This years Grimmfest special guest was actress and horror genre icon Barbara Crampton. Renowned for her roles in cult classics such as Re-Animator and From Beyond, Barbara continues to be a major figure in contemporary genre cinema, appearing in such acclaimed recent releases as You’re Next, Beyond the Gates, Sun Choke, We Are Still Here and Replace. We got a chance to sit down with Barbara during the festival to talk things horror, including her role in Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich… Check out the links for part one and part two of this Epic interview, and read on for the final part!
Do you have a wish list of directors you’d like to work with?
Well, Jordan Peele would be awfully nice to work with. It would be nice to work with James Wan, or Corin Hardy, who’s become a friend of mine – I would love to work with him.
Do you have a wish list of directors you’d like to work with?
Well, Jordan Peele would be awfully nice to work with. It would be nice to work with James Wan, or Corin Hardy, who’s become a friend of mine – I would love to work with him.
- 10/18/2018
- by Matthew Turner
- Nerdly
2016 has been an exceptional all-around year for horror and sci-fi films—from the indie realm, we’ve been gifted with an enormous amount of brilliant cinematic stories throughout the past 12 months, and we even saw studios step up their game with an almost unprecedented amount of quality releases.
And along with this wealth of top-notch entertainment, we also saw an incredible number of fantastic female characters over the course of 2016—some heroic, some villainous, but all endlessly engaging in their own right. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to celebrate some of my favorite female performers from this year who gave us complex, interesting, and wholly compelling reasons to keep falling in love with genre cinema all over again (and again).
Kika Magalhaes – The Eyes of My Mother
Nicolas’ Pesce’s The Eyes of My Mother is easily one of the best horror films to be...
And along with this wealth of top-notch entertainment, we also saw an incredible number of fantastic female characters over the course of 2016—some heroic, some villainous, but all endlessly engaging in their own right. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to celebrate some of my favorite female performers from this year who gave us complex, interesting, and wholly compelling reasons to keep falling in love with genre cinema all over again (and again).
Kika Magalhaes – The Eyes of My Mother
Nicolas’ Pesce’s The Eyes of My Mother is easily one of the best horror films to be...
- 12/22/2016
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Title: Sun Choke Distributor: XLrator Media Director: Ben Cresciman Writer: Ben Cresciman Cast: Sarah Hagan, Sara Malakul Lane and Barbara Crampton Running Time: 90 min Rated: Not Rated (Nudity, Sex, Language, Violence, Gore) In Theaters: August 5, 2016 Available On VOD and iTUNES: August 2, 2016 Janie (Sarah Hagan, Freaks and Geeks) is living in a posh L.A. home while her daddy is away on business. She’s in the care of Irma (Barbara Crampton, Re-Animator) whom is helping Janie recover from a psychotic break with the aid of holistic medicine and yoga. It doesn’t appear to be working because Janie is getting bloody flashbacks of her violent outbursts. She seems [ Read More ]
The post Sun Choke Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Sun Choke Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 9/1/2016
- by juliana
- ShockYa
Every week, a bevy of new releases (independent or otherwise), open in theaters. That’s why we created the Weekly Film Guide, filled with basic plot, personnel and cinema information for all of this week’s fresh offerings.
For August, we’ve also put together a list for the entire month. We’ve included this week’s list below, complete with information on screening locations for films in limited release.
See More: Here Are All the Upcoming Movies in Theaters for August 2016
Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, August 5. All synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise.
Wide
Bazodee
Director: Todd Kessler
Cast: Chris Smith, Kabir Bedi, Kriss Dosanjh, Machel Montano, Natalie Perera, Staz Nair
Synopsis: Anita Ponchouri (Natalie Perera), the dutiful Indian daughter of a deep-in-debt businessman (Kabir Bedi) is about to marry a wealthy Londoner (Staz Nair) when a chance encounter with local singer,...
For August, we’ve also put together a list for the entire month. We’ve included this week’s list below, complete with information on screening locations for films in limited release.
See More: Here Are All the Upcoming Movies in Theaters for August 2016
Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, August 5. All synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise.
Wide
Bazodee
Director: Todd Kessler
Cast: Chris Smith, Kabir Bedi, Kriss Dosanjh, Machel Montano, Natalie Perera, Staz Nair
Synopsis: Anita Ponchouri (Natalie Perera), the dutiful Indian daughter of a deep-in-debt businessman (Kabir Bedi) is about to marry a wealthy Londoner (Staz Nair) when a chance encounter with local singer,...
- 8/4/2016
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Something happened to Janie (Sarah Hagan). Something bad. This cataclysmic event — wherein quick flashes of screams by the pool mixing with bloody red liquid screens of abstraction are all we ever see — has led her to an agreed upon house arrest. Cared for by long-time nanny Irma (Barbara Crampton), this young woman must fulfill psychological tests with colored pencils and flowers, engage in yoga centering techniques, and consume a regimented series of medication. Every day she gets better. Every day she’s more like herself. Even Irma appears satisfied with the progress, talking to her father abroad about how it may be time to let her back out into the world. But this is the world that consumed her once. It doesn’t take long to threaten doing so again.
This is the descent into a relapsed psychotic break known as Ben Cresciman‘s Sun Choke. He throws us in without context or orientation,...
This is the descent into a relapsed psychotic break known as Ben Cresciman‘s Sun Choke. He throws us in without context or orientation,...
