#brooklynhorrorfest

[fearsmagazine]

HOUSE OF ASHES - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: TBA

SYNOPSIS: After enduring a miscarriage, Mia faces another tragic blow when her husband is found deceased at their veterinary clinic. Initially suspected of his murder, she is acquitted but sentenced to house arrest due to the state's strict miscarriage laws. During this challenging time, an old friend, Marc, arrives, offering love and protection. However, their newfound sense of security is threatened when strange occurrences begin to happen: items go missing, and they are attacked by an unseen foe.

Mia believes the culprit is a supernatural entity, while Marc insists it's a human problem. As a security expert, he installs a surveillance system to safeguard them, but the issue proves to be beyond his expertise. Amid these pressures, Mia must find the strength to reclaim her life or risk succumbing to deathly foe.

REVIEW: Filmmaker Izzy Lee's feature film debut showcases a relevant and intriguing concept, bolstered by compelling performances and exceptional production quality, especially considering the film's modest budget and independent status.

Mia's story begins with her arrest for her husband's murder. She is proven innocent of that crime, but due to the state's laws governing abortion and miscarriages, she is placed under house arrest for a year due to a miscarriage. Mia is not alone in her home, as an old high school acquaintance, Marc, has returned and vowed to help her through this challenging year. Strange and inexplicable occurrences soon begin to unfold, suggesting a supernatural influence at play.

The film's primary setting is Mia's residence and its limited vicinity. Mia and Marc are the central characters, while Probation Officer Davis and Lexi "ShokToks," a crime podcast, act as superficial secondary characters, serving to heighten tension and drama as antagonists. As the narrative unfolds, the characters' motivations are scrutinized, and the plot begins to resemble the 1990s film "Ghost," here narrated from the lead female character's perspective. Flashbacks to a time when Mia's husband, Adam, was alive, help contextualize certain objects within the story. While the narrative feels familiar, it manages to avoid clichés, resulting in an engaging and captivating tale.

Mia and Marc's dialogue is captivating, infusing the film with drama and suspense. However, in the second act, a shift occurs, revealing the nature of the threat. The dialogue between the probation office and the podcaster becomes exaggerated, and their characters feel like exaggerated, almost cartoonish portrayals.

While the miscarriage/house arrest element was initially introduced, it failed to evolve into a meaningful aspect of the narrative. Despite its resonance with the public's zeitgeist, it functioned primarily as an audience lure. Although mentioned sporadically, one might expect it to hold more significance, but the relationship between Mia and Adam dominates the storyline, causing the miscarriage to fade into obscurity.

The film showcases impressive production quality, exceeding expectations for an independent film and surpassing the standards of a B-movie. The lighting transitions smoothly between everyday scenes and supernatural moments, enhancing the film's atmosphere. The well-framed shots and sharp editing contribute to a dynamic viewing experience. The blending of special and visual effects is particularly noteworthy, as the integration of smoke into the narrative almost transforms it into an entity. Rather than relying on conventional graphic and bloody moments of the genre, the filmmakers wisely chose to invest more screen time on these effective elements. Additionally, the filmmakers utilized an interesting location, Mia’s home, with various angles and coverage, resulting in a visually engaging and energetic film.

Fayna Sanchez delivers an exceptional performance as Mia, grounding the film and captivating the viewer. Her convincing portrayal of a character wrestling with trauma allows the audience to believe in her emotional state. As secrets unravel, empathy for Mia grows, and tension intensifies due to her perilous situation.

Complementing Sanchez's performance, Vincent Stalba creates a character that unsettles the viewer. Initially appearing as a charming and protective figure, Stalba's character gradually reveals hidden layers, mirroring a blend of Carl Bruner from "Ghost" and Norman Bates. This transformation keeps the viewer uncertain and on edge as the tension escalates.

The supporting cast contributes effectively to the film, creating characters that do not detract from the central narrative. Additionally, the cameos add subtle touches that enhance the story without overshadowing it.

HOUSE OF ASHES, a supernatural thriller, kept me engaged throughout. Izzy Lee's wonderful feature debut is a testament to her talent as a filmmaker, especially considering the film's independent nature. Fayna Sanchez steals the show with her captivating and powerful performance. Izzy Lee has demonstrated why she is a rising star to watch with her first feature under her belt.

CAST: Fayna Sanchez, Vincent Stalba, Lee Boxleitner, Mason Conrad, and Laura Dromerick, with cameos from genre filmmakers Joe Lynch and Mick Garris. CREW: Director/Screenplay/Producer - Izzy Lee; Screenplay/Producer - Steve Johanson; Cinematographer - Sophia Cacciola; Score - Antoine Lamothe; Editor/Sound Design - Anna Rottke; Special Effects Makeup & Prosthetics - Angela Santori; Visual Special Effects - Huseyin Cay. OFFICIAL: www.nihilnoctem.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nihilnoctemfilm/ TWITTER: x.com/nihilnoctemfilm TRAILER: https://youtu.be/Vv21_S5zssM RELEASE DATE: World Premier Oct. 19th, 2024, at Brooklyn Horror Film Festival

