Below is a list of current Official Selections for the 2019 Imaginarium Convention Independent Film Festival. Please check back as there may be a few more additions to this list. Screening times and information regarding each film will be found listed below.
Don’t forget to get your weekend passes or single day passes for Imaginarium 2019 so you can see all the official selections, meet many of the filmmakers, take advantage of great indie film programming, and much, much more!
Feature Films
ANGEL
Screening: Sat. 4 pm
Running Time: 1:40
Directed by: Tory Jones
Written by: Tory Jones
Synopsis: After his daughter goes missing, a wealthy contractor hires a group of investigative journalists to probe into an abandoned town with hope of uncovering clues about her disappearance.
Family of Fear
Screening: Sat. 7:45 pm
Running Time: 1:31:08
Directed by: Stephen Lackey
Written by: Stephen Lackey
Synopsis: It’s a story of fear, fake and for real….
Prepare yourself for the Family of Fear! There are up to 200 volunteers that make Arx Mortis, in Killen Alabama, one of the best haunted house attractions in the United States. There are all ages, all walks of life, that come together to scare the hell of of patrons and support each other through the good, the bad, and the scary.
After a string of positively reviewed successful seasons the haunt finds itself reeling from a weak season littered with poor reviews. The family has to come together this year and recover to bring the haunt back to former glories.
What are the ties that bring these truly unique individuals together each haunt season? Their stories are sadly similar as different as they often look from one another. Many have suffered bullying due to their uniqueness in the small southern towns surrounding Arx Mortis. Others suffer with depression and other challenges with no real community or family support system to help. The family bathed in fake blood comes together to support each other, to laugh, to cry, and to scare people, “that’s what we do.”
Family of Fear is surprisingly funny, shockingly scary, and meaningfully poignant.
It Knows
Screening: Fri. 9:30 pm
Running Time: 1:20:00
Directed by: Mark L. Maness and Rob Winfrey
Written by: Mark L. Maness
Synopsis: Trying to flee her past, Claire is trapped in her house, haunted by a past she can’t remember, and pursued by something or someone she can’t escape.
Letters to Daniel
Screening: Sat. 11:50 am + Q & A Session Following Screening with a Premier Party @ 2pm held in the Registration Area. (special test screening not part of juried awards)
Running Time: 1:01:33
Directed By: Amy Leigh McCorkle
Written By: Melissa Goodman and Amy Leigh McCorkle
Synopsis: Two friends set out to take Hollywood by storm when the unthinkable happens: one of them is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Adapted from the best selling memoir by Amy Leigh McCorkle. Produced by Melissa Goodman
My Soul to Keep
Screening: Sun. 11:30 am
Running Time: 1:30:00
Directed by: Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad
Written by: Justin Clugston Hynous and Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad
Synopsis: Like many 9-year-old boys, Eli Braverman believes something menacing lives in his basement. When his older sister leaves him home alone one night, Eli discovers if this evil is real or all in his head. What Eli confronts may end up being far more terrifying than even his worst nightmare.
Nefarious
Screening: Sat. 11:45 pm (Late Night Feature)
Running Time: 1:18:12
Directed by: Richard Rowntree
Written by: Matthew Davies and Richard Rowntree
Synopsis: “Sometimes, you have to turn to crime. Sometimes, it turns on you…
Darren, Lou, Jo and Mas live a meagre existence on the fringes of poverty. Indebted to the criminal kingpin of their social housing development, they routinely fear for their lives.
On the other side of town, the already wealthy Marcus and his disabled brother Clive receive a windfall in the form of a winning lottery ticket.
When their worlds collide following a botched robbery, the would-be criminals get more than they bargained for, and will be tested to their limits in a desperate attempt to survive a predator of monstrous proportions.”
“Nefarious” is the second feature film from writer/director Richard Rowntree and production company Ash Mountain Films Ltd. A home invasion horror/thriller with a twist, drawing on the socio-economic divide which permeates modern society and tapping into our distrust of the “other”.