- 8/4/2016
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
While watching Sun Choke, most of my time was spent searching for some deeper meaning. It’s an obvious character piece about mental breakdowns and imprisoned healing, but I kept digging for hidden messages amongst all the holistic babbling. But as the film winded down, and tensions reached a boil, it became obvious that everyone was fighting for one constant theme – control.
A deranged woman struggles to control her violent outbursts, a homely caretaker attempts to control her unpredictable patient, and then said patient goes rogue when she cannot suppress her inner-actions anymore. Bad things happen, power shifts, and we witness an ever-changing dynamic between three clashing personalities – everything Ben Cresciman intends to play out, with no overwhelming backstory.
Sarah Hagan stars as a disturbed young woman (Margo or Janie, depending on who she’s talking to, but really Janie), who finds herself under the care of an older therapist/mentor (Irma,...
A deranged woman struggles to control her violent outbursts, a homely caretaker attempts to control her unpredictable patient, and then said patient goes rogue when she cannot suppress her inner-actions anymore. Bad things happen, power shifts, and we witness an ever-changing dynamic between three clashing personalities – everything Ben Cresciman intends to play out, with no overwhelming backstory.
Sarah Hagan stars as a disturbed young woman (Margo or Janie, depending on who she’s talking to, but really Janie), who finds herself under the care of an older therapist/mentor (Irma,...
- 8/3/2016
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
Sarah Hagan has had two memorably substantial roles in her career thus far—both on television, and both over a decade ago. She was the rigorously prim mathlete Millie on Freaks And Geeks, and played Amanda, one of the “potentials” in the final season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Since the early 2000s, Hagan’s mostly been relegated to guest shots and bit parts, but that should change after her striking leading performance as the mentally disturbed Los Angeles heiress Janie in writer-director Ben Cresciman’s moody thriller Sun Choke. The film doesn’t always work as a genre exercise, but it’s a winner as a character study, in large part because of how committed Hagan is to playing Janie’s derangement. Casting directors in search of the offbeat should take note.
Hagan’s well-matched, too, by legendary “scream queen” Barbara Crampton, who plays Irma, Janie’s combination caretaker...
Hagan’s well-matched, too, by legendary “scream queen” Barbara Crampton, who plays Irma, Janie’s combination caretaker...
- 8/3/2016
- by Noel Murray
- avclub.com
Today, writer/director Ben Cresciman’s stunning psychological thriller Sun Choke arrives on VOD platforms everywhere, and will subsequently be arriving in select theaters on August 5th courtesy of XLrator Media. Daily Dead recently did a Q&A with Sun Choke star Sarah Hagan about what initially caught her attention with Cresciman’s script, her experiences working closely with scream queen Barbara Crampton on the project, challenging herself as a performer, and more.
What were your first impressions of the script for Sun Choke and what specifically was it about Janie that you connected with as an actress?
Sarah Hagan: After reading the script for Sun Choke, I thought, This is bizarre and messed up and I like it.” The script didn’t give a lot of backstory for the characters, so it was left up to you to fill in the blanks. That mystery intrigued me. I wanted...
What were your first impressions of the script for Sun Choke and what specifically was it about Janie that you connected with as an actress?
Sarah Hagan: After reading the script for Sun Choke, I thought, This is bizarre and messed up and I like it.” The script didn’t give a lot of backstory for the characters, so it was left up to you to fill in the blanks. That mystery intrigued me. I wanted...
- 8/2/2016
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
On August 2nd, writer/director Ben Cresciman’s stunning indie thriller Sun Choke arrives on VOD platforms everywhere, and will subsequently be arriving in select theaters on August 5th courtesy of XLrator Media. Daily Dead recently did a Q&A with Cresciman to hear more about what inspired his twisted psychological story in Sun Choke, his experiences working with the talented trio of Sarah Hagan, Barbara Crampton and Sara Malakul Lane, how he collaborated with his cinematographer Mathew Rudenberg, and more.
Let’s start off by talking about this story. Obviously, there is a lot going on with the relationship between Irma and Janie at many different levels in Sun Choke, which is fascinating to watch as it unfurls. Can you discuss your approach to the material and how you viewed the give-and-take between these two women?
Ben Cresciman: A big key early on was abandoning the binary of good and bad,...
Let’s start off by talking about this story. Obviously, there is a lot going on with the relationship between Irma and Janie at many different levels in Sun Choke, which is fascinating to watch as it unfurls. Can you discuss your approach to the material and how you viewed the give-and-take between these two women?
Ben Cresciman: A big key early on was abandoning the binary of good and bad,...
- 8/1/2016
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Well, here we are in the closing weeks of summer movie season. It’s the last gasp for big-budget blockbusters before the coming fall festival season, but there are plenty of indie alternatives for whatever your tastes may be. Below, you’ll see every planned theatrical release for the month of August, separated out into films with wide runs and limited ones. (Synopses are provided by festivals and distributors.)
Each week, we’ll give you an update with screening locations for these various titles. In the meantime, be sure to check our calendar page, where we’ll update releases for the rest of the year. Happy watching!
Week of August 5 Wide
Suicide Squad
Director: David Ayer
Cast: Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne, Jai Courtney, Will Smith, Viola Davis, Jared Leto, Joel Kinnaman, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood
Synopsis: A secret government agency led by Amanda Waller recruits imprisoned...
Each week, we’ll give you an update with screening locations for these various titles. In the meantime, be sure to check our calendar page, where we’ll update releases for the rest of the year. Happy watching!
