Regan, Leo Staar, and Lara Lemon, WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE ATTACK will take you on a cosmic journey you won't forget.
HITMEN: A thrill ride of assassins, vengeance and fun!
Outline: Michael Hero, an influential CEO, is driven by a deep desire for justice when his grandson falls victim to a murder. Determined to avenge the tragic loss, he takes an audacious step by offering a substantial one-million-dollar bounty. This bold move not only captures the attention of the global assassin community but also sets the stage for a gripping hunt where the world's most elite killers converge in pursuit of their prey.
HITMEN, a fun action-thriller from acclaimed director Savvas D. Michael (Original Gangster, The Bezonians), takes audiences on a darkly comedic journey through the underbelly of Britain. With its storyline set against a backdrop ranging from the bustling streets of London to the alluring destinations of New York and Sorrento, this film showcases an impressive ensemble cast.
Leading the pack is Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts, whose talent brings depth to the narrative. Joining him is BAFTA-winner Adam Deacon, as well as the versatile Vas Blackwood, known for his roles in "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Mean Machine." Adding to the star-studded lineup is the legendary UFC champion Georges St-Pierre, recognized for his memorable portrayals in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Kickboxer: Vengeance," along with the esteemed Italian star Marco Leonardi, known for his roles in "Cinema Paradiso" and "Once Upon A Time In Mexico."
Together, this great ensemble brings to life a thrilling film that blends assassins, vengeance and fun!
HITMEN is out now on DVD & Digital
Step into the abyss of a British horror that will send shivers down your spine – Welcome to THE GATES.
Travel back in time to the gripping streets of Victorian London in 1892, a city paralyzed by mortal fear. A ruthless serial killer lurks in the shadows, striking fear into the hearts of its residents, who live in constant uncertainty about their fate.
The twisted murderer, William Colcott, is finally captured and sentenced to face the electric chair—a novel method of execution imported from America. As the first convict to meet this fate, he seizes his opportunity to cast a malevolent curse upon the entire prison and all those residing within its foreboding walls—The Gates.
Join Frederick Ladbroke and Emma Wickes, former post-mortem photographers turned paranormal investigators, as they delve into their latest assignment. Their path intertwines with that of the enigmatic medium, Lucian Abberton, leading them into a mysterious investigation. Their mission becomes clear: to prevent William's vengeful spirit from escaping the confines of Bishopsgate Jail. Will they succeed in quelling this evil force, or will the gates of hell swing open, unleashing unimaginable terror upon Victorian London?
THE GATES will be released 3rd July by 101 FILMS
Richard Brake as William Colcott
Anubys Lopez's AGED be released in the US, June 15th on Digital Platforms.
Outline: In the aftermath of accepting a short-term caregiving position, a young woman becomes increasingly aware of her employer's ominous past, entwined with a house harboring a perilous and haunting history.
Prepare to be captivated by the stellar ensemble cast featuring Morgan Boss-Maltais, Carla Kidd, Dave McClain, Bria D'Aguanno, Adonis Ringo, Kelly Kidd, Lisa Alavi, and Kristin Henderson as they bring this dark tale to life.
Voyeuristic social thriller, PRIVACY, to celebrate its World Premiere at BIFAN, Asia's foremost genre festival.
PRIVACY takes place in both the bustling slums of Mumbai and beyond, serving as a captivating social thriller. The film revolves around Roopali, an ambitious operator at the Mumbai surveillance command and control center. Struggling with guilt from her troubled past, Roopali finds herself entangled in a complex web of intrigue when she disregards protocol to delve into an investigation involving a robbery and murder that occurs under her watchful eye.
PRIVACY exposes the stark truth of video surveillance within urban landscapes, emphasizing the significance of personal privacy. Employing a hyperrealistic style and a somber atmosphere, the film embraces a neo-noir aesthetic as it delves into the intricate subjects of mental well-being, voyeurism, and the accessibility of information.
Shot exclusively in Mumbai, the visual landscape of PRIVACY intricately intertwines with the city's diverse and contrasting social-economic strata.
Introducing COCAINE COUGAR, the latest in a series of awful "drug-fueled" animal movies that are so bad, you have to watch them?
COCAINE COUGAR is available now on Amazon Prime, coming to Tubi next week. Directed by Dustin Ferguson ("Mega Ape"), COCAINE COUGAR tells the story of a lethal Black Cougar that goes on a cocaine-fueled rampage after escaping from a Los Angeles lab. While the creature terrorizes the locals, the irresponsible authorities are too busy indulging in their own vices, oblivious to the danger.