One Must Fall
Screening: Fri. 7:15 pm + Q & A Session Following Screening
Running Time: 1:24:15
Directed by: Antonio Pantoja
Written by: Antonio Pantoja
Synopsis: A crime scene cleanup crew is on a job that turns deadly when they discover that the killer never left the scene of the crime.
Rosa Leigh
Screening: Fri. 11 pm
Running Time: 1:11:00
Directed by: Christopher Maggard
Written by: Christopher Maggard
Synopsis: In the 1950’s a girl was born possessed, by an ancient demon known as Darkness, by the hand of her mother practicing black magic. This young girl “Rosa Leigh” was killed at the age of 7 at her Elementary School titled Ruth Lee Elementary, by the hand of her teacher. Fast forward to modern day, a team of four paranormal investigators seek to debunk the claims which surround the abandoned school. However, they inadvertently release the darkness which dwells within the school. But what the lead paranormal investigator did not know, he is related to Rosa Leigh.
United We Fall
Screening: Sat. 1:15 pm
Running Time: 2:30:00
Directed by: Jon Higgins
Written by: Jon Higgins
Synopsis: Two CIA agents set out to investigate the sudden reappearance of a rogue agent who has been in the shadows for seven years. In the process, they discover a plot that will change the face of America forever.
Short Films
1UP
Screening: Sat. 11 pm
Running Time: 9:01
Directed by: Edward Halstead
Written by: Edward Halstead and Yassin Koptan
Synopsis: Liam needs 1UP energy drink to beat a video game, when he goes to the store to get more the store gets robbed. He is unable to comprehend that the situation at the store mimics the exact same mission from the video game, but he can’t respawn in real life.
The Adventures of Wonderboy
Screening: Sat. 10:45 am
Running Time: 10:27
Directed by: Alan Brazzell and Marti Young
Written by: Elijah Haney and Marti Young
Synopsis: When the nefarious Dr. Black threatens the future of Nashville, it’s up to Wonderboy to save the day.
Adversary
Screening: Fri. 5 pm
Running Time: 43:36
Directed by: Korea Black
Written by: Korea Black
Synopsis: A post-apocalyptic western, where science fiction and the supernatural co-exist as one. In this world, humanity is not portrayed for what it could be, but rather, for what it is.
Bad Scientist
Screening: Sat. 10:15 pm
Running Time: 8:56
Directed by: Falon Danita
Written by: Falon Danita
Synopsis: Mary von Grubenstein thinks she’s finally done it! She’s created an evil monster that will make her the best evil scientist around and make her late father proud, but… things go a little awry when the monster wakes up.
Before the Rain
Screening: Fri. 4 pm
Running Time: 17:37
Directed by: Stephen Blair and Sarah Ann Warren
Written by: Stephen Blair
Synopsis: Sam struggles to deal with the grief of losing her wife, Molly, to suicide. Sam’s sister, Mae, attempts to help Sam “rebuild” the more painful memories.
Bing Bang
Screening: Sun. 2:30 pm
Running Time: 14:22
Directed by: Kevin Wines
Written by: Kevin Wines
Synopsis: Two detectives are given a case that could determine their future. Will they solve it or will they blow it in this explosive buddy cop movie?
Coffee with a Madman
Screening: Sat. 11:30 pm
Running Time: 11:10
Directed by: Kathy Wells
Written by: Scott Abrams
Synopsis: When Kent, A rude and obnoxious business man enters a coffee shop and decides to piss off the wrong man at the wrong time, His whole life changes.
Cyndi
Screening: Sat 10:25 pm
Running Time: 8:48
Directed by: Damany Mayfield
Written by: Jamila D. Smith and Greg Levrault
Synopsis: Cyndi is a story with a girl who’s life begins in Brooklyn, NY. She has many questions about her past and feels lost. But knows that she can count on her best friend Martina, who’s always got her back regardless of how bad things may be.