Week of August 5 Wide
Suicide Squad
Director: David Ayer
Cast: Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne, Jai Courtney, Will Smith, Viola Davis, Jared Leto, Joel Kinnaman, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood
Synopsis: A secret government agency led by Amanda Waller recruits imprisoned...
- 8/1/2016
- by Kate Halliwell, Kyle Kizu and Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Ben Cresciman's Lynchian, psychological thriller Sun Choke hits VOD and iTunes on August 2 and ScreenAnarchy has a healthy exlcusive to share. In the clip below, horror icon Barabra Crampton (Re-Animator, Road Games) delivers some news to an inflicted Sarah Hagan (Freaks and Geeks) that puts a smile on her face. But are her intentions entirely good? Well, you'll have to see the film, won't you? The emotionally intense and often surreal thriller has drawn early comparisons to Polanski's Repulsion. In her review, ScreenAnarchy's Michele "Izzy" Galgana described it as "a fever dream sprung from the mind of an unreliable narrator..." when she saw it at the Stanley Film Festival. Besides Crampton and Hagan, Sun Choke stars Sara Malakul Lane (Kickboxer: Vengeance), Jim Beoven and Evan Jones. ...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 7/22/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Before the film makes its debut on VOD and iTunes on August 2nd, a new trailer has been released for Ben Cresciman’s Sun Choke, co-starring Barbara Crampton (We Are Still Here, You’re Next).
“As Janie recovers from a violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker. But when she develops an obsession with a stranger, Janie’s buried demons begin to surface.”
Written and directed by Ben Cresciman, Sun Choke debuts on VOD and iTunes on August 2nd, followed by a theatrical release on August 5th from XLrator Media. The film stars Sarah Hagan, Sara Malakul Lane, and Barbara Crampton.
The post Watch the New Trailer for Sun Choke, Co-Starring Barbara Crampton appeared first on Daily Dead.
“As Janie recovers from a violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker. But when she develops an obsession with a stranger, Janie’s buried demons begin to surface.”
Written and directed by Ben Cresciman, Sun Choke debuts on VOD and iTunes on August 2nd, followed by a theatrical release on August 5th from XLrator Media. The film stars Sarah Hagan, Sara Malakul Lane, and Barbara Crampton.
The post Watch the New Trailer for Sun Choke, Co-Starring Barbara Crampton appeared first on Daily Dead.
- 5/4/2016
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Psychological horror film Sun Choke unleashes intense trailer and trippy poster. Lady Barbara Crampton’s career renaissance continues to swell as she invades the world of edgy, challenging indie horror with a renewed, mature vigor. The acclaimed, Ben Cresciman-directed dark, surreal thriller Sun Choke (read our exclusive interview with Crampton about the film here) has charmed…
The post Barbara Crampton’s Sun Choke Gets New Trailer and Psychedelic Poster appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
The post Barbara Crampton’s Sun Choke Gets New Trailer and Psychedelic Poster appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 5/4/2016
- by Chris Alexander
- shocktillyoudrop.com
XLrator Media will release the psychological thriller Sun Choke as part of its “MacAbre” genre label on August 2. The intense film, that has drawn comparisons to Polanski's Repulsion, has made viewers squirm at over a dozen festivals including FrightFest and the Stanley Film Festival.
Written and directed by Ben Cresciman (Negative Space), Sun Choke stars iconic horror film actress Barbara Crampton (You’re Next, Road Games), Sarah Hagan (Freaks and Geeks) and Sara Malakul Lane ( [Continued ...]...
Written and directed by Ben Cresciman (Negative Space), Sun Choke stars iconic horror film actress Barbara Crampton (You’re Next, Road Games), Sarah Hagan (Freaks and Geeks) and Sara Malakul Lane ( [Continued ...]...
- 5/3/2016
- QuietEarth.us
Ben Cesciman's sophomore effort Sun Choke has found distribution with XLrator Media through their Macabre label. The film will undoubtedly get a theatrical and digital release and we will likely have a home video release shortly after that. Los Angeles (January 19, 2016) - XLrator Media has acquired North American distribution rights to the thriller Sun Choke and will release the film this Summer on its acclaimed "MacAbre" genre label. The film has played over a dozen festivals including FrightFest and the Stanley Film Festival.Written and directed by Ben Cresciman (Negative Space), Sun Choke stars iconic horror film actress Barbara Crampton (You're Next, Re-Animator, Lords of Salem), Sarah Hagan ("Freaks and Geeks," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") and Sara Malakul Lane (17 & Life: Jailbait, the upcoming...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 1/21/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Xlrator Acquires Sunchoke for MacAbre
XLrator Media has acquired North American distribution rights to the thriller Sun Choke and will release the film this Summer on its acclaimed “MacAbre” genre label. The film has played over a dozen festivals including FrightFest and the Stanley Film Festival. Written and directed by Ben Cresciman (Negative Space), Sun Choke stars iconic horror film actress Barbara Crampton (You’re Next, Re-Animator, Lords of Salem), Sarah ...
Hnn | Horrornews.net - Official News Site...
XLrator Media has acquired North American distribution rights to the thriller Sun Choke and will release the film this Summer on its acclaimed “MacAbre” genre label. The film has played over a dozen festivals including FrightFest and the Stanley Film Festival. Written and directed by Ben Cresciman (Negative Space), Sun Choke stars iconic horror film actress Barbara Crampton (You’re Next, Re-Animator, Lords of Salem), Sarah ...
Hnn | Horrornews.net - Official News Site...