@highfliersfilms drop trailer for Sasquatch horror movie, THE BIGFOOT TRAP.
Outline: The life of a journalist takes an unforgettable turn when he delves into the world of a fervent Bigfoot enthusiast, who boldly asserts ownership of the sole "Bigfoot Trap." Initially skeptical of the myth, the journalist's misjudgment proves fatal as he finds himself ensnared within the very trap he doubted.
THE BIGFOOT TRAP. THE BIGFOOT TRAP is directed by Aaron Mirtes, and stars Tyler Weisenauer, Zach Lazar Hoffman, Andy Kanies.
Luxe Films drop trailer for UK, indie horror, INHERIT THE WITCH.
The feature film INHERIT THE WITCH, produced by Luxe Films and directed by Cradeaux Alexander, recently completed post-production. INHERIT THE WITCH is a psychological horror movie that blends supernatural drama with the occult. It was shot during late 2022, in London and the the New Forest.
Outline: In the year 1984, a family comes together to celebrate the 14th birthdays of Cory and Jessie. Three decades pass, and the remnants of the family gather once again, this time to mourn the passing of their father. The funeral takes place at two secluded houses nestled within a forest that holds a dark history of witchcraft. Within these haunting surroundings, the siblings gradually unveil horrifying revelations about their family's hidden agreement with an ancient malevolence. This unholy alliance has covertly fueled their prosperity and influence, and now the surviving siblings must confront the chilling depths of the sinister legacy that lies at the heart of their inheritance.
Jane Gull's UK drama, LOVE WITHOUT WALLS, in UK Cinemas from Friday 9th June.
Outline: LOVE WITHOUT WALLS is a heart-wrenching tale of love and survival in the face of adversity. Sophie and Paul, an aspiring musician, struggle to make ends meet in the hustle and bustle of London. With no options left, they turn to their friends and family for help. However, as summer passes, their situation takes a turn for the worse and they find themselves homeless and struggling to survive.
Against all odds, Sophie and Paul's unwavering love for each other and their determination to persevere shine through. With their good humor and positive outlook, they find odd jobs and temporary shelter as they navigate the challenges of life on the streets. Experience a touching story of hope and resilience in the darkest of times.
In UK Cinemas from Friday 9th June.
Chilean revenge horror film, SNUFF TAPES, now available for streaming and downloading in the UK & Ireland.
Drawing inspiration from films like "Irreversible" and "Baise Moi," SNUFF TAPES, written and directed by Vito Garcia Viedma, delves into a haunting narrative. The film follows the journey of a woman who has endured abuse and stumbles upon explicit footage of her own assault on a forgotten VHS tape. Fueled by a desire for vengeance, she unites with fellow victims, forming a group determined to ensnare the perpetrator in a meticulously planned trap. Prepare to be captivated by this gripping tale of justice and retribution.
LOCAL HEROES, the incredible tale of three Nottingham Forest football players...
LOCAL HEROES, the incredible tale of three Nottingham Forest football players, Viv Anderson, Garry Birtles and Tony Woodcock who triumphed over adversity under the legendary Brian Clough.
This eye-opening film tells the incredible, little-known tale of three Nottingham Forest football players, Viv Anderson, Garry Birtles and Tony Woodcock who triumphed over adversity – during a time of major political and social upheaval and cultural change in the UK – to win the European Cup in 1979 and 1980, under legendary football manager Brian Clough.
European Cup Winners in 1979 & 1980, under legendary football manager Brian Clough.
On July 6th, BET+ is set to debut its original film, CALL HER KING, featuring the talented Naturi Naughton and Lance Gross.
Directed by Wes Miller (renowned for A Day to Die), CALL HER KING unfolds the gripping story of Judge Jaeda King (Naughton). After passing a death sentence on Sean Samuels (Mitchell), the courtroom becomes a hostage to Samuels' brother Gabriel, also known as Black Caesar (Gross). In this intense standoff, the Judge must depend on her intelligence, resilience, and expertise to navigate the situation, protect the hostages, and find a way to secure her own escape..
WAR PONY is in UK & Irish Cinemas from 9th June 2023.
WAR PONY is the directorial debut of Riley Keough (Daisy Jones & The Six, Zola) and Gina Gammell and co-written with first-time writers, Franklin Sioux Bob and Bill Reddy. The film stars Jojo Bapteise Whiting and LaDainian Crazy Thunder.
