Fantasia 2016: "Red Christmas" Review by Tim Hellman

Fantasia 2016: 'RED CHRISTMAS': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Another entry in this year's 'Fantasia International Film Festival', is this Australian slasher flick; written and directed by actor, and TV director, turned first time feature filmmaker Craig Anderson. It stars veteran scream queen Dee Wallace; as a mother, protecting her family from a deranged home intruder (on Christmas day). The movie costars Sarah Bishop, Janis McGavin, Gerard Odwyer, Sam Campbell, Geoff Morrell, David Collins, Bjorn Stewart and Deelia Meriel. The film is pretty dark, and twisted, but it's also a lot of fun; if you enjoy this type of movie.

The story is set on Christmas day; when Diane (Wallace) has gathered all of her offspring together, to celebrate the holiday. Some tense drama erupts, immediately between her daughters, but that changes when a creepy cloaked stranger (Campbell) knocks on the door. Diane invites him in, to be hospitable, but she soon realizes she doesn't want him there; when the stranger brings up past heartbreaking trauma. The family kicks the unwanted guest out, which they quickly realize was a mistake, when family members begin showing up dead (one by one).

The movie is frightening, and quite disturbing (in many different ways); it begins with an Abortion Clinic bombing, and never lets up from there. The directing is very stylistic (in a classic 80s slasher flick way), and the story is surprisingly involving. All of the characters are really well developed, and the performances are equally as impressive. Dee Wallace is especially amazing, in the lead role. I was really impressed by how much I enjoyed this movie! If you're a horror film fan, you'll probably love it.

Fantasia 2016: "Man Underground" Review by Tim Hellman

Fantasia 2016: 'MAN UNDERGROUND': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Another entry in this year's 'Fantasia International Film Festival', is this indie comedy-drama flick; written, produced and directed by first time feature filmmakers Michael Borowiec and Sam Marine. It's about an awkward conspiracy theorist, that enlists his friend, and a waitress he just met, to help him make a movie about his past encounters with aliens; while he was working for the government. The film stars George Basil, Pamela Fila, Andy Rocco and Felix Hagen. For a low-budget indie flick, that I had previously never heard of, the film is quite a treat!

Willem Koda (Basil) is a retired geologist, that lives in a small New York town. He's constantly trying to spread his stories, about alien encounters while working for the US government, to as large an audience as he can find. His friend, Todd (Rocco), helps him post YouTube videos, about his experiences. Todd also suggests that Willem make a movie, telling viewers his life story. After Willem meets Flossie (Fila), a new waitress at the local restaurant that he frequently dines at, he feels inspired to make the film. Flossie has always wanted to be an actress, and Todd is talented with video producing skills. The three decide to make the low-budget film together.

The movie is awkward, funny and emotionally involving. The three lead characters are all very lovable misfits, that are both likable and relatable. The actors portraying them all give decent performances as well (Felix Hagen is really good too, as Flossie's jerk boyfriend). The flick is definitely a slow-paced character study, and you're never really sure of where it might be going; but it's always fascinating, and oddly involving as well. The filmmakers definitely show off some talent here, with very little money.

Fantasia 2016: "Shelley" Review by Tim Hellman

Fantasia 2016: 'SHELLEY': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Another entry in this year's 'Fantasia International Film Festival', is this psychological thriller flick; about a Danish couple, that live together in an isolated villa (in the forest), that really wants to have a child (but can't).  The wife makes a pact with their Romanian maid, for the maid to be the child's surrogate mother; but something sinister begins affecting the pregnancy, and everyone around it.  The film was directed by first time feature filmmaker Ali Abbasi, and it was written by Abbasi and Maren Louise Kaehne.  The movie stars Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Cosmina Stratan and Peter Christoffersen.  It's a well made, and haunting movie.

Louise (Petersen) and Kasper (Christoffersen) live in a remote villa, in the middle of the woods, away from technology and all modern ways of life.  They hire a Romanian maid, named Elena (Stratan); and Louise and Elena quickly become close.  Louise explains, to Elena, that she really wants to have a child, but can't.  She then offers to give the maid a lot of money, to carry a child for her.  Elena reluctantly agrees to the arrangement, but it soon becomes evident that the pregnancy is not normal; and something very dark (and unnatural) has possessed the baby growing inside of her.

