Telling stories through film and conversation.
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WILDsound's The Film Podcast

In each episode, the C.E.O. of WILDsound, Matthew Toffolo, chats about all things storytelling and film. Conversations with talented individual from all around the world.

Posts tagged horror festival
EP. 1586: Filmmaker Heloísa Cardoso (SUBMERGED)

A young woman waits for her lover for a secret trip. However, he does not show up and does not respond to her messages. That’s when strange and inexplicable events begin to happen in her house. She asks for help from her lover, who ignores her. Realizing that she is hopelessly alone, she gives up waiting for salvation and surrenders to her own shadow.


https://www.instagram.com/cardosohelo/?hl=en

Director Statement

"Submerged" is my graduation film from Academia Internacional de Cinema. This short film is an extension of the research I’ve been developing in theatre and literature, proposing a reflection on the tendency to wait, something encouraged in girls from a very young age. The wait for a great love, a hope for something external that will give life meaning. The horror surrounding this waiting evokes the idea of a monstrous femininity: when left alone, the protagonist of "Submerged" unconsciously materializes her shadow, which ultimately consumes her and breaks the cycle of passivity.

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EP. 1574: Gabriel Milessis Braga (THE FIRST NIGHT)

The First Night, 7min., Brazil

Directed by Gabriel Milessis Braga

After collapsing at the altar, Elise awakens inside an old church, and something inside her has changed. Guided by a mysterious man who seems to understand her condition, she begins to confront a new, terrifying hunger. The First Night is a gothic meditation on becoming, resistance, and the quiet seduction of darkness in our lifes.

https://www.instagram.com/thegabrielwars/

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EP. 1568: Filmmaker Timothy Benjamin Slessor (FLESH WISH)

FLESH WISH, 4min., UK
Directed by Timothy Benjamin Slessor
An experimental horror inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, David Cronenberg and Clive Barker, this music video / short details in an abstract way the summoning of demons through a ritual performed behind the locked doors of a 1970s terraced house.

What motivated you to make this film?

Several factors! Firstly, I wanted to make something visual to accompany the release of my album. Secondly, I wanted to experiment with a lot of different ideas and techniques, but importantly have a finished piece of work to show for it, not just a bunch of tests. Thirdly I wanted to see how I could kind of corrupt and pervert generative ai platforms and work them into my editing and animation / vfx practise and finally I wanted to make something that would surprise and confound my friends and colleagues!

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It was about three to four months of laborious work, mostly in after effects and premiere. I had to create all of the images and heavily distort and rework them and the editing was done frame-by-frame. About 6 months after it was finished I considered going back and tweaking some things but one look at the edit sequence was enough to convince me to leave well alone!

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Quite fleshy.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The hardest thing was just getting it finished! It was so hard to create enough interesting images and scenes, especially given the extremely fast cut-rate. I kept trimming the track down (ultimately from around 5 mins to about 3'45 I think) just so I could get it done (I had to keep pushing the release of the album back too as a result). 

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EP. 1491: Filmmaker Mattia Nonnis (RED WINS)

Red Wins, 77min., Italy

Directed by A.M. Nonnis

Six people play a dark and ruthless gambling game in which every card can either grant significant rewards or decree a death sentence. With each turn, a mysterious red light selects the player, inexorably determining the fate of every participant.

https://www.instagram.com/mattia_nonnis

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-red-wins

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I was driven by passion and stubbornness. I almost had no money to make this project, but I had amazing and talented people around me who made it happen. I was allowed to use our town's beautiful theater for filming, found the actors, arranged a crew, and then I said to myself, “You know what? We can do this.” Red Wins was in my mind, and I needed to bring it to life as soon as possible.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took around 3 years. I started writing Red Wins in early 2021 and finished post-production at the end of 2024. By January 2025, I finished the last small corrections, and then Red Wins was ready for the festivals. I’m not gonna lie, it was so hard to let it go. I kept making little corrections for a while!

How would you describe your film in two words?

Irregular and oppressive.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Let’s be real, shooting Red Wins was no piece of cake! It was my first movie, the budget was low, and even if everyone who joined me in this adventure strongly believed in the project, I couldn’t hold them up for too long. We had breaks, some even lasting months, between different phases of filming. The post-production part wasn’t any easier. I had to focus on other work as well and find time for Red Wins. I had to keep going through the night sometimes, and it was exhausting. Covering different roles was hard, but no doubt, I put every piece of my soul into Red Wins.

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EP. 1292 - Filmmaker Mick Strawn (SOLITUDE)

SOLITUDE, 87min., USA
Directed by Jeremy Brown, Mick Strawn
A famous upbeat survivalist is cast for a popular television
series about surviving in solitude, but survival turns to despair when she discovers a supernatural entity's presence.