- 1/20/2016
- by Horrornews.net
- Horror News
XLrator Media announced that they've acquired North American distribution rights to Sun Choke, with plans to release the Barbara Crampton-starring film sometime this summer:
Press Release: Los Angeles (January 19, 2016) – XLrator Media has acquired North American distribution rights to the thriller Sun Choke and will release the film this Summer on its acclaimed “MacAbre” genre label. The film has played over a dozen festivals including FrightFest and the Stanley Film Festival.
Written and directed by Ben Cresciman (Negative Space), Sun Choke stars iconic horror film actress Barbara Crampton (You’re Next, Re-Animator, Lords of Salem), Sarah Hagan (“Freaks and Geeks,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Sara Malakul Lane (17 & Life: Jailbait, the upcoming Kickboxer: Vengeance) along with Evan Jones, Joe Nieves and Jim Boeven. The film features a haunting score by noted musician/producer Boom Bip (aka Bryan Hollon).
“Sun Choke is a deeply unsettling psychological thriller in the vein of...
Press Release: Los Angeles (January 19, 2016) – XLrator Media has acquired North American distribution rights to the thriller Sun Choke and will release the film this Summer on its acclaimed “MacAbre” genre label. The film has played over a dozen festivals including FrightFest and the Stanley Film Festival.
Written and directed by Ben Cresciman (Negative Space), Sun Choke stars iconic horror film actress Barbara Crampton (You’re Next, Re-Animator, Lords of Salem), Sarah Hagan (“Freaks and Geeks,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Sara Malakul Lane (17 & Life: Jailbait, the upcoming Kickboxer: Vengeance) along with Evan Jones, Joe Nieves and Jim Boeven. The film features a haunting score by noted musician/producer Boom Bip (aka Bryan Hollon).
“Sun Choke is a deeply unsettling psychological thriller in the vein of...
- 1/19/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Plus: Hot Docs to recogniseRosie Dransfeld, Steve James; State Department, Film Independent launch mentorship scheme; Tyler Perry Studios starts production on Boo! A Madea Halloween; and more…
Relativity Media LLC has appointed Tamoor Shafi Chief Digital Officer, effective January 19.
Shafi, founder and former CEO of Omnia Media, will report directly to chairman and CEO Ryan Kavanaugh and will lead digital marketing and brand partnerships for the company.
The Toronto native will also oversee Relativity Digital Studios, which released its first feature, Summer Forever, last July.
Hot Docs will pay tribute to Gemini Award-winning producer and director Rosie Dransfeld with this year’s Focus On retrospective during the 23rd annual festival from April 28-May 8. Her credits include Broke, Who Cares? and Anti-Social Limited. Steve James will receive the 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award.Lionsgate and New Regency announced at the start of Natpe on Tuesday a global TV production and distribution partnership. Lionsgate will distribute via its TV pipelines such New...
Relativity Media LLC has appointed Tamoor Shafi Chief Digital Officer, effective January 19.
Shafi, founder and former CEO of Omnia Media, will report directly to chairman and CEO Ryan Kavanaugh and will lead digital marketing and brand partnerships for the company.
The Toronto native will also oversee Relativity Digital Studios, which released its first feature, Summer Forever, last July.
Hot Docs will pay tribute to Gemini Award-winning producer and director Rosie Dransfeld with this year’s Focus On retrospective during the 23rd annual festival from April 28-May 8. Her credits include Broke, Who Cares? and Anti-Social Limited. Steve James will receive the 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award.Lionsgate and New Regency announced at the start of Natpe on Tuesday a global TV production and distribution partnership. Lionsgate will distribute via its TV pipelines such New...
- 1/19/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Read More: Second Annual Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival Announces Full Lineup After screening at horror festivals throughout much of last year, "Sun Choke" has finally been acquired for North American distribution, courtesy of XLrator Media. The company will release the film under their "Macabre" label. "Sun Choke" is written and directed by Ben Cresciman and stars Barbara Crampton and Sarah Hagan. Hagan plays Janie, a young woman struggling to get well after a recent violent psychotic breakdown. Crampton plays her lifelong caregiver, whose strict and bizarre regime might be doing more harm than good. Janie's mental health threatens to deteriorate again when she grows an unhealthy obsession with a young woman (Sarah Malakul Lane), which brings the three women together in a twisted battle for control. "'Sun Choke' is a deeply unsettling psychological thriller in the vein of Roman Polanski’s 'Repulsion' that...
- 1/19/2016
- by Mike Lown
- Indiewire
XLrator Media has acquired North American distribution rights to Sun Choke, a thriller written and directed by Ben Cresciman. A summer release is planned on the company’s Macabre genre label. The pic centers on a woman (Sarah Hagan) just recovering from a violent psychotic break, she's subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker, Irma (Barbara Crampton). She begins to veer off the road…...
- 1/19/2016
- Deadline
There won’t be another horror movie released this year that’s anything like Sun Choke, the second feature from writer/director Ben Cresciman. It is a singular film, one that’s less a conventional horror effort than a three-character drama with a tendency to get very, very bloody.
Sarah Hagan of Freaks & Geeks plays Janie, a woman who we’re told is recovering from a psychotic breakdown and who is in the care of her nanny, Irma (Barbara Crampton). The methods by which she is being treated appear… unorthodox, and hardly deter Janie from her psychosis, as she is granted a small amount of independence and uses it to stalk a beautiful woman (Sara Malakul Lane) with whom she feels a strong connection. And then things get weird.
