How often do you surf the web and come across various filmmakers crowdfunding their latest movie projects to no end? With no shortage of films out there to lend support to, how does one decide which project to throw their hard-earned cash at? Obviously, the answer to that question is completely subjective and will vary from person to person but we here at Cinemast.net have a few projects we’d like to shed a little light on, so have a look! With a little help, hopefully, we’ll see these films on the festival circuit and in theaters over the next few years.
CENTIGRADE RISING
Colin Cunningham is no stranger to the business. Having left an indelible mark on television by way of his memorable work as Major Paul Davis in “Stargate: SG-1” and as John Pope in the Steven Spielberg-produced series “Falling Skies,” Cunningham would also leave an impression with roles on “Preacher” and the underappreciated SyFy Channel gem, “Blood Drive.” What some of you might not know is that this passionate actor is also quite a talented writer/director. Back in 2007, Cunningham made the film festival rounds with an exceptional little thriller called “Centigrade.” With shades of “Breakdown,” “Duel,” and “The Twilight Zone,” this tautly executed short would go on to make quite the splash on the festival circuit. Now, after quite a lengthy hiatus, Cunningham is looking to start rolling on a years-in-the-making feature-length adaptation, aptly titled “Centigrade Rising,” just in time for the short’s 15th anniversary. The feature will expand on the short’s extremely intense premise in unexpected ways all while emphatically suggesting that karma is a bitch! We’ve seen the short multiple times and quite frankly, we couldn’t be any more excited to see this expanded version come to fruition.
To contribute to the “Centigrade Rising” campaign, CLICK HERE!
JESTERPUS
If you’re into the ultimate in epic cinematic schlock, then the wonderfully creative stylings of the ultra-low budget indie that is “Jesterpus” might just be right up your alley. Put together by relative newcomer and Southern Utah native, Dan Bringhurst, this tale of the title character–a centuries-old child-eating clown from another planet– duking it out with beguiling adversary Merlin, almost defies description. “Jesterpus” promises to be an over-the-top horror film, a relentlessly silly comedy, a bonkers non-PC gorefest, and a toe-tapping musical all rolled into one. And while the idea of a monstrous, youth-consuming clown might sound familiar, you can bet that this is more “Rocky Horror Picture Show” than “It.” Bringhurst–who mostly cut his teeth on a string of offbeat and altogether entertaining short films over the last decade–has had a couple of his zany efforts embraced by Lloyd Kaufman and the fine folks at Troma, but “Jesterpus” marks his first foray into feature filmmaking. This three-years-in-the-making slice of passionate, backyard storytelling looks to have an endearing quality that will elevate the somewhat niche proceedings to must-watch status. Particularly for those of us who pray at the altar of B-movie camp.
To contribute to the “Jesterpus” Indiegogo campaign, CLICK HERE!
For more on Dan Bringhurst and Team “Jesterpus,” CLICK HERE!
REKLAW
In addition to being passionate, genuine, and humble, writer/director Polaris Banks (who garnered quite a bit of praise for fanboying out in all the right ways by way of his spirited “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” spinoff short, “Casey Jones“) is pretty damn inspirational. Taking a page from the Robert Rodriquez handbook, Banks is so driven and so committed that he’s even subjected himself to medical studies in an effort to raise money to put together his latest short film project. That project; The high-energy comedy/action/drama/romance fusion, “Reklaw,” an expertly crafted gem about a forgiving ex-lawyer who, along with his dedicated team, pardons criminals by way of destroying crime scene evidence. Among many other fine attributes, “Reklaw” features outstanding performances including dependable, iconic character actor, Lance Henriksen (“Aliens,” “Pumpkinhead.”) A few of us here at Cinemast.net were fortunate enough to see “Reklaw” at The 2021 HorrorFest International Film Festival where it went on to win Best Midnight Movie. An award that was richly deserved. And in fact, “Reklaw” would go on to win multiple awards throughout a very healthy film festival run. Not surprisingly, Banks is eager to turn “Reklaw” into a feature but given that he’s still in the process of paying off a debt incurred by the short, he’s not quite in the position to make that leap. He’s close, though, and through your generous help, he can realize his goal sooner rather than later. Banks is a talent well worth keeping an eye on.
To contribute to the “Reklaw” Indiegogo campaign, CLICK HERE!
For more on Polaris Banks and Team “Reklaw,” CLICK HERE!
Do you have a movie currently seeking funds? We’d love to see what you are working on and help get the word out.
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