Dark Star Pictures THE ANTENNA Opening in Virtual Theaters Friday, October 2

WITH A NORTH AMERICAN VOD RELEASE TO FOLLOW ON OCTOBER 20 ON ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS

VIRTUAL THEATERS (October 2)-Including: Los Angeles (Laemmle), New York and major cities (Alamo On Demand) and Philadelphia (Film Society).

VOD (US & Canada) (October 20): Including: iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu, Dish Network and all major cable providers.

The Antenna Key Art

Runtime: 1 hour. 45 minutes;
Language: Turkish with English subtitles
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Horror
Distributed in North America by: Dark Star Pictures

THE ANTENNA 
is an Official Selection: Toronto International Film Festival and many more.

DIRECTED & WRITTEN BY: Orçun Behram

CAST:  Ihsan Önal, Gül Arici, Levent Ünsal, Isil Zeynep, Murat Saglam, Elif Çakman, Mert Toprak Yadigar and Eda Öze.

In a dystopian Turkey, the Government installs new networks throughout the country to monitor information.

The installation goes wrong in a crumbling apartment complex and Mehmet (Ihsan Önal), the building intendant, will have to confront the evil entity behind the inexplicable transmissions that threaten the residents.

Born in 1987, filmmaker Orçun Behram graduated from Columbia College, Chicago majoring film in 2011. Establishing himself in Istanbul, he has worked on variety of projects from music videos and short films to documentaries. The Antenna (2019) is the director’s first feature.


DARK STAR PICTURES

Dark Star Pictures is a new-age North American distribution company, focused on bringing unique and targeted content to audiences across the country. The company is committed to releasing auteur-driven, original cinema in the theatrical, digital and home video space. Dark Star’s goal is to create original marketing campaigns directly catered to audiences who will embrace our brand of thought-provoking cinema. The company also services distribution companies and producers in the theatrical, digital, and festival space.

PR Contact:
Emma Griffiths (EG-PR)

Movie Review: THE PREY

Gu key pic

Director: Jimmy Henderson
Written by: Jimmy Henderson, Michael Hodgson, Kai Miller
Starring: Byron Bishop, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Nophand Boonyai, Vithaya Pansringarm, Gu Shang Wei
Genre:  Horror
Language: Cambodian and Chinese (Mandarin) with English subtitles
Rating: Not rated

         From the Right Side of the Law to the              Inside of Prison

Director Jimmy Henderson’s (Jailbreak) new film THE PREY, inspired by Richard Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game, is a riveting drama about  Xin (Gu Sheng Wei, “Bloody Destiny”), an Chinese undercover police officer, working an international case in Cambodia, who gets caught-up in a police raid and ends up at the mercy of The Warden (Vithaya Pansringarm “Only God Forgives”) the ruthless, demonic head of a remote prison located in the jungles Cambodia.

It didn’t take long for Xin to become a central figure in The Warden’s sadistic ritual of a human hunting season for those with the money pay and the stomach to endure the gruesomeness of the sport. The Warden’s obvious pleasure in the torture of prisoners, while singing and dancing, is disturbing all so many levels.

 

The Prey Group Hunters

Henderson, Michael Hodgson, Kai Miller’s storyline with the mental instability of The Warden and unsettling desires of the hunters provides for some unpredictable outcomes, because you never know what someone void of human emotions can do.

With the male dominated prison storyline,  , they found a great way to bring in female character, Detective Li (Dy Sonita “Jailbreak”.) in a male dominated environment. Her button-up blouse and unassuming ponytail gives the impression of a meek personality. That assumption is soon put to rest as she holds her own against the ruthless Warden and hunters as she fights for survival.

As The Warden said to Xin, “you thought hell was a fairy tale. I made it real.”

The hell on earth was brought into existence with the help and participation of Mat (Byron Bishop “Only God Forgives”), Makara (Sahajak Boonthanakit “Only God Forgives”), Ryu (Dara Our “Jailbreak”), the hunters who paid the big bucks to hunt humans.
The idea of rich people going on a hunting trip where prisoners are the prey seems farfetched, yet it is possible that some hunters who become bored with hunting animals, would turn to hunting those who are left, human beings.

