We had an amazing time screening BERENICE and PAINKILLER at NY Horror Show/Macabre Faire. I'll quote writer/producer/actor Jerry Janda on his PAINKILLER experience in full...
"My first film. My first film festival.
Painkiller had its premiere screening this past weekend at the NY Horror Show / Macabre Faire Film Festival. During the long drive there, I was somewhat apprehensive. Would I find myself in an empty screening room? Would I share few smiles, shake a few hands, and get back on the road early -- just to spend hours alone in my car with my own doubts and self-criticism? Would I be humiliated?
Nope.
As I posted yesterday, I stayed longer than I had planned (overnight), drank more than I should have, and felt a sense of community that far exceeded my expectations. I had a blast and despite the treacherous, icy roads I faced on my ride home yesterday afternoon, I smiled the whole way. My sense of elation still hasn't faded in the slightest.
I have so many people I want to acknowledge for making this weekend so special. (There are a lot, so if I accidentally missed you, please forgive my oversight.) Anyway, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank:
The PAINKILLER cast and crew who were in attendance: Jeffrey Scott Gould, Kelly Rae LeGault, and Jeremiah Kipp. I haven't seen most of them since wrapping, and it was like reuniting with family. I hope we can get the band back together (again) one day.
Everyone who attended the screening, asked questions, or simply stopped me to compliment the film or chat. (Quite a few people came up to me to tell me that PAINKILLER was their favorite short of the weekend -- and that meant the world to me.) Off the top of my head, I'd like to express my gratitude to Ed Fisk, Lisa Dandrea Fisk, Bob Socci, John Iwasz, Barbara Weber, and Michael Gingold. Thanks for the kind words and taking the time.
Jay Kay from the Horror Happens Radio Show. Jay asked great questions during the Q&A portion of the screening, then interviewed me afterwards for his show. We talked for 30 minutes, and I would have gladly talked for 30 more. His insights into film are amazing, and his questions really helped me get deep into the experiences that formed and inspired PAINKILLER. He's also the first person to recognize the film's NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN influence -- and pick up on the similarities between Anton Chigurh and my character. I was overjoyed.
All my new friends from the Canadian crew: Alfredo Salvatore Arcilesi,Marc-Andre Miron, Darryl Shaw, Steve Walsh, Kyle Hytonen, and Christopher White. They showed some of the best films I saw all weekend (and in polite Canadian fashion, kindly stuck around for my screening), and their panel discussion about Canadian filmmaking was fun and fascinating. (Oh, if I missed any of you...sorry. smile emoticon )
The FACES crew, including Thomas Ryan, Joe Parascand II, and Paul Gmitter. They've been incredibly supportive and complimentary, and that means a lot coming from people who put together one of the best films in the entire festival. (FACES picked up all kinds of awards -- and rightfully so. It's all good. smile emoticon ) Additional thanks to Paul for handing me a flask of fireball whiskey, which pretty much ensured that I wasn't driving home Saturday night.
Jennifer Valdes and the ISABELLE crew who came to the screening and took the time to chat afterward. I wanted to return the favor and attend the ISABELLE screening, but the room was packed to capacity and I couldn't get in. I saw the film on DVD yesterday, and now I understand why it drew so many people. ISABELLE picked up the Audience Choice award. No surprise there.
Adam Ginsberg for having us at the festival -- and for his impromptu interview Saturday night with Jeremiah and me for his POD of the Dead podcast. I was pretty drunk by then (it was after several beers and the previously mentioned fireball flask), so I hope I managed to maintain some semblance of coherency in my responses.
Todd Staruch for recommending so many good films -- and for just being Todd. He was incredibly busy all weekend, yet he always took a moment to talk with me when he saw me, and I enjoyed each and every conversation we had.
The bartender at Applebee's for keeping the beer coming -- and for managing to keep a straight face when I presented him with a PAINKILLER DVD as part of his tip. I hope he enjoyed it -- whatever his name is.
You. Yeah, you. If you've made it this far, then I know you are one of the people who supported this film and my dreams. I'll never be able to express enough gratitude.
I wrote PAINKILLER on January 1, 2014, and here we are, a year later, and I never could have guessed that the journey would have lasted this long and gotten this far.
Thank you so much for being part of the trip.
Let's hope it isn't over yet."