Eventually, Cyndi becomes older and she’s discovering things about herself, but she’s unsure of which direction to go to. She wants to leave unhealed wounds unsurfaced, yet she wants to press forward and ask questions like, “why did this happen? Who’s gonna be there for me?” Cyndi wants to feel loved and accepted, and she wants to feel wanted. But what can she do?
Can she continue to lean on her best friend forever? Or can Cyndi stand up for herself and fight through the obstacles that she’s afraid to encounter?
Cupid is Not a Terrorist
Screening: Fri. 3 pm
Running Time: 5:22
Directed by: Bellopropello
Written by: Bellopropello
Synopsis: Love is a random thing. Finding true love is a thrilling adventure, especially if personally involved as target
Dante Falls
Screening: Sat. 11 am
Running Time: 14:54
Directed by: Nancy Lin
Written by: Nancy Lin
Synopsis: Spunky teen Nova Dante has one job: caretaker to the Dante family cemetery and the ghosts that live within. With her parents away, Nova must balance her work and personal life as she and her inattentive Shinto priest boyfriend accidentally release evil ghosts that threaten to take over the world.
Deadline
Screening: Sat 11:15 am
Running Time: 6:00
Directed by: Jess DiSantis and Josh DiSantis
Written by: Jess DiSantis
Synopsis: A strung out click bate article writer finds a balance between his deadlines and his family life.
End of Day
Screening: Sun. 3:45 pm
Running Time: 5:00
Directed by: Kevin Wines
Written by: Kevin Wines
Synopsis: Grant Spencer finds his place in “middle management” to be stressful and hard, but at the end of the day he is happy and content to be home with the one he loves.
Guest of Honor
Screening + Q & A: Fri 2:30pm (special screening not part of juried awards)
Running Time: 10:00
Directed By: Justin Robinson
Written By: Justin Robinson
Synopsis: A devout Nazi oversees a group of taste testers for Hitler.
A Horse A Piece
Screening: Sat. 11:11 pm
Running Time: 16:54
Directed by: Austin Sheehan and Herschel H Zahnd
Written by: Richard Maxson and Austin Sheehan
Synopsis: Three down on their luck friends rob a Bank in hopes of changing their lives for the better. Things take a wild turn when in the get away they inadvertently kidnap a baby.
Ian’s Realm Concept Film
Screening: Sun. 1:15 pm
Running Time: 15:41
Directed by: Chris Love
Written by: D.L. Gardner
Synopsis: An adventure fantasy following an unsuspecting teen as he enters a portal to another world and is thrust into conflict with dragon worshipers — and an epic battle between good and evil.
A Lady’s Reckoning
Screening: Fri. 3:10 pm
Running Time: 17:00
Directed by: Thomas Moore
Written by: Thomas Moore
Synopsis: After the loss of her husband and a brutal attack, Ellen tries to find her peace.
Little Dreamer
Running Time: 6:19
Directed by: Jason Sheedy
Written by: Jason Sheedy
Synopsis: An overworked man must escape a ghoulish presence after it follows him home on his birthday.
Off With Your Head
Screening: Fri. 4:20 pm
Running Time: 20:00
Directed by: Kaitlin Moore
Written by: Kaitlin Moore
Synopsis: In 1850’s London, Cora falls down her personal rabbit hole after being dropped off at an insane asylum, finding solace in the “Wonderland” she has fabricated in her mind. As a reaction to the abandonment by her father, Cora turns into none other than the evil Queen of Hearts.
Once Bitten…
Screening: Fri. 6:30 pm
Running Time: 9:59
Directed by: Pete Tomkies
Written by: Kevin T Rogers
Synopsis: Martha needs the toilet fixed in her hotel bathroom but there’s one problem: her plumber may be a vampire.