The lush, green and serene interior of the jungle and the beautiful, scenic water fall and river provides a contrast to the violence of the hunters and the lack of humanity in the murder of the hunted in its mist really stands out and adds to the experience.
Officer Xin and all the other prisoners truly have hell to pay, at the hands of The Warden, while on the inside of prison. THE PREY is a good film with plenty of action and suspense to keep your eyes on the screen.
Run time: 1 hr. 33 min
Distributor: Dark Star Pictures, North American Distribution
Production Co: Altered Vision Films, Prince Social Marketing, Kongchak Pictures
Cast: Byron Bishop, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Nophand Boonyai, Vithaya Pansringarm, Gu Shangwei,
with Rous Mony, Dy Sonita
Executive Producers: Chen Zhi, Guy Chhay
Producers: Jimmy Henderson
Associate Producers: Loy Te, Li Tao,
Director: Jimmy Henderson
Written by: Jimmy Henderson, Michael Hodgson, Kai Miller
Director of Photography: Lucas Gath
Music: Sebastien Pan
Release date: August 21, 2020 in North America
Virtual Theaters: August 21. Including Los Angeles (Laemmle), New York (Alamo On Demand), and major cities
VOD (US & Canada): August 25, 2020. Including ITunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu, DirecTV, Dish Network and all major cable providers

View trailer below!

ANTHONY ANDERSON RECEIVES THE 2,691st STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Photo: Hollywood Walk of Fame
Photo: Hollywood Walk of Fame

Actor, comedienne Anthony Anderson received the 2,691st    star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, August 14, 2020, in the first virtual award ceremony in the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s history.

Anderson’s celebrated this significant event with his family and friends one-day before his 50th birthday on August 15th, at the Hollywood Museum, located inside the historic Max Factor building, the make-up artist of the Golden Age of Hollywood. His star is located at 6780 Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

The day’s emcee was President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Rana Ghadban. Guest speakers were Doris Bowman, Anthony’s mother, a talented actress in her own right, and funny man and Walk of Famer, George Lopez, and Executive Brian Dobbins

Anthony is from the City of Compton, CA and s acting while attending performing arts classes at  Hollywood High School.  He has received 6 straight Emmy and two Golden Globes nominations for  Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

Staying busy, Anthony stars in and executive produces  the ABC  hit show “black’ish”, its spin-offs “grown-ish” and mixed-ishis , and is the the host of another ABC show “To Tell The Truth”.  performed in Norman Lear’s Live in Front of a Studio Audience as George Jefferson in the “ All in the Family” segment.  He has received 15 Image Award nominations and has won six as Outstanding Action in a Comedy  Series.

In addition to conquering the small screen, Anderson has had much success in film too, beginning in 1999 role in “Life”. His memorable role in “Barbershop”, “My Baby’s Daddy”, “Me, Myself & Irene”, “Big Momma’s House”, “Kingdome Come”, King’s Ransom”, “Hustle & Flow”, “The Departed”, “Transformers”, “Small Time Crime”, and  “The Beats” to name a few.

What a great way to bring-in 50, receiving a well-deserved Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Congratulations Anthony Anderson! Happy Birthday!

Watch the virtual ceremony below.

NAIL IN THE COFFIN: The Fall and Rise of Vampiro

Screening in Limited Theaters
Friday, September 4, 2020

Available on VOD/Digital
Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Nail in the Coffin key art

Directed by: Michael Paszt
Featuring: Professional Wrestler Ian Hodgkinson (Vampiro) and Dasha Hodgkinson

Runtime: 1 hr 28 min
Rating:  Not Yet Rated
Genre: Documentary
Country: Canada

Semi-retired professional wrestler Ian Hodgkinson reveals the harsh realities behind the glamour of being in the world of wrestling as the infamous ‘Vampiro’. A Lucha Libre legend, Hodgkinson tells the astonishing story about his meteoric rise to fame in the 90's and how it almost killed him. Yet none of that was as back-breaking as his current life - working behind-the-scenes as the Director of Talent for Lucha Libre AAA in Mexico City and Lucha Underground in Los Angeles, while simultaneously raising his teenage daughter Dasha in remote Northern Canada as a single parent.