Sun Choke is not a traditional horror movie. It’s much more of a psychodrama that focuses on a possibly unreliable...
Sarah Hagan of Freaks & Geeks plays Janie, a woman who we’re told is recovering from a psychotic breakdown and who is in the care of her nanny, Irma (Barbara Crampton). The methods by which she is being treated appear… unorthodox, and hardly deter Janie from her psychosis, as she is granted a small amount of independence and uses it to stalk a beautiful woman (Sara Malakul Lane) with whom she feels a strong connection. And then things get weird.
Sun Choke is not a traditional horror movie. It’s much more of a psychodrama that focuses on a possibly unreliable...
- 9/14/2015
- by Patrick Bromley
- DailyDead
Horror comes screaming into the light in a masterpiece of mystery and menace. Janie (a career defining performance from ‘Freaks and Geeks’ Sarah Hagan) is just trying to get well. Recovering from a violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker. Finally granted permission to leave her La house, Janie develops an obsession with Savannah to whom she feels an inexplicable yet profound connection. The obsession turns increasingly invasive, and wedges all three women into an ever-tightening, and progressively terrifying struggle for control.
Post the films Frightfest screening, Nerdly writer and host of the Britflicks podcast, Stuart Wright, talks to the writer/director of Sun Choke, Ben Cresciman.
Post the films Frightfest screening, Nerdly writer and host of the Britflicks podcast, Stuart Wright, talks to the writer/director of Sun Choke, Ben Cresciman.
- 9/6/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
★★★★★ Ben Cresciman's intense psychological horror film Sun Choke (2015) is the story of a woman staring into the abyss of nothingness and liking what she sees: absolute nothing, a retreat from the chaos of the light. It's been likened to grand auteurs such as Bergman, Lynch and Polanski, and those debts are easily enough to pull out. However, the director's approach and 'treatment' of his protagonist, Janie (the astoundingly good Sarah Hagan), and the depiction of her mental illness and form of disassociation is perhaps more informed and closer in spirit to the 1981 German production, No Mercy, No Future, by Helma Sanders-Brahms.
- 9/5/2015
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
The end of days is nigh in the new trailer for Fire City: End of Days, directed by Tom Woodruff Jr. Also: new programming announcements from the 2015 Mile High Horror Film Festival, release details for Aquarius Season 1 and zombie web comic When It's Over.
Fire City: End of Days: Press Release: "Burbank, CA - Academy Award Winning Creature and Character Effects Designer Tom Woodruff Jr. makes his highly-anticipated directorial debut with Fire City: End of Days, hitting DVD and Digital October 6 from Uncork’d Entertainment.
Set in a world where demons live among us, this exhilarating vitrine of effects and action sees a hard-boiled demon named Vine confronted with the ultimate choice between the salvation of his own kind and the life of an innocent human girl. Tobias Jelinek (Hocus Pocus), Danielle Chuchran (Saga: Curse of the Shadow), Glee’s Harry Shum Jr, and Kristin Minter (TVs E.R) star.
Fire City: End of Days: Press Release: "Burbank, CA - Academy Award Winning Creature and Character Effects Designer Tom Woodruff Jr. makes his highly-anticipated directorial debut with Fire City: End of Days, hitting DVD and Digital October 6 from Uncork’d Entertainment.
Set in a world where demons live among us, this exhilarating vitrine of effects and action sees a hard-boiled demon named Vine confronted with the ultimate choice between the salvation of his own kind and the life of an innocent human girl. Tobias Jelinek (Hocus Pocus), Danielle Chuchran (Saga: Curse of the Shadow), Glee’s Harry Shum Jr, and Kristin Minter (TVs E.R) star.
- 9/2/2015
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Stars: Sarah Hagan, Barbara Crampton, Sara Malakul Lane, Evan Jones, Jim Boeven | Written and Directed by Ben Cresciman
One of four films at this years Frightfest to feature 80s horror icon Barbara Crampton (the others being We Are Still Here, Road Games and Tales of Halloween), Sun Choke stars the wonderful Sarah Hagan, who many will remember from TV shows like Freaks and Geeks and Buffy the Vampire Slayer – where she played one of the potential slayers, Amanda, Here Hagan channels that same sweet, shy persona with an underlying edge she had in Buffy. However unlike that TV show, where that edge would ultimately channel itself into a heroic vampire slaying role, the underlying edge here is more of the unhinged kind – you literally spend the entire movie just waiting for her character Janie to snap.
You see Janie is recovering from a violent psychotic break, subjected each day to...
One of four films at this years Frightfest to feature 80s horror icon Barbara Crampton (the others being We Are Still Here, Road Games and Tales of Halloween), Sun Choke stars the wonderful Sarah Hagan, who many will remember from TV shows like Freaks and Geeks and Buffy the Vampire Slayer – where she played one of the potential slayers, Amanda, Here Hagan channels that same sweet, shy persona with an underlying edge she had in Buffy. However unlike that TV show, where that edge would ultimately channel itself into a heroic vampire slaying role, the underlying edge here is more of the unhinged kind – you literally spend the entire movie just waiting for her character Janie to snap.
You see Janie is recovering from a violent psychotic break, subjected each day to...
- 8/25/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
In two weeks, vampires, cannibals, Halloween frights and more will grace the screen at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois for Bruce Cambell's Horror Film Festival. Now a telekinetic kid and and an apocalypse have joined the killer lineup, as both June and JeruZalem will make their U.S. premieres at the festival.