Playtime’s Over
Screening: Fri. 6:40 pm
Running Time: 10:48
Directed by: Tony Reames
Written by: Todd Jacobs
Synopsis: The only thing Dee loves more than classic horror movies is terrorizing the babysitter. It’s New Years Eve, Dee’s parents are looking forward to one of the rare nights without their angel. Little does Laurie, the new babysitter know, the fifty bucks an hour won’t cover the years of therapy needed after spending one night with Dee and her stuffed friends.
Post-Republik
Screening: Fri. 6 pm
Running Time: 19:47
Directed by: Hans Schellhas
Written by: Hans Schellhas
Synopsis: In a dystopian world under the onslaught of invasion, we follow an insurgent in his struggle for survival. Moving through a state of brutal violence and chemical warfare, this warrior is in constant search for supplies of oxygen and, when necessary, he stealthily attacks with deadly force to get them.
Re Inc.
Running Time: 9:20
Directed by: Jason Sheedy
Written by: Brett Brooks
Synopsis: “Re Inc.” follows the post-death journey of two friends challenging the conventions of the afterlife.
Return to Dust
Screening: Fri. 5:45 pm
Running Time: 13:08
Directed by: Chuck Morgan
Written by: Chuck Morgan
Synopsis: Dex’s husband and daughter vanish, leaving her alone in a world gone mad. Having to fend for herself in this world forces her to become a person, she never thought she’d be.
Runaways
Screening: Sat. 10:35 pm
Running Time: 1:58
Directed by: Damany Mayfield
Written by: Jamila D. Smith and Greg Levrault
Synopsis: Four teenage girls who come from completely different backgrounds are trying to flee from a horrendously, abusive group home in Los Angeles, CA. to Mexico, in a teenage version of the series, Pretty Little Liars and Orange is the New Black.
Rianna is the “strength” of the group: brave to the edge of fearlessness, impetuous to the point of rage. She inspires the other girls to stand up for themselves, to speak up about injustices they see and experience, and to take action when no one else will.
Simone is the “heart” of the group: compassionate and empathetic, the most comfortable with the bonds of maternity and sisterhood. She demonstrates to the girls how they should take care of each other and how they can be a family for each other.
Melanie/Red is the “mind” of the group: knowledgeable about the workings of the world and the failings of men, she is mature beyond her years. She shares her street smarts with the other girls, and shows them how to take control of their own hearts, fears and compulsions.
Amy is the “id” of the group: immature (and possibly insane), she becomes the proxy ‘little sister’ to the others. As the world and its tragedies have made the girls grow up too soon, Amy speaks to the innocence these girls still possess; this nurtures their hope and resolve, so they can oppose the forces that would destroy them.
Submerge: Echo 51
Screening: Fri. 2pm + Q&A Following Screening (special screening, not part of juried awards)
Running Time: 20:00
Directed by: Demetrius Witherspoon
Written by: Demetrius Witherspoon
Synopsis: The planet Echo has been left in ruins. Only one survivor remains an alien woman called LYTE. One day she finds she is not alone, and her life is forever changed. The Saga Continues…
Typo Squad: Words Can Hurt You
Screening: Sat. 10 am
Running Time: 15:00
Directed by: Killarney Traynor
Written by: Stephen Lomer and Killarney Traynor
Synopsis: In a world where typos are lethal to 98% of the population, only one team stands ready to protect the public from the forces of errorism. That team is Typo Squad.
Until Then
Screening: Sun. 2 pm
Running Time: 29:40
Directed by: Andrew H Miller
Written by: Andrew H Miller
Synopsis: Inter-Racial Time Travel Romance.
When I was 5 or 6 years old
Screening: Sun. 2:45 pm
Running Time: 5:45
Directed by: Dieter Michael Grohmann
Written by: Dieter Michael Grohmann
Synopsis: Arty and very intimate, philosophical short film taking up childhood memories that may lead to an emotional enhanced repositioning in life for those who dare to think with their heart. Outstanding original music score by Jens Mahla.
