When Jesse returns to his childhood home after hearing about his abusive mother’s suicide, he soon discovers that something evil lurks within the depths of the house, and it’s been waiting for him to return after all these years.
A disabled mother of two fights to protect her children not just from bullies but from an unknown force in mirrors everywhere.
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Val Cole
Lindsey: Mandy May Cheetham
Corey: Ryan Yusep
Terri: Angelica Alejandro
Get to know the writer:
What is your screenplay about?
It’s about standing up to bullies. Essentially. It is wrapped up in a horror premise wherein a young daughter befriends a mirror in order to help her bullied brother. Before long their mother struggles to save both her children.
What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Horror. Drama.
Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
It’s a horror film set within a social context. As in, not horror for horror’s sake, but trying to convey something more complex than mere scares.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Intense. Dark.
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Cabaret. More than 40 times, probably. The first film where editing became a huge part of the driving of a story. Genius cinematography. Great script. Top notch acting. Much more than “just” a musical movie.
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
On and off, six years. Did an early version that was plot driven. Never worked. Then left it for a few years, and went back to it. Changed the protagonist from son to Mother and made it character driven. The best decision I made with regards to that script.
How many stories have you written?
I have about 5 feature scripts, and two shorts (both of which are now movies – the latest “The Son, the Father.. just had its world premiere opening night of Hollyshorts in the Chinese Theater cinemas in LA)
What motivated you to write this screenplay?
I wanted to take on bullying in a surprising and different way. Show that horror is not just a throw away genre with gore and rolling heads, but can be so much more.
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Feeling hokey when constructing the all important third act. For me, most horror films fall apart in the third act. It’s easy to set up suspense, mood, and mysteries in the first two thirds of the movie, but hard to resolve it all it a surprising and satisfying way. The action has to be amped up and lead to a climax. My third act has all the bells and whistles that a horror film needs, but I usually write more subtle stuff. Nothing subtle about my third act. It’s all out.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I’m primarily an actor. For the horror fans, I have just had a comedy horror called The Black Room hit Netflix. I play the lead opposite Natasha Henstridge (Species) and Lin Shaye (Insiduous). I’m also a filmmaker (“Into the Dark”, and “The Son, the Father…”)
You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
Film Freeway is great. Easy to use, and with people ready to help with any questions. However, not all film festivals are on FF as they seem to compete with Withoutabox, and strike exclusive deals with certain festivals. You really have to be on both platforms.
What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I have entered script before and felt that the feedback was useful and the reading a great experience to hear script out loud by a cast of strong actors.
(Scroll down and watch winning performance videos)
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The RULES are simple:
1. Write a story. Edit the heck out of it. .
2. Email your work to horror@festivalforhorror.com in .pdf, .doc, .wpd, .rtf, format. Or, if submitting your film, please send us a Vimeo or download link.
In the body in the email please add your:
– FULL NAME
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– TITLE OF STORY/FILM
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A young woman in deep financial crisis takes a job at a nursing home, only to discover her estranged grandmother is a patient, and something evil lurks within the facility.
1st SCENE CRIME Screenplay – THE BIRTHING FIELD
1st SCENE HORROR Screenplay – SILHOUETTE
1st SCENE ADVENTURE Screenplay – THE GATE
FEMALE 1st Scene Screenplay – GOD’S WORK IS NEVER DONE
1st SCENE Screenplay – AVES
1st SCENE Screenplay – EVEN HERE I EXIST
1st SCENE Screenplay – MONSTER MURDER MYSTERY
Best Scene Screenplay – IX
Best Scene Screenplay – LONG IN THE TOOTH
1st Scene Screenplay – EXISTENTIAL QUANDARY
BLACK BALLOON, 12min, Israel, Drama/Horror 
MINE, 29min, Canada, Drama/Thriller
FEATURE Screenplay – INKED IN BLOOD
Short Screenplay – DEATH’S LADY LOVE