Interview with well renowed Production Designer Mick Strawn about his upcoming co-director horror film "Solitude".

http://www.brownspacefilms.com/
https://www.facebook.com/solitudefilm2023
https://twitter.com/brownspacefilm
https://www.instagram.com/solitude_film_2024/

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EP. 1073 - Filmmaker Andrew Fitzgerald (AN ANGRY BOY)

AN ANGRY BOY, 99min,. USA
Directed by Andrew Fitzgerald
Owen was kidnapped by a ruthless predator when he was younger and his repressed memories are starting to flood back. As he struggles to piece together the haunting mystery of his past, he realizes what he must do – hunt him down and make him pay.

https://www.facebook.com/anangryboy/

Get to know the filmmaker:
This was the type of movie that I felt hadn;t been made but was something I would definitely want to see. It’s a mix of some funny moments and really gory kills but not over the top and in your face but more justified to help make their impact stronger on the audience. We set out to make something people could enjoy and hopefully be surprised by.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

EP. 1071 - Filmmaker Miguel Soares Moreira (THE BOOK OF NAUGHTY KIDS)

THE BOOK OF NAUGHTY KIDS, 17min., Brazil
Directed by Miguel Soares Moreira
Amanda, a curious 10-year-old, wonders about the existence of Santa Claus. After some trouble at school caused by her classmates Marcel and Lana, she wishes they would disappear from her life. On Christmas Eve, she discovers that Santa might not be so good after all. Who is the naughty or the nice kid?

https://www.crossfilmes.com/
https://instagram.com/olivrodcm

Get to know the filmmaker:

Probably the love of original horror stories related to brazilian’s urban legends, which unfortunatelly are not very well explored.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

EP. 1067 - Filmmaker François Charette (CONFLICT)

CONFLICT, 9min,. Canada
Directed by François Charette
A forest. A man in his forties sinks in, alone, abandoning his car on the side of the road. It sinks gradually, more and more hollow, suggesting to make peace with himself. The savagery of nature attracts him, without really knowing why. Insidiously, a metamorphosis begins, both moral and physical. The man finally transcends the forest.

Get to know the filmmaker:
It’s a very personal movie. I Had some experiences and needed to exorcise them. I tend to create with my emotions and my own experiences. It started with this feeling, in the woods. Standing before the forest, the kind of anxiety you feel before something way taller than you. So I asked myself a question : Why am I feeling like this ? Then, I started to write about it, and came the first draft of the film. I wanted to speak about anxiety, about how you feel the emotions itself, and I wanted the spectator to feel it too.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

July 18, 2022 - Filmmaker Taylor Weiss (SUCCUBUS)

SUCCUBUS was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the June 2022 HORROR Underground Film Festival.

https://www.instagram.com/succubus_short/

Once again, Lauren is dragged on a night out with her drunken roommate. Tensions rise as the two realize they share an interest in the mystery man at the bar. Jealousy sparks a sharp twist, sending Lauren into a dark void of insecurities, traumas, and a looming sense of anxiety as she tries to survive the night.

Director Biography - Taylor Weiss

Taylor Weiss is a 21-year-old filmmaker based in Southern California. Born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Taylor is a senior at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. After producing several Independent student films throughout college, she made her directorial debut, an experimental short titled “Succubus”. Taylor is currently developing her thesis film “Splinter” set to film in February 2023. As a filmmaker, her main goal is focused on gaining more experience as a Director.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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March 18, 2022 - Filmmaker Emily Murnane (THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN)

THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the Feb. 2022 Horror Feedback Film Festival.

“Sarah finally has a date set up with her long-time crush, Paul. She’s determined to make it perfect, but her anxiety causes her to imagine every worst case scenario, no matter how outlandish.”

Conversation with the talented Emily Murnane on the making of the film.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/emily_murnane/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymurnane

Film also playing at the WILDsound TV app in April. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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January 16, 2022 - Screenwriter Don Stroud (Misfortune Cookies)

MISFORTUNE COOKIES is the 2021 winning HORROR Festival screenplay. Conversation with writer Don Stroud on the process writing the screenplay, followed by the best scene reading.

Watch the Best Scene Reading of “Misfortune Cookies”

After killing an elderly Chinese chef during a botched robbery, a desperate teenager and her redneck cohorts struggle to stay alive when the chef's spirit returns from the grave, brutally picking them off one-by-one with fortune cookie-themed deaths.