Outline: Exquisite, tender, and utterly captivating, WAR PONY weaves together the intertwined narratives of two Oglala Lakota men as they navigate the journey to adulthood on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Bill, a resilient 23-year-old portrayed by Jojo Bapteise Whiting, yearns to create a meaningful existence for himself. Whether engaging in unconventional endeavors like siphoning gas, making deliveries, or even breeding Poodles, his unwavering determination propels him towards the elusive "American Dream."
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Matho, brought to life by the talented LaDainian Crazy Thunder, eagerly awaits the arrival of manhood. Yearning for the recognition and affection of his young yet distant father, Matho's desperate quest for approval leads him down a path of self-destructive choices. As the consequences of his actions unravel, he finds himself ill-equipped to confront the harsh realities of the adult world.
In WAR PONY, these mesmerizing tales unfold in tandem, shedding light on the complex lives and personal struggles of two individuals grappling with their place in the world.
THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER will be in select U.S. Theaters from Friday, June 9, 2023.
Outline: Vicaria, a remarkable teenager, holds a firm conviction that death is akin to a curable ailment. When her brother falls victim to a brutal and unexpected murder, she fearlessly sets out on a perilous quest to resurrect him. Drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the poignant narrative of "The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster," crafted by the talented writer and director Bomani J. Story, dares to challenge conventional notions of life and death. Amidst the haunting presence of societal pressures, this gripping tale explores the resilience of a family determined to endure and emerge rejuvenated once more.
In select U.S. Theaters from Friday
Canadian horror film THE DEVIL COMES AT NIGHT releases on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, across various Digital Platforms and DVD in North America.
Outline: Ben, a former boxing champion struggling to reclaim his inheritance, finds himself entangled in a life-or-death struggle when he becomes trapped inside his late father's farmhouse by a malevolent cannibalistic cult. Assisted by Amy, the town's resourceful librarian, they unearth a startling revelation that Mason, the cult's enigmatic leader, has targeted Ben's family across generations. Now, Ben becomes Mason's primary target. United, Ben and Amy devise a daring scheme to vanquish the cult and bring an end to their reign of terror once and for all.
THE DEVIL COMES AT NIGHT stars; American Gods’ Adrienne Kress and Ryan Allen (In the Shadow of the Moon), and is released by Uncork'd Entertainment.
Bruce Wemple's creature feature, sci-fi, FIRST CONTACT on Digital & DVD from June 6th.
Outline: In FIRST CONTACT, Casey and Dan, siblings with a strained relationship, journey to their father's rural home to unravel his unfinished research. As they delve deeper, they discover that their father's experiments were perilous and unleashed a malevolent being that had been dormant for eons, causing chaos in the area. The death toll mounts, and the siblings must unravel the mysteries surrounding the otherworldly creature before it's too late.
Uncork'd Entertainment have World-Wide rights
Screening at the Glendale Laemmle theater in Los Angeles from June 16th to 22nd
The Movie Agency release trailer for ENTER THE DRAG DRAGON: AN EPIC DRAG FU ODYSSEY.
Get ready for a wild ride with the upcoming theatrical release of "Enter The Drag Dragon": the world's first ever drag queen, martial arts, and comedy where detectives, corrupt cops and gangsters meet zombies, androids, mummies and ghosts! Are you ready for this Epic Drag-Fu Odyssey?
This Canadian LGBTQ comedy, directed by Lee Demarbre, combines humor, action, and gore in an unforgettable way.
Movie-goers will be cheering for the detective drag queen, Crunch, a true LGBTQ hero portrayed by no less than three different actors: Sam Kellerman, Jade London and Matt Miwa,
This film is a one-of-a-kind psychedelic experience, showcasing the perfect mix of comedy, action, and guts. Whether you enjoyed the cult character of Toxic Avenger and the work of iconic Russ Meyer or John Waters, Enter The Drag Dragon is a memorable piece of LGBTQ+ Cinema.
It you're in LA, don't miss your chance to see "Enter The Drag Dragon" at Glendale Laemmle theater in Los Angeles from June 16th to 22nd:
Laemmle Theater
207 N. Maryland Ave.
Glendale, CA 91206
310-478-3836
Buy your ticket now to Enter the Drag Dragon:
https://www.laemmle.com/film/enter-drag-dragon
The filmmaker, Lee Demarbre will be in attendance and waiting for you in the lobby. A Q&A will be scheduled on the Saturday and Sunday screenings