Press Release: "Chicago, Illinois (August 6, 2015) – The second annual Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival presented by Wizard World, running August 20 – 23 at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois (9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont), is proud to announce the addition of two more films to the already bursting schedule.
June, starring Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) and Kennedy Brice (The Walking Dead), tells the story of nine-year-old June (Brice), who has been shuffled in and out of foster homes for years. Though she tries to be good, no matter where she goes a trail of chaos and terror seems to follow.
Press Release: "Chicago, Illinois (August 6, 2015) – The second annual Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival presented by Wizard World, running August 20 – 23 at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois (9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont), is proud to announce the addition of two more films to the already bursting schedule.
June, starring Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) and Kennedy Brice (The Walking Dead), tells the story of nine-year-old June (Brice), who has been shuffled in and out of foster homes for years. Though she tries to be good, no matter where she goes a trail of chaos and terror seems to follow.
- 8/6/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
One month from now, Bruce Cambell's Horror Film Festival will take over the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois and they've announced killer lineup that includes Tales of Halloween, a screening of Fright Night with a Q&A from Tom Holland, and Eli Roth introducing Cannibal Holocaust:
"Chicago, July 22, 2015 – The second annual Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival presented by Wizard World, running August 20 – 23 at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois (9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont), promises thrills, chills, guests and surprises to Chicago’s legions of horror fans. The four-day event, programmed by The Awesome Fest, will coincide with Wizard World Chicago and offers convention-goers and ticket holders a chance to sit back, relax, and lose their minds.
“You can have your rom-coms, your indie darlings and your blockbusters,” remarks Bruce Campbell. “I’ll take a good old-fashioned horror movie any day or night of the week!”
“With this program we...
"Chicago, July 22, 2015 – The second annual Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival presented by Wizard World, running August 20 – 23 at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois (9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont), promises thrills, chills, guests and surprises to Chicago’s legions of horror fans. The four-day event, programmed by The Awesome Fest, will coincide with Wizard World Chicago and offers convention-goers and ticket holders a chance to sit back, relax, and lose their minds.
“You can have your rom-coms, your indie darlings and your blockbusters,” remarks Bruce Campbell. “I’ll take a good old-fashioned horror movie any day or night of the week!”
“With this program we...
- 7/22/2015
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
After the announcement of the Fightfest’s opening and closing films a week ago, the UK’s premiere horror festival has announced its complete line-up… And they’re not making it easy for us to bring you reviews of the majority of the films screening this year!
Yes, not only is Frightfest taking over the Vue cinema on Leicester Square again this year but they’re also taking over an extra screen, Screen 1, at the old home of Frightfest, The Prince Charles Cinema – which will be the location of Another “Discovery” screen strand.
From the press release:
Bigger, bolder, bloodier…Film4 FrightFest 2015 marks its 16th year with its largest line-up ever. From Thurs 27 August to Mon 31 August, the UK’s leading event for genre fans will return to the Vue West End, Leicester Square to present seventy-six films across five screens, plus a host of special events. There are eighteen...
Yes, not only is Frightfest taking over the Vue cinema on Leicester Square again this year but they’re also taking over an extra screen, Screen 1, at the old home of Frightfest, The Prince Charles Cinema – which will be the location of Another “Discovery” screen strand.
From the press release:
Bigger, bolder, bloodier…Film4 FrightFest 2015 marks its 16th year with its largest line-up ever. From Thurs 27 August to Mon 31 August, the UK’s leading event for genre fans will return to the Vue West End, Leicester Square to present seventy-six films across five screens, plus a host of special events. There are eighteen...
- 7/2/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The 16th edition of genre film festival unveils full line-up.
Film4 FrightFest will mark its 16th edition with its largest line-up ever, showcasing 76 films across five screens at the Vue West End in Leicester Square from Aug 27-31.
This year’s line-up features 20 world premieres, a record-breaking 16 European premieres and 26 UK premieres, with 18 countries represented. In addition, there will be a further ‘Discovery’ strand at The Prince Charles Cinema, marking a return to the festival’s original home.
As previously announced, the European premieres of Cherry Tree and Tales of Halloween will bookend this year’s edition.
World premieres at this year’s FrightFest include Paul Hyett’s creature feature Howl, anthology A Christmas Horror Story, Steve Oram’s comedy Aaaaaaaah! and Liam Regan’s revenge thriller Banjo, while European premieres include Ben Cresciman’s Sun Choke, Paz Brothers’ Jeruzalem and Adam Mason’s Hangman.
Bernard Rose’s Frankenstein, Ted Geoghegan’s haunted house throwback We Are Still Here, [link...
Film4 FrightFest will mark its 16th edition with its largest line-up ever, showcasing 76 films across five screens at the Vue West End in Leicester Square from Aug 27-31.
This year’s line-up features 20 world premieres, a record-breaking 16 European premieres and 26 UK premieres, with 18 countries represented. In addition, there will be a further ‘Discovery’ strand at The Prince Charles Cinema, marking a return to the festival’s original home.
As previously announced, the European premieres of Cherry Tree and Tales of Halloween will bookend this year’s edition.
World premieres at this year’s FrightFest include Paul Hyett’s creature feature Howl, anthology A Christmas Horror Story, Steve Oram’s comedy Aaaaaaaah! and Liam Regan’s revenge thriller Banjo, while European premieres include Ben Cresciman’s Sun Choke, Paz Brothers’ Jeruzalem and Adam Mason’s Hangman.