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay), or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

Listen to our Interview with filmmaker Izzy Lee - HERE

[fuckyeahbreagrant]

nihilnoctem A joyful My Monster reunion at @brooklynhorrorfest 🧟‍♂️🥊

[krystals-posts]

It’s time to start prepping for Halloween my witches, warlocks, ghosts, pumpkin 🎃 spices!!! I am thrilled to announce the World Premiere of @sinphonyclubhousehorror at the @brooklynhorrorfest Oct 13th - 20th, 2022 It took a lot of Peeps and Creeps to create this amazing film. I am the happily involved co-producer, mystic consultant, script supervisor and spoiler but not really you already know - I’m a witch!!! Thank you to the Scream Dream Team Especially @marisaproducer (producer) and @jasonragosta (director and writer) Thank you to all (sorry if I am missing anyone) @pascalfilm @bookendfilms @musicwithandrea @isadorafedora @belmont_sound @pandorafx @margaretannem8s @aldrichtony @kyle_k.music @kristinegerolaga @capistranohmu @nicholecarlsonand especially the crazy long hours of work of our post -production crew -  @justinamore , @bozzman7070 , @jacobhackzell , and @fesliyanstudios  Justin Amore , Nick Bozzone , Jacob Hackzell , and Fesliyan Studiosindiefilms THANK YOU to  @swbazile and @galvatron0828 from Screen Anthology. It’s amazing what a social audio app, great minds and ten filmmakers can accomplish in 4 months. Killer! Killed it! Amazing.  
  #sinphony #horroranthology #scream #horrorfamily  #horror #producer #femalefilmmakers #motherlove #witch #coven #priestess #fangoria  #jason #halloween #nyc #indiehorrorfilm #brooklyn https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch-sPF6vAoY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[cadma]

Lets sum up our #scary #visit to the #movie #theater With @brooklynhorrorfest and don’t forget your #promocode #bkhorror on @shudder

[brendanmeadowsphotography]

New poster werk for Brooklyn Horror Festival 2019. @brooklynhorrorfest Killer collab with Richard Smykowski @smykowski and Keenan Tracey @keenantracey #makeportraits (at Salt Studio) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Mv8sklrXr/?igshid=btryt90pho22

[pvdhorror]

The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival returns to bring the best and most provocative horror cinema to local screens across Brooklyn from October 17th – 24th! @brooklynhorrorfest . . . . #horror #horroraddict #horrormovies #horrorhound #horrorcollector #horrorfilms #horrorfanatic #horrorjunkie #horrorfamily #horrorlover #horrorobsessed #horrorfan #horrorclub #horrorlife #pvdhorror #brooklyn #brooklynhorrorfilmfestival #actors #actress #films #filmfestival #filmmaker #filmmaking #festival (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/B15s8BNlZnu/?igshid=1c6qt764agvph

[khloaris]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KHLOARIS (@khloaris)

KHLOARIS haven’t talked about our Color Giants Animation and Comix Expo series in a bit, but it’s high time. For the last few years, we’ve done a free animation and or comic-related fest in conjunction with Comic Arts Brooklyn. Here’s the promo/intro we put together for the 2nd year, where we had programs by KHLOARIS, Matthew Thurber/Magic Floot and Cartuna. We had a HUGE crowd, so we screened this one a second time at Superchief NY. You should head over to Matthew’s page @mtshelves His new 16mm film #Fleegix is screening in NYC twice this weekend - at @spectaclenyc and @filmnoircinema - and he’s taking it on tour. Cartuna has an incredibly active page with a ton of original bizarre content. Check it out. Last year, we switched gears a little bit, and screened Frank Henenlotter’s Mike Diana doc, with a panel featuring Frank and Mike, that was hosted by Caitlin McGurk and Robyn Chapman. The second night, we had comic legend Dame Darcy and an occult-based night, with programs by Zev Deans, Lisa Hammer and KHLOARIS. @ivyinsilico read tarot cards, Zev had new HD transfers of H.R. Giger stuff and more. The first year of Color Giants had programs by Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, Animation Nights New York and we showed the animated feature “Seoul Station,” via @wearefilmrise It’s time to get the next Color Giants moving. CONTACT US IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN BEING INVOLVED. @cartuna @zev_deans @boiledmikediana @johnnychiba @desertislandcomics @comicartsbklyn @mcjerk_industries @paperrobyn @thelisahammer @damedarcy @superchiefgalleryny @colorgiantscinema @brooklynhorrorfest @animnightsny #colorgiantsanimation #colorgiantscinema #colorgiants #khloaris #comicartsbrooklyn #animation #comicexpo #mikediana #frankhenenlotter #matthewthurber #spectacletheater #filmnoircinema #filmfestival #comicsfestival #experimentalanimation #comix #undergroundfilm #cartuna #damedarcy #screeningcollective #filmprogramming #newyorkunderground #film #brooklynhorrorfilmfestival #animationnightsnewyork #superchief #seoulstation (at Ariana) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ZC--pF0_1/?igshid=r8bgv6w3jwp6

[bayrizz]