The movie is really nicely directed; the mood and atmosphere, that the director creates, are perfectly creepy and disturbing.  The performances are all excellent, as well, especially the two female leads; and the characters are all likeable and relatable.  The film is effectively scary; without a true villain, or clichéd 'jump scares' and gimmicks!  With all of that said, I was still hoping for more from the movie's ending.  It's definitely a psychological thriller, that leaves a lot up to viewer interpretation.

Fantasia 2016: "Americana" Review by Tim Hellman

Fantasia 2016: 'AMERICANA': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Another entry in this year's 'Fantasia International Film Festival', is this crime drama/thriller flick; from first time feature filmmaker Zachary Shedd. It's about an alcoholic film editor; that's trying to figure out the details of his movie star sister's murder, while still grieving over a tragic accident from his past. The film contains a star making performance from actor David Call. It also features a supporting cast including Kelli Garner, Jack Davenport, Peter Coyote and Frank Mosley. Shedd directed the movie, and he also wrote it's screenplay (as well). I think it's a well made film, but it's also just a little too dark and depressing.

Call plays Avery Wells; a talented film editor with a popular starlet for a sister, named Kate (Garner). Avery has been hiding out in a cabin, drinking day and night, until he's visited by his producer friend, named Calib (Davenport). Calib wants Avery to finish editing a movie, that he and Kate were working on. When Kate is suddenly murdered, shockingly one night, Avery starts to question his friends' motives, and everything else around him.

The film is decently directed, and (like I already said) Call gives a very impressive performance in it. The supporting cast is all decent as well. The story is somewhat involving, and intriguing, but I never found myself really caring about any of the characters in it. The film is really dark, and dry, and as good as Call is in it, his character just isn't very likable. I think most filmgoers will agree, that It's really hard to root for an unlikable lead character. The movie is definitely well made, but it's also one I'm not interested in ever seeing again.

Fantasta 2016: "Another Evil" Review by Tim Hellman

Fantasia 2016: 'ANOTHER EVIL': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

One entry in this year's 'Fantasia International Film Festival', is this extremely low-budget horror-comedy flick. It's about an artist, who's trying to rid his family's vacation home of a ghost, who then befriends the eccentric exorcist, that he hires to do it. The movie was written and directed by first time feature filmmaker Carson D. Mell, and it stars a cast of mostly unknown actors; including Steve Zissis and Mark Proksch (as the film's two leads). For such a low-budget flick, the movie is immensely entertaining!

Dan (Zissis) is an artist, who's spending some time with his family at their vacation home, when he witnesses two ghosts. The first exorcist he hires (Dan Bakkedahl), to get rid of the spirits, tells him the ghosts are friendly; and that he should just learn to live with them. Dan doesn't like that idea, so he hires another exorcist, named Oz (Proksch); that promises to actually rid the house of it's unwanted guests. A very bizarre relationship forms between the two men.

The movie is hilarious, in places, and it's also quite frightening, and disturbing, in other places. The climax is totally frightening (as well), and it's also extremely involving. The two lead performances are fantastic, the directing is adequately done, and the script is brilliant. What's most impressive about the film though, is how the filmmakers are able to do so much, with so little! The execution, of this 'little indie that could', is masterfully done! I'd definitely recommend it.

Fantasia 2016: Official Stills for the Comedy/Drama "Superpowerless"

Brainwave and Purple Blankey Productions recently released stills and official trailer for their latest film "Superpowerless" which is playing at this year's Fantasia Film Festival. The film stars Josiah Polhemus, Amy Prosser, Natalie Lander, Adam Thayer and H. P. Mendoza.

"Superpowerless" will be making its world premiere at Fantasia on July 24th at 10PM at the J.A. De Seve Theatre in Montreal, QC. Director Duane Anderson and stars Josiah Polhemus, Amy Prosser will be on hand for the screening.

Plot Synopsis:

There was a time when Bob was the reigning master of his city. Having discovered that he possessed superpowers at an early age, he followed the example of his comic-book heroes and used them to society’s benefit, a decision that has made him a champion feared by his enemies and admired by the public. A living legend, he relentlessly went after criminals with a smile on his face. Today, Bob is but a shadow of his former self. Like many others, he’s plagued by the self-reflection of midlife crisis. The difference is that this difficult period coincides with the loss of what it was that made him such an extraordinary being. His Herculean strength and incredible resistance to blows have both vanished. Having retired his uniform, he wanders the streets he once helped protect in drunken stupor, increasingly worrying his girlfriend Mimi. When an old sidekick publishes a memoir, Bob suddenly feels the urgent need to commit his exceptional life journey to paper. He’s about to go through an introspective experience that will make him revisit his past and hopefully permit him to finally take the warrior’s rest he’s looking for.