Unlike many professional wrestling documentaries before, director Michael Paszt has constructed a fascinating and heartfelt look at a wrestler who has overcome and continues to battle with physical injuries, sexual abuse, and drug addiction. Not to mention the wild stories of working for Milli Vanilli, and wrestling alongside the punk rock band The Misfits - Vampiro’s stories are multi-faceted and completely enthralling.

Told through an engrossing collection of home videos and personal interviews with his closest friends and family, NAIL IN THE COFFIN is an intimate and genuine look into a single father grappling with fame, the pressures of professional and personal responsibilities, and his own mortality.

NAIL IN THE COFFIN celebrated its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2019, coming out with raving reviews. The film will be releasing in limited theaters on Friday, September 4, 2020 and will be available on major VOD/Digital platforms beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

“NAIL IN THE COFFIN: The Fall and Rise of Vampiro is an incredibly inspirational true story that shows us no matter how many times life tries to beat you down and break you apart, you need to rise up and conquer your demons in order to survive,” says Patrick Ewald, CEO of Epic Pictures (U.S. Distribution). “And now, as we are faced with incredible challenges all around us, I can’t think of a more relevant film to remind us of the resiliency and power of the human spirit.”

NAIL IN THE COFFIN is directed by Michael Paszt. Produced by Pasha Patriki and Paszt, associate producer Maye Ornelas and executive produced by Gregor Habsburg, Jacquelyn Frisco, Ian Hodgkinson, Marisela Peña, Dorain Roldån, James Fler, and Andrew Thomas Hunt. Cinematography by Patriki, and edited by Danny Palmer.

NAIL IN THE COFFIN will be available on VOD/Digital Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020:

Indemand | Comcast | Spectrum | Charter | Dish | Sling TV | Vubiquity

iTunes | Google Play | Vudu | Xbox | YouTube | Amazon

Fandango Now | DirecTV | Breaker | Alamo On Demand

Blu-ray pre-order: https://epic-pictures.com/merchandise/nail-in-the-coffin-the-fall-and-rise-of-vampiro-blu-ray

About Epic Pictures

Since the foundation of the company in 2007, CEO Patrick Ewald has grown Epic Pictures into an independent content studio with the mission of delivering the best-in-class genre entertainment “for fans, by fans.” Epic Pictures produces, finances, and distributes approximately twenty-thirty independent genre films a year. In 2013, the company established Epic Pictures Releasing which is its US focused distribution division. In 2017, Epic Pictures acquired the world’s most popular horror website, Dread Central, and launched its unique horror label, Dread, followed by its AVOD channel, DreadTV. In 2019, Epic Pictures started the horror gaming site, DreadXP, with a focus on editorial, reviews, podcasts, and original streaming content. In 2020, DreadXP began a video game publishing division with the launch of The Dread X Collection, an anthology of horror games in collaboration with some of the most innovative developers in the independent gaming space. https://epic-pictures.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

TENNIS COMEDY ‘FIRST ONE IN’ SETS RELEASE FOR SEPTEMBER 8

First In Photo

Literally Films has announced the release date of the indie-tennis-comedy FIRST ONE IN, starring Kat Foster (Jean-Claude Van Johnson, Weeds) and Georgia King (HBO’s Vice Principals ). The film is executive produced by Jonathan Gray and produced by Paul Jarrett and Nick Huston, in association with Rosetta Films and Literally Films.

FIRST ONE IN is the feature-directing debut of indie screenwriter Gina O’Brien. This is the third feature from O’Brien whose Sundance premiere “Once More With Feeling” was produced by Rosetta Films’ Paul Jarrett. Jarrett directed O’Brien’s second screenplay “Fan Girl” which premiered on ABC Family.

After accidentally killing an endangered animal on a popular reality TV show, Madi Cooke (Kat Foster) is labeled an eco-terrorist, is fired from her job, and believes she now is the most hated woman in America. She changes her look and last name to interview with Bobbi (Georgia King), who heads Mason Agents — the #1 real estate firm in Connecticut. But in an effort to maintain championship status in a local, annual tournament, Bobbi only hires women who play tennis.

Madi joins a clinic at Acme Indoor Tennis to practice the game she hasn’t played seriously since high school, nearly 20 years ago. That’s where she meets Tennis Pro Fernando (Josh Segarra), Jane (Catherine Curtin), Ceecee (Emy Coligado), Preeti (Aneesh Sheth) and Valentina (Karina Arroyave), and renews her strained friendship with her best friend and former high school tennis partner, Ollie (Alana O’Brien).

In a twist of events, Madi and her underdogs take on Bobbi’s Mason Agents at their Elite tennis club, where Madi will find her grit or lose everything.

“During the day in tennis clubs across America, millions of women gather to hit balls at each other. I’m one of them,” says O’Brien. “We wear trendy outfits, visors, and elbow and knee braces. We drink coconut water and eat protein bars and take acetaminophen. We are middle-aged women of all shapes, sizes, and athletic ability. Our personal lives may differ from one another, but on some 250,000 courts in the U.S., we’re all tennis players. Many of us aren’t good, but the competition is as fierce as the pros, sort of, and it’s fun material for a screenplay.”

FIRST ONE IN is set to release on major VOD/Digital platforms including Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2020. FIRST ONE IN stars Kat Foster (Jean-Claude Van Johnson, Weeds), Georgia King (HBO’s Vice Principals ), Alana O’Brien (Inside Amy Schumer), Emy Coligado (Crossing Jordan), Catherine Curtin (Orange is the New Black), Aneesh Sheth ( Jessica Jones), Karina Arroyave (Orange is the New Black), Josh Segarra ( Trainwreck), and Michael Ian Black (Wet Hot American Summer, Stella).

About Rosetta Films

Prior to First One In, Paul Jarrett (Rosetta Films) managed non-scripted production for ABC News Long Form / Lincoln Square Productions as the Supervising Line Producer. Jarrett delivered content to and managed relationships with Disney ABC Television Group, A&E, Investigation Discovery, Bravo, Netflix, and Disney +. Jarrett also recently executive produced and was the show-runner on the Investigation Discovery Channel TV show I, Witness, which premiered in 2017. Prior to that, Jarrett directed and produced the feature film Fan Girl starring Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and Meg Ryan (Sleepless In Seattle). When Fan Girl premiered on ABC Family, the film was the 8th most trending Twitter topic in the world.

UNCLE PECKERHEAD Available TODAY on VOD/Digital Tuesday, August 11

Uncle Peckerhead Pic

Runtime: 1 hr 36 min
Rating:  Not Yet Rated
Genre: Horror-Comedy
Written & Directed by: Matthew John Lawrence
Starring: Chet Siegel, Ruby McCollister, Jeff Riddle, and David H. Littleton

A humorous, yet gruesome take on the roadie/band narrative, UNCLE PECKERHEAD is nothing less than a Faustian gorefest, a madcap music and monster movie, and a horror-comedy with heart.

Judy, the bassist of punk-rock band ‘DUH’, dreams of traveling the world and becoming a full-time musician with her two friends, guitarist Max and drummer Mel. But when DUH’s van is repossessed hours before they’re set to embark on their first tour, desperation sets in, and Judy strikes an uneasy alliance with a redneck old-timer by the name of Peckerhead, or ‘Peck’, who offers to drive them in his van in exchange for food and gas.

One night after their first show, Peck mysteriously goes missing. Desperate to get back on the road to make their next show, Judy volunteers to look for him. Regrettably, she finds Peck devouring the brains of the promoter who ripped them off earlier. The band quickly comes to realize their new roadie is a cursed, man-eating hillbilly and the “gig life” they’ve always dreamed of is paved with nightmares and half-eaten bodies.

