Week 24: This week's film round-up, looking at the latest movie news and trailers from the British and international indie film scene.
Film News & Trailer Talk, Week Commencing June 12th - June 18th 2023.
Indie film news from the UK, US, Australasia, Europe and beyond...
Film trailer drops for Jimmy Drain & Brian McCulley's PROFESSOR KIMMERS INITIATION.
Outline: Dr. Dan Kimmer finds himself teetering on the precipice of a catastrophic unraveling. The once vibrant bond with his spouse, Jamie, has withered into a loveless state, marred by an absence of children. Simultaneously, his position as a professor at St. Elzear's College is being shaken by unsettling whispers of sexual misconduct, with Dan bearing the burden of guilt. Adding to his troubles, his former student and clandestine paramour, Starr, demands his exclusive devotion, triggering a tumultuous clash between devout believers and a covert Satanic society concealed within the confines of the institution. In this whirlwind of events, long-held secrets will be exposed, unmasking the deceptive facades of those who initially appeared trustworthy. As Dan grapples with his wavering faith and an uncertain future, he is propelled into an ultimate test of resilience and fortitude.
PROFESSOR KIMMERS INITIATION stars Richard Tyson (Kindergarten Cop), Naomi Grossman (American Horror Story), Vernon Wells (Mad Max 2), Lauren Mayhew (Dexter), Jimmy Drain (Realm of Shadows), and Harley Wallen (Beneath Us All).
Movie trailer drops for Anthony Catanese's CADDY HACK!
CADDY HACK! will premiere at Smodcastle theater in Atlantic Highlands, NJ on August 11th before its Digital & DVD release in October by Wild Eye Releasing .
In Caddy Hack!, penned and helmed by Catanese, a golf course in distress becomes the site of gruesome caddy murders perpetrated by pesticide-mutated gophers. As the ruthless owner of the facility desperately conceals the bloodshed, an unhinged groundskeeper embarks on a relentless battle against the savage rodents.
The zany horror-comedy features a talented cast including Jim Gordon, Jake Foy, Chrissy Cavallo, Nick Twist, Ilene Sullivan, and John Evans. This uproarious film can be best described as a fusion of Caddyshack and Gremlins!
Catanese, the esteemed indie director behind the cult classics 'Girls Just Wanna have Blood' and 'Sodomaniac', joins forces with producers Sara Casey, Scott Miller, Jim Gordon, Joseph Kuzemka, and Rob Hauschild for this thrilling production.
For our US viewers, don't miss the nationwide one-night screening of MAD HEIDI, a modern grindhouse epic, on Wednesday, June 21, courtesy of @RavenBanner.
Outline: In this twisted adventure, Heidi (Alice Lucy) lives a tranquil life with her grandfather (David Schofield) in the Swiss Alps, ruled by the ruthless dictator Our Very Swiss Leader (Casper Van Dien). When Heidi's lover (Kel Matsena) is murdered for distributing illegal cheese, she embarks on a wild quest for vengeance. Along the way, she encounters fierce inmates, cheese-fueled soldiers, ninja nuns, and more. Join Heidi as she fights to bring down the tyrannical regime and restore freedom to Switzerland in Mad Heidi.
MAD HEIDI is a Swissploitation film, blending elements of the beloved children's book character with an exploitation extravaganza.
AINT HIDIN NUTTIN to celebrate its Premiere at the Rio Cinema, Dalston at the end of August. https://riocinema.org.uk/whats-on
Outline: KEYZ is on a mission to save enough money to build his own music studio; JAY’s influence of selling drugs to purchase it quickly leads them down a path unexpected for their age.
AINT HIDIN NUTTIN is written/directed by Daniel Glenn-Barbour, produced by Angelika Napierala, and stars; Keon Martial-Phillip, Jason Brown, Arnold Ezekiel Panzo, Sadaaq Said.
Black Mandala Fims drop trailer for Panamanian horror, THE SACRIFICE (El Sacrificio).
Outline: In the depths of a remote farm owned by their grandmother, two sisters find themselves embroiled in a harrowing battle for survival. Their arrival coincides with the discovery that their beloved matriarch has fallen victim to a malevolent curse, which has plagued her for countless years. This tale of terror draws inspiration from the haunting legends that span across the vast tapestry of Latin America.
THE SACRIFICE (El Sacrificio) is directed by Alberto Serra, and stars Freddy D'Elia, Stella Lauri, Adrian Mora, Nick Romano, Isabella Sierra, Ana Grethel Solis.
A horror story based on legends from Latin America
TOMMY GUNS, written and directed by Carlos Conceição, available now on all major VOD Platforms.
TOMMY GUNS, a bold and mysterious film by Carlos Conceição, a director of Angolan and Portuguese descent, skillfully evokes the haunting legacy of Angola's colonial history. With an audacious approach, Conceição not only pays homage to the past but also harnesses the symbolic potency of genre filmmaking.
Outline: Set against the backdrop of Angola's impending independence from Portuguese rule in 1974, the narrative unfolds just as the country is on the cusp of significant change. As wealthy colonists hurriedly flee the land they once claimed, Angolan revolutionaries assert their rights, leading to a gradual reclaiming of territory. Amidst this upheaval, a young tribal girl embarks on a journey fraught with love and peril, intertwining her fate with that of a Portuguese soldier. Simultaneously, a group of soldiers finds themselves isolated from the outside world, blindly following their commander's ruthless orders in the name of patriotism. However, this captivating cinematic enigma refuses to be confined to a single genre, deftly traversing from introspective art house drama to gripping war film, from eerie zombie flick to heart-pounding escape thriller. Its masterful execution keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, orchestrating a thrilling symphony of genre-shifting storytelling.
BritFlicks is delighted to share this exclusive film clip from Stephen Hall's upcoming British horror, THE GATES, featuring John Rhys Davies, Richard Brake & Elena Delia.
Outline: Travel back to Victorian London in 1892, a city consumed by fear as a brutal serial killer stalks its streets. When the infamous murderer, William Colcott (Richard Brake), is captured and sentenced to death by electric chair, he curses the entire prison and its inhabitants. Enter Frederick Ladbroke (John Rhys-Davies) and Emma Wickes (Elena Delia), paranormal investigators with a background in post-mortem photography, who find themselves entangled in a chilling investigation alongside the mysterious medium, Lucian Abberton (Michael Yare). Their mission: to prevent William's malevolent spirit from escaping Bishopsgate Jail and unleashing unimaginable terror upon Victorian London. Can they seal the gates of hell in time?
THE GATES will be released on Digital Platforms, 3 July 2023, by 101 Films.
This summer, violent slasher film BAD GIRL BOOGEY, directed by Alice Maio Mackay, will be released by Dark Star Pictures.
BAD GIRL BOOGEY, the acclaimed slasher film by Alice Maio Mackay, made a splash at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival and went on to captivate audiences at Monster Fest and Salem Horror Film Festival. Mark your calendars for the digital release on July 4, DVD release on July 11, and select theater screenings starting from July 7.
Outline: In BAD GIRL BOOGEY, Angel's life was shattered when her mother fell victim to a vicious killer wearing a cursed, bigoted parasitic mask on a fateful Halloween night. Sixteen years later, tragedy strikes again as Angel's best friend is brutally murdered by a masked assailant donning the same sinister disguise. Now, Angel must confront her inner demons, conquer her fears, and track down the masked killer before they unleash further devastation upon those she cherishes most.
Wild Eye Releasing drop movie trailer for MEGA APE, ahead of September release.
Coming this September, brace yourself as MEGA APE, the latest creation from the studio behind Amityville in Space, The Amazing Bulk, Sharkenstein, Jurassic Shark, and Sharkula, takes to the streets with thunderous force!
Outline: In the heart of Hollywood, a group of animal rights activists inadvertently unleashes an unsuspecting genetically modified ape from a highly classified research facility. As this creature undergoes a rapid and extraordinary growth spurt, it embarks on a relentless path of absolute chaos, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Starring Jonathan Nation (Circus Kane, Apex Predators), Bai Ling from The Crow, iconic actor Mel Novak (Game of Death, Samurai Cop 2), and the late Tom Sizemore (Heat, "Twin Peaks") in one of his last performances, this electrifying blend of sci-fi and thrills races onto DVD and Digital platforms on September 12, courtesy of Wild Eye Releasing.