"Superpowerless": Official Trailer

Fantasia 2016: Official Trailer and Stills for Mike Flanagan's Latest Chiller "Before I Wake"

Relativity Studios recently release official stills and the official trailer for Mike Flanagan's latest film "Before I Wake" which will be screening at Fantasia. The upcoming film stars Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, Annabeth Gish, Dash Mihok and Jacob Tremblay.

"Before I Wake" is special screening at Fantasia being hosted by Mike Flanagan. The screening takes place on July 31st at the 6:45 PM SGWU Alumni Auditorium (Hall Theatre) in Montreal QC.

The film hits U.S. theaters on September 9th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BeforeIWakeMovie

Plot Synopsis:

In this intense and heart pounding supernatural thriller, Jessie (Kate Bosworth) and Mark (Thomas Jane) decide to take in a sweet and loving 8-year-old boy, Cody. Unbeknownst to them, Cody is terrified of falling asleep. At first, they assume his previous unstable homes caused his aversion to sleep, but soon discover why: Cody's dreams manifest in reality as he sleeps. In one moment they experience the incredible wonder of Cody's imagination, and in the next, the horrific nature of his night terrors. To save their new family, Jessie and Mark embark on a dangerous hunt to uncover the truth behind Cody's nightmares.

"Before I Wake": Official Trailer

Fantasia 2016: "The Love Witch" Review by Anthony T

Lately, yours truly has been watching a lot 60’s and 70’s horror films that have had a European feel to them. When I first heard of “The Love Witch”, my first thoughts was it must be European horror film as the stills and the trailer had the look of it. But no, this was made here in America and it’s a new film that is being released here later this year. Still, the look and the trailer of the film is what drew me to “The Love Witch”.

The film is about a beautiful woman (Samantha Robinson) who moves to a new town looking for the man of her dreams. In her spare time, she lives in a gothic looking apartment and she picks up men to seduce. Soon, her love portions leave a string of dead men. When she finally meets the man of her dreams, her desperation takes a dark turn as it leads her to insanity and murder.

When the film ended, I was surprised that I enjoyed this one considering its running time and had a weird obscure vibe to it. Sometimes it can be tough to watch. Then again, I’ve been watching euro-horror films lately and this had that vibe that made me enjoy this film a lot. “The Love Witch” is film that captures the Jesus Franco/Jean Rollin vibe with the look of the film and its approach.

Most of that had to do with the directing and writing of Anna Biller. One of the things that Biller does right was to make the look of the film stand out. The look of the film had the feel of an early 60’s European horror film feel to it. Biller and her cinematographer does a great job making sure it has its unique look as it adds to the film and makes the supernatural elements work. The other thing that Biller does very well is to make sure the acting fits the film’s surreal tone. She makes sure the cast does a very good job making their characters are entertaining and interesting. The performances helped keep my interest with what was going on in the story.

Speaking about the performances, I thought Samantha Robinson’s was the best thing about this film. I liked how she makes her character so hypnotizing and charismatic as she makes the film’s main character Elaine stand out from all the other characters. It grabs your attention every time she’s on screen. It’s something that’s needed for a main character to grab your attention.

The screenplay also written by Billing was very good. I liked how she goes for originality with the way that she approaches the story. Whether it’s the way she came up with the ideas to focusing on the dark witch elements, everything had a bizarre feel of a late 60’s/early 70’s European occult film. It makes it feel original because the euro-horror approach is rarely done in U.S. horror films. The other thing that I liked was the fact that it does a great job focusing on its main character. Whether it’s the way the main character approaches her soon to be lovers to her backstory, Biller does a very good job making sure it keeps you interested in the character and the story.

I had a very good time with “The Love Witch” as it has the feel of a Jess Franco or Jean Rollin film. With its stunning cinematography and great performance from Samantha Robinson, you will fall under the spell of “The Love Witch” as it will leave you hypnotized.

“The Love Witch” will be hitting theaters in limited release in the U.S. in October.

Review Rating: Five Stars

Fantasia 2016: "Bed of the Dead" Review by Anthony T

When I was glancing at the films playing at this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival, “Bed of the Dead” stuck out from some of the bunch. The reason it stuck out was its title. With titles like “Dawn of the Dead”, “Shaun of the Dead” and “Night of the Living Dead”, you would think this film would have zombies as the focal point. Nope, there are no zombies here as this is more of the supernatural horror variety. Still, I was very interested in seeing this film because it’s killer trailer and the poster art for this chiller.

The film is about four friends who spend the night at a sex club. When they check into their room, they noticed a nice antique bed in the room. They decide to sleep there and have the time of their lives. Little do they know the bed is haunted by a cursed past. Soon, they get picked off one after another. Now, they must try and find the bed’s secret before their souls become part the bed notorious history.

Going into “Bed of the Dead”, I thought this wouldn’t be a serious horror film given the title and the fact that most of the scenes takes place on a bed. Long and behold, I was very surprised that this was scary and had no punchlines would hurt the film’s serious tone.

Most of that had to do with the very good direction from first time feature director Jeff Maher, who has done cinematography on films such as “Antisocial” and “Bite” which was recently released here in the U.S. Maher does a very good job making sure the images have a horrific feel to them. Whether it’s working with the effecting team to making sure his cinematographer get the shots that make the look work, it makes everything dark and chilling especially in the bedroom scenes. Maher also does a very good job making sure that the acting fits with the story at hand and making sure that acting keeps you interested. That aspect was handled very well especially with the performances as I was interested with the characters throughout.

Speaking of the performances, the two leads Colin Price and Alysa King were very good in this film. They both did a very good job making sure their characters are interesting enough to keep their subplots and characters interesting. It kept me investing with what I was seeing on the screen.

The screenplay from Maher and Cody Calahan (Antisocial) was very good. One of the things that I liked about the screenplay was a brief backstory to the leads and the bed. You get a glimpse into the characters during the course of the film and how it develops towards the end. It made the characters interesting. It’s something that you want in a story as it adds depth to them and make them interesting. When a horror film can do that, you know that you’re glued to what’s happening. The other thing that I like about this was the fact that there was a sense of dread throughout. The writers do a very good job making sure that it has that feeling as it allows to make the action feel scary. There was a couple a scenes where the creativity in the death scenes helped make it horrifying to watch. When that happen, I know that I’m having a good time.

This is up there with the likes of “The Witch” and “10 Cloverfield Lane” as one of the best horror films that I’ve seen this year. “Bed of the Dead” is a chilling and gory film that makes you fear the mattress that you’re sleeping on.

Review Rating: Five Stars

Fantasia 2016: Official Stills for Ti West's Latest Film "In a Valley of Violence"

Focus World recently released stills for their upcoming release of the western "In a Valley of Violence". The film marks a departure for director Ti West, as he's been known for horror films like "House of the Devil", "The Innkeepers" and "The Sacrament". The film stars Ethan Hawke, Taissa Farmiga, John Travolta, James Ransone and Karen Gillan.

Ti West's "In a Valley of Violence" will be making its international premiere at Fantasia on July 17th at the SGWU Alumni Auditorium (Hall Theatre). Screening time is 7:45PM in Montreal QC.

Plot Synopsis:

A shadowy drifter (Ethan Hawke) and his dog journey through the deserts of the Old West on their way to Mexico, making a terrible mistake in taking a shortcut through Denton, a small and largely forgotten mining town that many in the region have begun to unaffectionately refer to as “a valley of violence.” Numerous townsfolk have left for safer or more promising havens. Most of who remained are criminals, bullies, hustlers and idiots. Our drifter soon crosses paths with the town marshal’s distinctly lawless son, and all hell begins to break loose, setting forth cycles of vengeance and violence that will significantly reduce Denton’s already-dwindling population and leave the desert earth saturated with blood.

Fantasia 2016: Teaser Trailer and Stills for the Leonard Nimoy Documentary "For the Love of Spock"

Gravitas Ventures and 455 Films recently released stills and the trailer for the upcoming Leonard Nimoy documentary "For the Love of Spock". The documentary takes a look at the late Leonard Nimoy who played famous "Star Trek" character Spock. The film is narrated by Nimoy's son Adam Nimoy and interviews from Nimoy, William Shatner, J.J. Abrams, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg and more.