UNCLE PECKERHEAD celebrated its world premiere at Panic Fest in Kansas City earlier this year, where it was named among the “Best of Fest”. The film also received a Special Jury Award for Narrative Feature Film at the Calgary Underground Film Festival and Audience Choice Award at the Portland Horror Film Festival.

“Uncle Peckerhead is the type of film we don’t come across often, it’s even less often that we see a film with the word “Peckerhead” in the title. Dread couldn’t be more excited to share such a film with you, it’s a really fun ride. “ - Yulissa Morales Epic Pictures and Dread’s Director of Distribution

UNCLE PECKERHEAD will be screening in select theaters on Friday, August 7, 2020 and will be available on VOD/Digital on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.

Facebook: facebook.com/UnclePeckerhead
Twitter: twitter.com/UnclePeckerhead
Instagram: instagram.com/UnclePeckerhead

UNCLE PECKERHEAD is written and directed by Matthew John Lawrence, and produced by Lawrence, Nicholas Payne Santos and Kristy Richman. Cinematography by Kyle I. Kelley and Michael Sutter. Edited by Matthew John Lawrence. Production Designed by Wicky Mendoza. Composed by Christopher Marti and ‘DUH’ Music by Jeff Riddle. A Subtle T-Rex production. https://subtletrex.com/

UNCLE PECKERHEAD will be available on VOD/Digital Tuesday, August 11, 2020:

Indemand | Comcast | Spectrum | Charter | Dish | Sling TV | Vubiquity

iTunes | Google Play | Vudu | Xbox | YouTube | Amazon | Playstation

Fandango Now | DirecTV | Breaker | Redbox TVOD | Alamo On Demand

iTunes Pre-Order: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/uncle-peckerhead/id1523005639

About Epic Pictures

Since the foundation of the company in 2007, CEO Patrick Ewald has grown Epic Pictures into an independent content studio with the mission of delivering the best-in-class genre entertainment “for fans, by fans.” Epic Pictures produces, finances, and distributes approximately twenty-thirty independent genre films a year. In 2013, the company established Epic Pictures Releasing which is its US focused distribution division. In 2017, Epic Pictures acquired the world’s most popular horror website, Dread Central, and launched its unique horror label, Dread, followed by its AVOD channel, DreadTV. In 2019, Epic Pictures started the horror gaming site, DreadXP, with a focus on editorial, reviews, podcasts, and original streaming content. In 2020, DreadXP began a video game publishing division with the launch of The Dread X Collection, an anthology of horror games in collaboration with some of the most innovative developers in the independent gaming space. https://epic-pictures.com/

 

 

 

 

BEYONCE’S NEW VIDEO ALBUM BLACK IS KING RELEASED ON DISNEY+

An extravagance story of black life and its African lineage and heritage, Beyonce’s new video album began streaming on Disney+ on Friday, July 31, 2020.

The 90 minutes of music from Bey was inspired by the 2019 Lion King theme song, “The Lion King: The Gift. Beyonce was the voice of Nala, Simba’s lady love in the 2019 film. The Lion King is all about uplifting people with valuable life lessons. Lessons of loyalty, love and determination which is expanded upon with Black is King.

A showcase of blackness in all its hues and glory is truly uplifting during this time of racial protest and reckoning. It’s a magnificent reminder of the Kings and Queens from whom we are descendants. Something we should constantly reminded ourselves.

Joining Bey on Black is King are Pharrell Williams and Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Lord Afrixana, Wizkids   and her husband Jay-Z. You know the video album would not be complete with an appearance by Blue Ivy.

Black is King is written, directed and executive produced by Queen Bey.  Full of wonderful sounds and visual inspiring, Black is King is what we needed.

New Trailer for Dark Star Picture’s ENTWINED

Director’s Minos Nikolakakis new film ENTWINED tells the story of Panos (Prometheus Aleifer), a city doctor, relocates his practice to a remote village and quickly falls for Danae (Anastasia Rafaella Konidi), who lives in isolation with a mysterious skin condition. Determined to find Danae a cure, Panos learns of her dark secret and that all is not what it seems.