Bernard Rose’s Frankenstein, Ted Geoghegan’s haunted house throwback We Are Still Here, [link...
- 7/2/2015
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Shadow people, sharp-fanged co-workers, and insistent sinister spirits will just be a few of the monsters haunting the theaters at this year's Film4 FrightFest. The full lineup for the upcoming event is packed with 76 films aimed to unforgettably frighten audiences.
Press Release: "Film news (UK): Film4 FrightFest serves up a fearsome feast with a record 76 films, embracing 20 world and 42 UK & European premieres
Bigger, bolder, bloodier…Film4 FrightFest 2015 marks its 16th year with its largest line-up ever. From Thurs 27 August to Mon 31 August, the UK’s leading event for genre fans will return to the Vue West End, Leicester Square to present seventy-six films across five screens, plus a host of special events. There are eighteen countries representing five continents with a record-breaking sixteen European premieres and twenty-six UK premieres. In addition, there is a further ‘Discovery’ strand at The Prince Charles Cinema, signalling a welcome return to FrightFest’s spiritual home.
Press Release: "Film news (UK): Film4 FrightFest serves up a fearsome feast with a record 76 films, embracing 20 world and 42 UK & European premieres
Bigger, bolder, bloodier…Film4 FrightFest 2015 marks its 16th year with its largest line-up ever. From Thurs 27 August to Mon 31 August, the UK’s leading event for genre fans will return to the Vue West End, Leicester Square to present seventy-six films across five screens, plus a host of special events. There are eighteen countries representing five continents with a record-breaking sixteen European premieres and twenty-six UK premieres. In addition, there is a further ‘Discovery’ strand at The Prince Charles Cinema, signalling a welcome return to FrightFest’s spiritual home.
- 7/2/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
[Photo by Jessica Barnthouse/Wicked Bird Media.]There isn't a lot more I can say about Sun Choke that I haven't already discussed in my original review here or in the conversation with actresses Barbara Crampton, Sarah Hagan, and Sara Malakul Lane here. I spoke to director Ben Cresciman at the Stanley Film Festival after the world premiere of his new film on what it means to be alone in the crowded promise land of Los Angeles.TwitchFilm: What does Sun Choke refer to?Ben Cresciman: It's a root vegetable. You can't pop a raw sun choke in your mouth and eat it. A sun choke will give you indigestion, but if you don't prep and cook an artichoke when you eat one, you will die. It's a defense...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 5/8/2015
- Screen Anarchy
New posters featuring the main three characters from the psychological horror film, Sun Choke (which recently made its world premiere at the Stanley Film Festival), are featured in our latest round-up. We also have release details and cover art for One Way Static Records' upcoming vinyl soundtrack release for Mark of the Devil and its sequel, as well as a new poster for the upcoming prison-set thriller, Vendetta, which is directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska (See No Evil 2, American Mary).
Sun Choke: Written and directed by Ben Cresciman, Sun Choke stars Sarah Hagan, Sara Malakul Lane, Barbara Crampton, William Nicol, Evan Jones, Joe Nieves, and Jim Boeven.
Synopsis: "Janie’s just trying to get well. As she recovers from a violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker. She begins...
Sun Choke: Written and directed by Ben Cresciman, Sun Choke stars Sarah Hagan, Sara Malakul Lane, Barbara Crampton, William Nicol, Evan Jones, Joe Nieves, and Jim Boeven.
Synopsis: "Janie’s just trying to get well. As she recovers from a violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker. She begins...
- 5/5/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Sun Choke, which just premiered at this past weekend’s Stanley Film Festival, has a trio of strong female leads; and this new set of characters posters from the film introduces you to all three of them. Ben Cresciman’s Sun Choke… Continue Reading →
The post Sun Choke Character Posters Introduce Us to Irma, Janie, and Savannah appeared first on Dread Central.
The post Sun Choke Character Posters Introduce Us to Irma, Janie, and Savannah appeared first on Dread Central.
- 5/4/2015
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
Writer-director Ben Cresciman's second feature, Sun Choke, premiered at the Stanley Film Festival this weekend. It's a film that's not easy to describe: imagine a fever dream sprung from the mind of an unreliable narrator that is both a murderer, an epileptic, and figures somewhere on the autism or Asperger's spectrum, and you get Sun Choke. Starring Sarah Hagan (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Freaks and Geeks), Barbara Crampton (You're Next, Re-Animator), and Sara Malakul Lane (12/12/12, Sharktopus), Sun Choke takes place in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. Hagan's Janie is being tenuously led back to health by Crampton's Irma while her father stays overseas for months working.We see a few flashbacks involving what looks to be a murder scene at home as well as a...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 5/3/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Intimate and utterly mad, Stanley Film Festival World Premiere Sun Choke is a tale of seclusion and psychotic break. It’s the feature debut of Ben Cresciman and the latest film from horror idol Barbara Crampton, whose genre resurgence has been a display of stunning taste. Here, she is as you haven’t seen before, something more manipulative,…
The post Shock Q&A: Stanley Film Fest Premiere, Sun Choke appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
The post Shock Q&A: Stanley Film Fest Premiere, Sun Choke appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 4/30/2015
- by Samuel Zimmerman
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Ahead of its world premiere at the Stanley Film Festival on May 2nd, the first trailer for Sun Choke has debuted, giving us a look at Barbara Crampton and Sarah Hagan in the psychological horror film. Also included in our latest round-up are new videos for Penny Dreadful’s impending second season, including a closer look at Danny Sapani's Sembene, as well as the latest promo for Scream Queens, featuring Emma Roberts using a very sharp object as a mirror.