"For the Love of Spock" will be making its international premiere at Fantasia on July 16th at 4:10PM at the SGWU Alumni Auditorium (Hall Theatre). Director Adam Nimoy and Producer David Zappone will be on hand for the screening.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.fortheloveofspock.com.

Plot Synopsis:

Arriving at Warp Speed to welcome STAR TREK’s 50th anniversary, FOR THE LOVE OF SPOCK celebrates the enduring series by focusing on the franchise’s most popular character and the man who played him. Narrated by Adam Nimoy, this fascinating doc offers a personal, intimate look at the life and livelihood of Adam’s late father, beloved actor Leonard Nimoy, and his iconic alter-ego, Mr. Spock. Through extensive interviews with Nimoy as well as a galaxy of family, friends, TREK colleagues and industry admirers, FOR THE LOVE OF SPOCK leaves no dilithium crystal unturned.

"For the Love of Spock": Teaser Trailer 

Fantasia 2016: Official Stills and Trailer the Upcoming Chiller "Lights Out"

New Line Cinema and Warner Bros recently released stills and the officials for the upcoming chiller "Lights Out". The film is based on the short horror film by David F. Sandberg, who also directs this film and is being executive produced by James Wan (The Conjuring 2, Saw). It stars Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Maria Bello and Billy Burke.

The film is a special screening and will take place on July 20th at 7PM at the SGWU Alumni Auditorium (Hall Theatre)in Montreal QC.

For more information on this film, you can goto : http://www.lightsoutmovie.com/

Plot Synopsis:

From producer James Wan (THE CONJURING and INSIDIOUS franchises) comes a tale of an unknown terror that lurks in the dark. When Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) left home, she thought she abandoned her childhood fears. Growing up, she was never really sure of what was and wasn’t real when the lights went out… and now her little brother, Martin (Gabriel Bateman), is experiencing the same unexplained and terrifying events that had once tested her sanity and threatened her safety. A frightening entity with a mysterious attachment to their mother, Sophie (Maria Bello), has reemerged. But this time, as Rebecca gets closer to unlocking the truth, there is no denying that all their lives are in danger… once the lights go out.

"Lights Out": Official Trailer

Fantasia 2016: Official Stills and Trailer for Steven Shainberg's "Rupture"

Tango Pictures and AMBI Distribution recently released stills and the official for Steven Shainberg's (Secretary) upcoming film "Rupture". The film stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Chiklis, Peter Stormare, Kerry Bishé and Ari Millen.

"Rupture" will be making its world premiere on July 15th at 9:35 Pm at the SGWU Alumni Auditorium (Hall Theatre) in Montreal, QC. Director Steve Shainberg will be on hand for the screening.

Plot Synopsis:

Single mom Renee Morgan (Noomi Rapace) has learned to be strong by necessity. One day, after dropping her son off at school and going about daily chores, she’s suddenly abducted and locked away in a truck that drives off — and continues driving for days. Wherever she’s being taken, it’s very far away. The truck finally arrives at a large, mysterious facility that could be pharmaceutical, could be governmental, could be anything. A mysterious man begins to question her about her medical history. He then starts asking about her fears. Renee realizes just how irrational and frightening a situation she’s in. Others arrive, observing her. Why Renee? What could these people want? The answers to both questions lie far from any scenario she could possibly imagine.

 

"Rupture": Official Trailer

Fantasia 2016: Official Trailer and Still for Darren Lynn Brousman's "Abattoir"

Versatile Films recently released a still and trailer for Darren Lynn Brousman's (Repo!: The Genetic Opera, The Devil's Carnival) latest film "Abattoir". The film stars Jessica Lowndes (The Devil's Carnival), Lin Shaye (Insidious), Joe Anderson (The Grey) and Dayton Calles (Alleluia: The Devil's Carnival 2, Sons of Anarchy).

"Abattoir" will be making its International Premiere at the 2016 Fantasia International Film Festival.

The film will be screening on July 25th at the Concordia Hall Theatre in Montreal, QC.

