Big news from the Mammoth Film Festival™ as they recently announced an impressive 2020 lineup. The five-day event which will showcase world and U.S. premieres, exclusive cuts, and special screenings including the world premiere of Tony Hawk’s highly-anticipated feature documentary PRETENDING I’M A SUPERMAN and the 35mm print of the Quentin Tarantino documentary QT8: THE FIRST EIGHT.
MammothFF will run from February 27th – March 2nd, 2020 in the majestic town of Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Leading the world premiere lineup in the horror genre is the anthology Phobias, conceived of five separate stories focused on five patients suffering from extreme phobias at a government testing facility under the supervision of a crazed doctor who wants to weaponize fear for military use. The project brings together five up-and-coming writer/directors: Maritte Go (Remittance), Camilla Belle (When a Stranger Calls), Jessica Varley (Kat), Joe Still (Stray), and Chris von Hoffan (Monster Party) who helm individual stories. Tyler Gillett, Chad Villella and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin from the Radio Silence Collective are executive producers, together with Mickey Gooch Jr., and D.G. Guyer of Kodiak and Telepool CEO Andre Druskeit. The cast includes Ross Partridge, Macy Gray, Leonardo Nam, Hana Mae Lee, Lauren Miller Rogen and Martina Garcia.
The edgy teen drama The Color Rose, a compelling and haunting tale with eerie twists, leaving viewers on edge and unsure what to expect next is from writer/director Courtney Paige (The Arrangement, Butterscotch) has teamed up with award-winning producer Siena Oberman (Skin, Mainstream, Crypto) and Hanna Griffiths (American Cherry, Macbeth, Underbelly) and seven-time recognized cinematographer Stirling Bancroft (Freaks, Colony, Lost in Space). Starring Kaitlyn Bernard (The Professor), Lochlyn Munro (Riverdale), Tahoh Penikett (Battlestar Galactica, The Killing), Aleks Paunovic (Percy Jackson, Sea of Monsters), and three-time award winner Dylan Playfair (Descendants 2 and 3).
“The horror genre WAS and STILL IS everything to co-founder Tomik Mansoori and I, having grown up in the ‘80s. Tomik told me literally even grew up on Elm St.,” notes Founder and CEO Tanner Beard. “The horror genre is such a classic realm that we not only want to pay homage to it but are thrilled to break out new movies for the genre with our world premieres. Having personally acted in and produced various Horror Films, I have a sincere passion for this sector of our festival and an utmost respect to horror filmmakers.”
**This year’s program has over 20 feature films including 15 world premieres, over 75 short films and 6 episodic series.**
Horror/Thriller Block Shorts – Friday, February 28: 6:30-8pm at the Minaret Cinemas
“Kismet” – Director: Mike Smith
The kidnapping of a young girl in an isolated mountain town forces two female police officers – one local, one state – into a disturbing and polarizing investigation of the community. Cast: Louisa Migone, Caroline Day
“HBDTM” Director/Writer/Producer: Moh Azima
A couple get away for a special weekend at a vacation rental in the country but when things start to get a little spooky, the cracks in their relationship start to show. Cast: Brandi Bravo
“Face Your Fears” Director/Writer/Producer: Neil Stevens
A young woman terrified of the dark discovers a supernatural box that can cure her fears. Cast: Leah Briese
“Nocturne” Director/Writer/Producer: Michael Trainotti
After her date night goes bust, Erin must contend with an unexpected visitor at the door. Cast: Brian Palatucci, Megan Rach
“What Didn’t Kill Me” Director: Jason Coulter
You’re walking home and you see something you shouldn’t have…what if something sees you? Cast: Savira Windyani, Michael S. Garcia
“Smile” Director/Producer: Leslie Alejandro
An over-privileged 7-year-old bites off more than she can chew when she devises a plan to deceive the Tooth Fairy. Cast: Emerson Basco
“A Mother’s Love” Director: Jake Stark
A woman forgets who her daughter is, but things aren’t as they seem. Cast: Corey Landis, Kristin Feinfeld
Friday Fright Night Features – February 28: 3:30pm and 9:00pm at Multiple Locations
“Phobias” World Premiere Director: Jess Varley
Five dangerous patients, suffering from extreme phobias at a government testing facility, are put to the ultimate test under the supervision of a crazed doctor and his quest to weaponize fear. Cast: Macy Gray, Hana Mae Lee, Alexis Knapp, Charlotte McKinney, Lauren Miller Rogen, and Camilla Belle
“We Summon the Darkness” Director: Marc Meyers Writer: Johnny Knoxville
Set in the Midwest against a backdrop involving a killing spree thought to be orchestrated by a satanic cult. Three best friends embark on a road trip to a heavy-metal show, where they bond with three aspiring musicians and head off to one of the girls’ country homes for an after party. A night of fun and youthful debauchery takes a deadly turn as bodies begin to pile up, with each side thinking the other hides the killer. Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Kyle Tekiela, Keean Johnson, Alexandra Daddario, Maddie Hasson, Jarod Einsohn and Tanner Beard
Sunday Feature Thriller 6:30pm at Minaret Cinemas
“The Color Rose” World Premiere
Seven girls from a religious private school start a cult where each of them must embody one of the seven deadly sins. They realize there’s more to their town when they go missing one by one. Cast: Michael Eklund, Karis Cameron
NOT HORROR BUT STILL COOL STUFF…
Other actors and filmmakers debuting films include Zac Efron, Lukas Haas, Ed Westwick, Christian Madsen, Dante Spinotti, Jennifer Morrison and Peter Facinelli, among many others. Presented by KODAK, MammothFF’s “Vol. 3” opening night will world premiere the never before seen 35mm print of the Quentin Tarantino documentary QT8: THE FIRST EIGHT directed by Tara Wood and introduced by actor Michael Madsen. From Reservoir Dogs through The Hateful Eight, QT8 takes viewers behind the camera into the mind of one of the world’s most celebrated filmmakers.
The festival runs February 27, 2020 – March 2, 2020 in Mammoth Lakes, CA