Sun Choke: Written and directed by Ben Cresciman, Sun Choke stars Sarah Hagan, Sara Malakul Lane, Barbara Crampton, William Nicol, Evan Jones, Joe Nieves, and Jim Boeven.
Synopsis: "Janie’s just trying to get well. As she recovers from a violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker. She begins to...
Sun Choke: Written and directed by Ben Cresciman, Sun Choke stars Sarah Hagan, Sara Malakul Lane, Barbara Crampton, William Nicol, Evan Jones, Joe Nieves, and Jim Boeven.
Synopsis: "Janie’s just trying to get well. As she recovers from a violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker. She begins to...
- 4/14/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
There’s a new, more sinister side to Barbara Crampton in the trailer for upcoming Stanley Film Festival World Premiere, Sun Choke. Directed by Ben Cresciman, Sun Choke has an air of holistic horror about it as lead Janie (Sarah Hagan) is placed on a wellness regimen following a psychotic break. Her caregiver is Crampton, who takes on…
The post Stanley Film Festival Trailer: Holistic Psychothriller, Sun Choke appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
The post Stanley Film Festival Trailer: Holistic Psychothriller, Sun Choke appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 4/14/2015
- by Samuel Zimmerman
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Earlier this week, we gave you details on first wave of special experiences and events taking place at the 2015 Stanley Film Festival. We now have details on their impressive slate of features, short films, and additional special events, including screenings of The Final Girls, Deathgasm, Stung, The Invitation, and We Are Still Here.
We're teaming up with the festival for live coverage and special opportunities for Daily Dead readers, so be sure to check back all month for contests, features, and more.
"April 2, 2014 (Denver, Co) - The Stanley Film Festival (Sff) produced by the Denver Film Society (Dfs) and presented by Chiller, announced today its Closing Night film, Festival lineup and the 2015 Master of Horror. The Festival will close out with The Final Girls. The film, directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, is the story of a young woman grieving the loss of her mother, a famous scream queen from the 1980s,...
We're teaming up with the festival for live coverage and special opportunities for Daily Dead readers, so be sure to check back all month for contests, features, and more.
"April 2, 2014 (Denver, Co) - The Stanley Film Festival (Sff) produced by the Denver Film Society (Dfs) and presented by Chiller, announced today its Closing Night film, Festival lineup and the 2015 Master of Horror. The Festival will close out with The Final Girls. The film, directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, is the story of a young woman grieving the loss of her mother, a famous scream queen from the 1980s,...
- 4/2/2015
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
We return with another edition of the Indie Spotlight, highlighting recent independent horror news sent our way. Today’s feature includes details on Sun Choke, starring Barbara Crampton, and the Monster Zombie Claymation short film:
Sun Choke Begins Production: “Janie (Hagan) is just trying to get well. As Janie recovers from a recent violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker, Irma (Crampton). Janie begins to veer off the road to recovery when she develops an obsession with a young woman, Savannah (Lane), which Janie feels an inexplicable yet profound connection to. The obsession turns increasingly invasive and wedges all three women into an ever-tightening and terrifying struggle for control. Will Janie pull herself back from the precipice of insanity? Or will she go over head-first, taking anyone nearby down with her?
Lodger...
Sun Choke Begins Production: “Janie (Hagan) is just trying to get well. As Janie recovers from a recent violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker, Irma (Crampton). Janie begins to veer off the road to recovery when she develops an obsession with a young woman, Savannah (Lane), which Janie feels an inexplicable yet profound connection to. The obsession turns increasingly invasive and wedges all three women into an ever-tightening and terrifying struggle for control. Will Janie pull herself back from the precipice of insanity? Or will she go over head-first, taking anyone nearby down with her?
Lodger...
- 12/15/2013
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Here's the thing... you can put actress Barbara Crampton is anything, and we'll watch it. Not only is she forever hot, she can act her ass off! Next up for this true scream queen is an indie flick called Sun Choke. Read on for details and more casting news.
From the Press Release
Lodger Films, in association with Easy Open Productions, announces the production start of writer/director Ben Cresciman’s Sun Choke. Iconic horror film actress Barbara Crampton (You're Next, Re-Animator, Lords of Salem) anchors an amazing cast starring Sarah Hagan ("Freaks and Geeks," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Jess + Moss) and Sara Malakul Lane (17 & Life, Sharktopus) and featuring Evan Jones (Jarhead, 8 Mile, A Million Ways to Die in the West), Joe Nieves ("How I Met Your Mother," "The Mentalist," The Bling Ring), and Jim Boeven (The Canyons).
Written and directed by Ben Cresciman (Negative Space), a recent USC M.
From the Press Release
Lodger Films, in association with Easy Open Productions, announces the production start of writer/director Ben Cresciman’s Sun Choke. Iconic horror film actress Barbara Crampton (You're Next, Re-Animator, Lords of Salem) anchors an amazing cast starring Sarah Hagan ("Freaks and Geeks," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Jess + Moss) and Sara Malakul Lane (17 & Life, Sharktopus) and featuring Evan Jones (Jarhead, 8 Mile, A Million Ways to Die in the West), Joe Nieves ("How I Met Your Mother," "The Mentalist," The Bling Ring), and Jim Boeven (The Canyons).
Written and directed by Ben Cresciman (Negative Space), a recent USC M.
- 12/6/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
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