My comedy partner and lifelong friend stars in a new movie that is just fantastic. Short film called PUMPKIN... which involves time travel, A Tomagatchi and Bonz as a Mel Gibson obsessed loser. The world premiere will be at @videologybarandcinema on Dec 4 before a screening of @ifcmidnight‘s KALEIDOSCOPE, courtesy of our friends @brooklynhorrorfest. Tix are limited, get them now at @videologybarandcinema - Come out Dec 4 @jonlullo #film

[bittenappletv]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bitten Apple TV (@bittenappletv)

Lets sum up our #scary #visit to the #movie #theater With @brooklynhorrorfest and don’t forget your #promocode #bkhorror on @shudder

[fearsmagazine]

THE BROOKLYN HORROR FILM FESTIVAL Announces Full 2024 Program!

The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival (BHFF) announced the full program for its 2024 incarnation, running October 17-24 with all screenings held at Nitehawk Cinema’s Williamsburg and Prospect Park locations. Audiences are in for an unworldly lineup of films and events, including a special screening of Larry Fessenden’s HABIT with the Leviathan Award Ceremony, honoring his film career.

The Opening Night film is the NY premiere of DEAD MAIL from directors Joe DeBoer and Kyle McConaghy. The 2024 festival boasts the North American Premieres of exciting new films: Tiago Teixeira’s unsettling body horror film CUSTOM; a new documentary on horror at the turn of the millennium from Phillip Escott and Sarah Appleton, GENERATION TERROR; and New Zealand director Sasha Rainbow’s film GRAFTED.

The festival will feature the world premieres of Izzy Lee's first feature, HOUSE OF ASHES; the atmospheric ghost story, LILLY LIVES ALONE, and the queer sci-fi adventure PSYCHONAUT. The festival’s other spotlight titles include ANIMALE, the beautiful revenge-fantasy from French director Emma Benestan as the festival’s Centerpiece Film; and THE RULE OF JENNY PEN starring Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow as the Closing Night Film.

The festival’s signature sidebar programs return, starting with FEAR IN FOCUS: SPAIN, which includes the North American premiere of EXORCISMO, a documentary that focuses on the violent and smutty film history of the post-Franco era of Spanish cinema; as well as retro screenings of VAMPYRES and THE BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE on 35mm; which ties into the Vampire sidebar that features Abel Ferrara’s THE ADDICTION and a screening of the Spanish version of DRACULA with a live score from The Flushing Remonstrance. MISKATONIC INSTITUTE OF HORROR STUDIES will also return to host a special lecture by Dr. Leah Richards "Queer Vampires, Queer Liberation, Queer Futurity.

Festival badges are on sale now HERE and a limited amount of individual tickets go on sale this Friday, Sept. 20th at 12PM EST.

For more information, visit: Brooklynhorrorfest.com Facebook: facebook.com/brooklynhorror/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/brooklynhorror Instagram: http://instagram.com/brooklynhorrorfest

[fuckyeahbreagrant]

breagrant Thank you @brooklynhorrorfest for premiering Megan, 26. And for playing The Vicious by @ghostpartypictures and Bleed by the @fatalecollective

.

[roblouiscomedy]

Judging and reviewing a film @brooklynhorrorfest for @comicsverse #forestoflostsouls

[rewstarr]

Wow!!!! GET MY GUN is worth your time for sure!! What a treat (or trick) make sure you GET to see it at a horror festival near you #getmygun #getmygunfilm #briandarwas #horrormovies #brooklynhorrorfilmfestival @getmygunfilm @brooklynhorrorfest (at Film Noir Cinema)

[bkhorrorclub-blog]

EVIL DEAD (2013), August 24 in Brooklyn, NY - FREE SCREENING

If you know me, you know how much I love the 2013 remake of EVIL DEAD.  Our friends at Coney Island Brewery love it too, so much that they are letting us screen it at the Brewery for free!

Free entry, free popcorn, and Coney Island beer for sale.  If you’re in NYC/BROOKLYN make sure to come on out!

Wednesday, August 24 7:45 PM - Doors 8:45 PM - Show begins

BROOKLYN VENUE Coney Island Brewing Company 1904 Surf Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11224

BK HORROR CLUB bkhorrorclub.com johndoe@bkhorrorclub.com

THRONE WATCHES thronewatches.com travis@thronewatches.com

BROOKLYN HORROR FILM FESTIVAL brooklynhorrorfest.com justin@brooklynhorrorfest.com

[fuckyeahbreagrant]

breagrant A year ago, @hct.media and I got together and made this little short I wrote and directed and everyone will see it tomorrow at @brooklynhorrorfest! Come see MEGAN, 26 at 1 pm! #brooklynhorrorfilmfestival 

I don’t know how to tag people on a video so that’s @glassbrain, superstar @meganrosati and not normally creepy and very nice @instamattdevine

[fuckyeahbreagrant]

breagrant A couple of stills from MEGAN, 26 which is premiering at @brooklynhorrorfest next weekend on the 19th! Join us!  Directed by me. Shot by @glassbrain. Produced by @hct.media

.