Plot Synopsis:

“How do you build a haunted house?” The job of real-estate reporter Julia Talben (90210’s Jessica Lowndes) is set on a hellish new path when her family is savagely murdered. In freakishly short time, the house — the crime scene — has gone up for sale, and when Julia goes by for a final look, she’s horrified to discover that the entire “murder room” where her family was slaughtered has been torn out of the building. Using the investigatory tools of her trade, she discovers that this has been happening a number of times — random killings, home purchased, kill room torn out of the structure. The common thread? A mysterious buyer by the name of Jebediah Crone (SON OF ANARCHY’s Dayton Callie).

Abattoir": Official Trailer

Film-Arcade.net's Coverage of Fantasia 2016

In the past, Film-Arcade.net has covered the Fantasia International Film Festival which runs from July 14th - August 3rd in Montreal, Canada. It's one of the world's best multi-genre film festival in the world where some the latest buzz worthy and major studio genre films have made its premiere. After a hiatus, our coverage on the festival is back. This time, it'll span over two sites as Anthony T's Horror Chamber will also have coverage highlighting some of the obscure/short horror/sci-fi films playing at the festival.

There are three ways you can follows our coverage.

First, you can follow it through the Film-Arcade.net Twitter page at https://www.twitter.com/FilmArcade We'll also be retweeting whatever stories and reviews that happen on Anthony T's Horror Chamber

Second, through the social media hashtag #Fantasia16 on Twitter and Facebook

Third, on the site under Fantasia 16 list on the left hand side.

I hope you enjoy our coverage and thank you for taking your time to visit Film-Arcade.net.

For more information on the film festival itself, you can goto: http://www.fantasiafestival.com/2016/en/

Time Traveling Film "Synchronicity Makes its World Premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival

POPfilms and Soapbox Films recently send us information about the world premiere if Jacob Gentry's (The Signal) upcoming film "Synchronicity". The film stars  Chad McKnight (The West Wing, Last Goodbye), AJ Bowen (The Signal, A Horrible Way To Die, You're Next), Brianne Davis (Jarhead, Prom Night), and Michael Ironside (Top Gun, Total Recall).

The screening will take place on July 22nd at 7:15PM at J.A. DeSève Cinema. Attending the screening will be Director Jacob Gentry, Producers Alexander A. Motlagh & Christopher Alender, and stars Chad Mcknight, AJ Bowen, Brianne Davis, & Michael Ironside.


Press Release:

POPfilms and Soapbox Films are excited to announce that director Jacob Gentry's latest film, Synchronicity, will have its World Premiere at Fantasia International Film Festival 2015 on July 22nd at 7:15PM at J.A. DeSève Cinema. The film stars Chad McKnight (The West Wing, Last Goodbye), AJ Bowen (The Signal, A Horrible Way To Die, You're Next), Brianne Davis (Jarhead, Prom Night), and Michael Ironside (Top Gun, Total Recall).

Synchronicity follows the story of a daring physicist who folds time to travel into the past, trying to stop a mysterious woman from stealing his invention. But once there, he gets caught in a love triangle that will fracture his reality and endanger his entire future.

Synchronicity is Gentry's third feature film and his fourth collaboration with lead actor Chad McKnight. His filmography includes The Signal, which was acquired by Magnolia Pictures after it premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, along with the My Super Psycho Sweet 16 trilogy, Last Goodbye and After the Disco. Gentry is also known for his work on music videos with the band Broken Bells. The first of which, THE GHOST INSIDE, starred Christina Hendricks and was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award.

With Synchronicity, Gentry wanted to draw inspiration from the gritty cyberpunk textures and analog synth sounds of sci-fi movies from the 70s and 80s, as well as the harsh shadows and smokey glamour of post-war crime dramas in order to create a retro-futuristic world that the audience could climb into and walk around inside of. He wanted the audience to experience an atmospheric playground where the mysteries of the universe can be explored in the dark unknown of time and space.

"For years I've wanted to attend Fantasia as a genre cinema enthusiast. So I couldn't be more excited for my first trip to the fest be as both filmmaker and die hard fan," said director Jacob Gentry. "I can't wait to premiere Synchronicity for the kind of audience I always want to be part of."

Synchronicity is produced by Alexander Motlagh known for The Signal and MTV's breakout series "Finding Carter," and Christopher Alender founder of Soapbox Films.

Worldwide sales are being handled by Preferred Content.

Fantasia 2014: Rockin Stills for the Upcoming Fantasy/Comedy "Frank"

We're wrapping up our Fantasia 2014 coverage with a fantasy film that will be hitting theaters and in the U.S. soon.