CAST LIST:

Narration: Elizabeth Rose Morriss

RUDY RAY: Steve Rizzo

DELMER: Geoff Mays

GARNELL: Allan Michael Brunet

PANSY: Kyana Teresa

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October 31, 2021 - Filmmaker Sara Caldwell (GLITCH)

GLITCH was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the October 2021 HORROR Underground Film Festival. You can watch this film and the festival for FREE on Sunday all day HERE.

“During COVID, a single mom takes on a new assignment that has chilling consequences.”

Conversation with filmmaker Sara Caldwell on the making of the film.

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October 30, 2021 - Filmmaker Jano Pita (TERATOMA)

TERATOMA was the winner of BEST FILM at the October 2021 HORROR Underground Film Festival. You can watch this film and the festival for FREE on Sunday all day HERE.

“Two young people, a girl and a boy, will have to face a venereal disease after having sexual relations.”

Conversation with director/writer Jano Pita on the making of the film.


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July 30, 2021 -Filmmaker/Actor Tonya Pinkins (RED PILL)

RED PILL is a multiple award winning feature film from veteran actress turned director Tonya Pinkins, who makes her feature directorial debut. Conversation with Tonya on the making of the film from conception to distribution.

Halloween weekend of the 2020 election, six old friends ride into red country armed with humor and naiveté.
When the meet an immovable force their plans are thwarted and their fight to win the election becomes a fight for their lives. Six progressives, one deadly weekend.

Film plays for FREE this upcoming Saturday all day. Bookmark the page HERE.

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June 4, 2021 - Filmmaker Euan Foulis (FIRST TIME)

FIRST TIME was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the June 2021 HORROR/THRILLER Film Festival. WATCH this film and the festival right HERE.

“A young woman panics after getting revenge on her abusive boyfriend.”

Conversation with the talented filmmaker Euan Foulis on the speedy and effective process making this film.

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Submit to the festival anytime via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/WILDsoundFilmandWritingFestival

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April 27, 2021 - Screenwriter Daniel G. (THEY’RE WATCHING US)

‘They’re Watching Us’ is a psychological thriller surrounding an actor couple who agree to partake in an interactive experience acting opportunity. A HORROR FESTIVAL Winning Screenplay.


Conversation with writer Daniel G. on the process of creating this award winning script. Best scene audio version reading after the interview.

WATCH the Best Scene Reading:

CAST LIST:
Narrator: Steve Rizzo
Emma: Kyana Teresa
Lenore: Val Cole

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Submit to the festival anytime via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/WILDsoundFilmandWritingFestival

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April 11, 2021 - Filmmaker Tammy Klembith (WHAT IF)

“WHAT IF” was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the April 2021 HORROR Film Festival. Sign up to watch for FREE all day Sunday HERE

How to make a film in Arizona during COVID when you live in Los Angeles! Great conversation with the talented filmmaker Tammy Klembith

A woman experiences strange occurences that trigger events beyond her control, including the very nature of her own existence.

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Submit to the festival anytime via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/WILDsoundFilmandWritingFestival

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April 10, 2021 - Filmmaker Matt Zappala (THE GUARD STATION)

THE GUARD STATION was the winner of BEST FILM at the April 2021 HORROR Film Festival. Sign up to watch for FREE all day Sunday HERE

How to blow up a car. How to create an excellent creature. Those are some of the highlights from the interview with director Matt Zappala.

Michael is a temp security guard that suffers psychological trauma from a car accident in which his partner perished. Taking on a new job in a junkyard where a mysterious sinkhole has opened up he must now confront his fear of fire if he is to survive the night from the deadly, shape shifting creature that has arisen.


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Submit to the festival anytime via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/WILDsoundFilmandWritingFestival

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April 9, 2021 - Filmmaker Anthony Martino (BRUISES)

BRUISES was the winner of BEST SOUND & MUSIC at the April 2021 HORROR Film Festival. Sign up to watch for FREE all day Sunday HERE

The art of making a film when you can’t go anywhere! Great chat with filmmaker Anthony Martino on the process of making BRUISES.

A woman discovers that each time she sees her reflection, a bruise appears on her face.


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Submit to the festival anytime via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/WILDsoundFilmandWritingFestival

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Feb. 17, 2021 - Filmmaker Rob Misleh (FReIGHT)

Competition and pressure to meet a deadline can lead to great things - and a great movie; which is the case for the award winning short film FReIGHT.

“A handyman arrives to his lost job… of the day? Certainly. Ever? Perhaps…”

Playing at the HORRROR Film Festival this upcoming Friday. RSVP your FREE TICKETS to watch all day Friday.

Great chat with director Rob Misleh on the process making this film.

Follow WILDsound Podcasts on all social media channels: @wildsoundpod

Submit to the festival anytime via FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/WILDsoundFilmandWritingFestival

Subscribe via Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildsoundfest