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‘The Amityville Murders’ Delivered Terror At ScreamFest 2018!

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Best known for discovering the Paranormal Activity in 2007, the ScreamFest horror film festival allows filmmakers and screenwriters in the horror and science fiction genres a venue to have their work showcased in the film industry. ScreamFest founder and film producer Rachel Belofsky did one hell of a job this year!

The Amityville Murders premiered at the festival on October 9th and helped kick off the start of the event (Oct 9 thru 18). The cast, crew, and special guests took to the “black” carpet before the screening of the film and smiled for cameras.

A very humble Daniel Farrands (Director, Writer) explained to the Red Carpet Report when asked: “What he thinks makes this franchise special, liked and still successful today?”

“This movie isn’t necessarily part of a franchise. It’s a story about the Defeo family who tragically lost their lives in that house in 1974 before there was a haunted house, or before there was a franchise. I wanted to pay a respect to them. I wanted to tell my version of the story of what might have been. Obviously some of it comes from my own imagination because no one really knows what happened in that house and that is one of the most troubling things about that story is that not that many people..to this day law enforcement don’t know how the murders were committed the way they were committed and there are still so many loose ends to that case.”

Be sure to check back with us for a review of The Amityville Murders. The dedication and hard work very much resonates on the screen and the film is a true gift to the DeFeo legacy in telling their story and giving fans a well-deserved film. And yes for all of you Amityville II fans, there are a few nods to the 1982 possession film.

Diane Franklin at ‘The Amityville Murders’ Premiere at ScreamFest 2018. Photo – Ryan T. Cusick of iHorror.com

Kue Lawrence, Zane Austin, Noa Brenner at ‘The Amityville Murders’ Premiere at ScreamFest 2018. Photo – Ryan T. Cusick of iHorror.com

Lin Shaye ScreamFest Ambassador 2018. at ‘The Amityville Murders’ Premiere at ScreamFest 2018. Photo – Ryan T. Cusick of iHorror.com

Lydia Hearst, Kue Lawrence, Zane Austin, Noa Brenner at ‘The Amityville Murders’ Premiere at ScreamFest 2018. Photo – Ryan T. Cusick of iHorror.com

Daniel Farrands & Lydia Hearst at ‘The Amityville Murders’ Premiere at ScreamFest 2018. Photo – Ryan T. Cusick of iHorror.com

Join the cast and crew as they discuss their experiences working on this elaborate and spooky film – Based On True Events! Moderated by Lydia Hearst. In Attendance: Chelsea Ricketts, Sky Liam Patterson, Rebekah Graf, Sana Kaproff, Steve Trzaska, Diane Franklin, Lucas Jarach, Daniel Farrands, Kue Lawrence, Zane Austin, Noa Brenner.

About The Amityville Murders:

On the night of November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo, Jr. took a high-powered rifle and murdered his entire family as they slept. At his trial, DeFeo claimed that “voices” in the house commanded him to kill. This is their story.

The Limited Edition Collector’s Set ships out on November 5, 2018. Pre-order The Amityville MurdersDVD Collectors Set HERE and The Amityville Murders Blu-Ray Collectors Set HERE.

VOD/Cable and limited theaters November 13th (The 44th Anniversary of the murders).

Special Features:

  • Trailer
  • Deleted Scene
  • Interviews with Cast & Filmmaker
  • Behind the Scenes

ABOUT SCREAMFEST HORROR FILM FESTIVAL

Formed in August 2001 by film producer Rachel Belofsky, Screamfest Horror Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that gives filmmakers and screenwriters in the horror and science fiction genres a venue to have their work showcased in the film industry. Among the numerous films that have been discovered and/or premiered at the festival include “Paranormal Activity,” “30 Days of Night,” “Trick ‘r Treat” and “The Human Centipede.” For more information, visit www.ScreamfestLA.com or email [email protected]

*Featured Image – Diane Franklin & Daughter – Olivia DeLaurentis

 

 

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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