Magnolia Pictures recently released stills for their upcoming film "Frank", which will be playing at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival. The film has played at such film festival as Sundance Film Festival and the Calgary Underground Film Festival. It stars Michael Fassbender (X Men: Days of Future's Past), Domhnall Gleeson (the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII), Maggie Gyllenhaal (White House Down) and Scoot McNairy (Argo).

"Frank" will be screening on August 3rd at 4:20 PM at Concordia Hall Theatre in Montreal QC. The second screening is sold out. The film will be released in limited release in the U.S. on August 15th.

Plot Synopsis:

FRANK is an offbeat comedy about a wannabe musician who finds himself out of his depth when he joins an avant-garde pop band led by the enigmatic Frank - a musical genius who hides himself inside a large fake head.

Fantasia 2014: Official Trailer and Stills for the Horror/Comedy "Housebound"

XLrator Media and Semi-Professional Pictures recently released stills and the official for the horror comedy "Housebound", which is playing at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival. The film recently had its world premiere at this year's SXSW Film Festival. It stars Morgana O'Reilly, Rima Te Wiata, Glen-Paul Waru and Cameron Rhode.

"Housebound" will be playing on August 3 at 9:45 PM at Concordia Hall Theatre in Montreal,QC. The film be distributed in the U.S. by XLrator Media. "Housebound" will hit theaters in limited release on October 17th.

For more information on the film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/houseboundthemovie .

Plot Synopsis:

Restless delinquent Kylie (Morgana O'Reilly) finds herself in juvenile court and gets the proverbial book thrown at her. Sentenced to house arrest in the home she grew up in – and would prefer to never revisit – Kylie returns to live with her absurdly doting mother Miriam (NZ comedy legend Rima Te Wiata) and her schmucky boyfriend. She also finds herself living with a decidedly unfriendly spirit who seems to be every bit as unhappy about this new situation as she is. Thankfully – sort of – the security guard in charge of monitoring Kylie’s whereabouts also happens to be very much into amateur ghost-hunting. Whatever happens, Kylie can’t go very far. The tracking bracelet locked on her ankle makes that certain. She’s got no choice but to remain home. And deal with everything that’s coming.

"Housebound": Official Trailer

Fantasia 2014: Haunting Stills for the Supernatural Horror Film "The Drownsman"

Black Fawn Films recently send us over stills for their upcoming "The Drownsman",which will be making it's world premiere at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival. The film is the latest from director Chad Archibald, who directed the very entertaining horror film "Antisocial". The film reunites him with "Antisocial star Michelle Mylett. Caroline Korycki, Gemma Bird Matheson, Sydney Kondruss also star in the film.

"The Drownsman" will be making it's world premiere on 2nd at 5:15 at the D.B.Clarke Theatre in Montreal, QC. No U.S. release plans are known at this time

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TheDrownsmanMovie.

Plot Synopsis:

After almost drowning in a lake, Madison finds herself bound to a life of fear. Unable to describe what happened to her during the moments she was underwater, Madison begins to develop hydrophobia: an abnormal fear of water. Crippled by her post trauma, Madison attempts to shut out the world around her but, her fear intensifies when she begins to be haunted by the vision of an evil figure. After watching her struggle for over a year, Madison's four friends stage an intervention in a desperate attempt to help. In doing so, they accidentally open a floodgate to a dark place where none of them are safe. As Madison and her friends dive deeper into the dark history of the evil that haunts them, they’re dragged one by one to a horrifying place where they may never return.

Fantasia 2014: Official Stills and Trailer for the Sc-Fi Thriller "Time Lapse"

Uncooperative Pictures recently released stills and the official trailer for the upcoming film "Time Lapse", which is playing at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival. It has played at such film festivals as the 2014 Seattle International Film Festival, 2014 London Independent Film Festival and the 2014 Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. The film stars Danielle Panabaker, Matt O'Leary, George Finn, Amin Joseph and Jason Spisak.

No U.S release plans or distribution were announced at this time. The film has sold out its two screenings at the festival.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.TimeLapse-TheMovie.com.

Plot Synopsis:

Three friends discover a machine that takes pictures 24hrs into the future and conspire to use it for personal gain, until disturbing images begin to develop.

"

"Time Lapse": Official Trailer