ENTWINED, an official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival opens in virtual theaters on Friday, August 28th in Los Angeles, New York and other major cities. And released on VOD on September 8th in U.S. and Canada on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu,  Direct TV, Dish Network and all major cable providers.

 

ENTWINED poster1

Runtime: 89 minutes
Language: Greek with English subtitles
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Horror/ Fantasy
Distributed in North America by Dark Star Pictures

DARK STAR PICTURES

Dark Star Pictures is a new-age North American distribution company, focused on bringing unique and targeted content to audiences across the country. The company is committed to releasing auteur-driven, original cinema in the theatrical, digital and home video space. Dark Star’s goal is to create original marketing campaigns directly catered to audiences who will embrace our brand of thought-provoking cinema. The company also services distribution companies and producers in the theatrical, digital, and festival space.

Dark Star Pictures THE PREY New Trailer

THE PREY a new film by director Jimmy Henderson’s opens in VIRTUAL THEATERS on August 21n 2020 in Los Angeles at Laemmle and in New York on Alamo On Demand and major cities.

On VOD in US and Canada on August 25th. Including on  iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu,  Direct TV, Dish Network and all major cable providers.

THE PREY was an official selection at the Busan International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival and Fantasia Film Festival.

Directed by Jimmy Henderson (JAILBREAK) and written by Jimmy Henderson, Michael Hodgson, Kai Miller.

It stars Byron Bishop, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Nophand Boonyai, Vithaya Pansringarm (ONLY GOD FORGIVES), Gu Shangwei

THE PREY is loosely based on Richard Connell’s story of survival and adventure The Most Dangerous Game,  

Undercover Chinese cop Xin (newcomer Gu Shangwei), is on a secret international mission when a surprise raid puts him in a remote Cambodian jungle prison that plays by its own rules.Ruthless warden (Vithaya Pansringarm of ONLY GOD FORGIVES ) sells prisoners as human prey for rich hunters looking for thrills in the jungle.

After years of hunting down ruthless criminals, Xin suddenly finds himself running for his life. If Xin manages to survive this sadistic game, he’ll walk out of the jungle the same way he came in: as a free man. If Xin fails, he’s just another hunting trophy.
Runtime: 93 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Language: Cambodian and Chinese (Mandarin) with English subtitles
Distributed by LA-based Dark Star Pictures. 

DARK STAR PICTURES

Dark Star Pictures is a new-age North American distribution company, focused on bringing unique and targeted content to audiences across the country. The company is committed to releasing auteur-driven, original cinema in the theatrical, digital and home video space. Dark Star’s goal is to create original marketing campaigns directly catered to audiences who will embrace our brand of thought-provoking cinema. The company also services distribution companies and producers in the theatrical, digital, and festival space.

Hollywood Screen Legend Oliva de Havilland Is 104 Years-Young

Olivia de Havilland

Hollywood Screen Legend Oliva de Havilland Is 104 Years-Young

Call her a Screen Legend, an Old Hollywood Star, a Movie Star, or Star of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Olivia de Havilland is each one of them.

Dame Oliva de Havilland born July 1, 1916 in Tokyo, Japan, to English parents, Walter de Havilland, a patent attorney and, Lilian Fontaine, and actress. She’s the older sister of another star of the Golden Age of Hollywood, actress Joan Fontaine.

She has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, “To Each His Own (1946) and “The Heiress” (1949).

De Havilland is the last surviving adult that starred in the block buster film “Gone with the Wind” that premiered in Atlanta on December 15, 1939. Olivia de Havilland portrayed Melanie Hamilton Wilkes, Scarlett O’Hara’s (Vivian Leigh) sister-in-law. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for this role. She lost to Hattie McDaniel

She is also remembered for her performance as Maid Marian, opposite Errol Flynn in “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938).

Fontaine won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Suspicion” (1941)

Olivia became the Hollywood’s first free agent on August 23, 1943, when she successfully sued Warner Bros and changing the power structure from the movie studios to the actors and actresses. This established what is called the De Havilland Law.

Dame Olivia de Havilland resides in France, where she has made it her home for about 70-years.