@finitefilmsandtv to release UK, country life, feel-good drama, AND THEN COME THE NIGHTJARS, in UK Cinemas from 1st September.
AND THEN COME THE NIGHTJARS, adapted from Bea Roberts' acclaimed stage production and transformed for the screen, weaves a captivating tale of an improbable bond that blossoms between a farmer from Devon and the veterinarian entrusted with the difficult task of culling his cherished herd.
Set amidst the challenging landscape of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, this poignant narrative explores the enduring power of friendship and the indomitable spirit of survival. It weaves a heartwarming tale that resonates with hope and resilience.
Nigel Hastings and David Fielder reunite in their acclaimed stage roles as Jeff and Michael, while director Paul Robinson makes his feature film directorial debut.
AND THEN COME THE NIGHTJARS will have special Q&A screenings at Chichester Film Festival on August 25th & 26th, featuring Nigel Hastings, David Fielder, and Paul Robinson.
HOPE IN VEIN: A Captivating Short Film Exploring the Stigma of Living with HIV, will celebrate its Worldwide Digital release on Vimeo, June 27th.
Embark on a powerful journey with HOPE ION VEIN as it delves into the obstacles that constantly remind Matt of the stigma he endures. This film explores forgiveness as a catalyst for reigniting hope, presenting a compelling narrative brought to life by a talented cast and a heartfelt script. Prepare to be captivated and inspired by this extraordinary story.
HOPE IN VEIN follows the journey of Matt Davis (Joshua Bilbao), a young man who grapples with the profound stigma associated with living with HIV
Blue Finch Film Releasing presents SMALL, SLOW BUT STEADY in Cinemas & on Curzon Home Cinema 30 June 2023.
SMALL, SLOW BUT STEADY is a ground-breaking boxing film, showcasing a raw and vulnerable performance by Yukino Kishii as Keiko Ogasawara. Directed by Shô Miyake and shot on 16mm.
Drawing inspiration from the autobiographical book "Makenaide!" penned by Keiko Ogasawara, a trailblazing professional woman boxer with hearing impairment, SMALL, SLOW BUT STEADY captivates viewers with its poignant character exploration, fueled by an indelible portrayal by the emerging talent Yukino Kishii.
Outline: Keiko, a talented young boxer with a hearing impairment, confronts the immense challenges that come with her chosen sport. Despite the obstacles, her boxing club becomes a sanctuary—a place she calls her second home. Astonishing everyone with victories in her first two professional fights, Keiko's belief in herself grows. However, her world takes a somber turn when she discovers that the club chairman, the sole supporter of her boxing dreams, is battling serious health issues, and the gym faces imminent closure. In the midst of uncertainty about her future, Keiko prepares for her upcoming third professional bout. Yet, the greatest hurdle she must overcome lies within herself—understanding the true essence of her determination to fight.
Ira Sachs' latest film PASSAGES has a new trailer released by MUBI. The movie opens in UK and Ireland theaters on September 1, 2023.
Passages received its World Premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, and was nominated for Best Feature Film at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival.
Outline: set in Paris, this seductive drama tells the story of Tomas (Rogowski) and Martin (Whishaw), a gay couple whose marriage is thrown into crisis when Tomas begins a passionate affair with Agathe (Exarchopoulos), a younger woman he meets after completing his latest film.
Perceptive, intimate and unashamedly sexy, PASSAGES sees Sachs bridge his usually tender style with a uniquely European sensibility, providing an insightful and authentic take on the complexities, contradictions and cruelties of love and desire.
Directed by Ira Sachs (Love is Strange, Little Men) and produced by Saïd Ben Saïd (Elle, Bacarau) and Michel Merkt (Toni Erdmann), Passages stars BAFTA-winner Ben Whishaw (Skyfall, Paddington, Women Talking), Franz Rogowski (Great Freedom, Transit, Victoria), and Palme d’Or-winner Adèle Exarchopoulos (Blue is the Warmest Colour, The Five Devils).
Adèle Exarchopoulos & Ben Whishaw