Wish Weasel
Screening: Sat. 10:40 pm
Running Time: 19:48
Directed by: Dan McNamara
Written by: Dan McNamara
Synopsis: In this campy 90s sci-fi fantasy, a magical weasel crash lands in Queens and befriends a girl who’s down on her luck. They must work together to defeat his evil brother to save Queens (and the Earth).
After landing in Queens, the Wish Weasel meets a young woman named Tabitha and grants her a wish for a new apartment. The wish is then sensed by the evil Wishomite’s wish computer in the dark universe. General Zorgo, leader of the Wishomites, declares that they will travel to Earth and torture everyone with evil wishes and kill the Wish Weasel.
Wish Weasel’s Space friend, Space Detective, learns of General Zorgo’s apocalyptic plan from a boy with a magical book that tells the story of the presently occuring universe. Wish Weasel, Space Detective, and Tabitha need to figure out how to stop General Zorgo from enslaving Earth. General Zorgo travels to Queens and Wish Weasel learns how to use Wish Cards and has a card battle with General Zorgo in Astoria Park.
Wish Weasel was nominated for the Test Card Pilot Award at the Edinburgh TV Festival New Voice Awards. It has been accepted by 9 festivals so far for 2019 and won the audience award at the Astoria NY Film Festival. It has come in first at Channel 101: NY and rated #1 by the audience at Weird Wednesday in Stuttgart, Germany. Audiences have enjoyed Wish Weasel!
Work in Progress
Screening: Sat. 10:15 am
Running Time: 28:03
Directed by: Jared Chinigo
Written by: Jared Chinigo
Synopsis: Offering a behind-the-scenes look into the operations of failing film production company Avalon Pictures, this mockumentary chronicles the daily lives of its employees as they develop their next project—and try to save the business from going under.
Documentaries
Jumpin’ Johnny: The Incredible True Story Of Dr. John Kline
Screening: Sat. 6 pm
Running Time: 1:32:00
Directed by: Cameron McCasland
Written by: Cameron McCasland
Synopsis: Profile on Dr. John Kline, better known as Jumpin’ Johnny Kline who played for the Harlem Globetrotters from 1953-59. After his basketball career he struggled with drug addiction before finding a path to sobriety and returning to school to gain his bachelors, masters, and doctorate. Then proceeding to help people into drug recovery and becoming and advocate for black basketball players who played for integration.
Road Between Worlds: A Horror Author’s Chronicle
Screening: Sun 2:55 pm (Special screening not part of juried awards)
Running Time: 45:00
Directed by: Will Harrison / The OKC Edge
Written by: Tommy B. Smith
Synopsis: This chronicle finds horror author Tommy B. Smith traveling America’s highways and byways throughout the South and Midwest along his 2018 book tour, sharing stories from the darker end of the creative spectrum and encountering various perspectives from authors, artists, filmmakers, and fans of the horror genre. Edited and produced by The OKC Edge.
Umbilicus Desidero
Screening: Sat. 7:40 pm
Running Time: 4:00
Directed by: Michael J. Epstein
Synopsis: Umbilicus Desidero (a short documentary about Neal Jones)
Some voids aren’t meant to be filled….
The true story of Neal Jones, whose life forever changed when he lost his belly button.
Web Series
The Devil’s A Lie: Prologue
Screening: Fri. 3:40 pm
Running Time: 17:04
Directed by: Thomas Moore
Written by: Thomas Moore
Synopsis: A Southern Gumshoe and his companions chase a string of murders with no answers and mystery suspects.
Recovery Unplugged: Episode 2: Brandon X Bell
Screening: Sun. 10 am
Running Time:
Directed by: Amy Leigh McCorkle and Melissa Goodman
Written by: Amy Leigh McCorkle
Synopsis: Host Amy Leigh McCorkle sits down with The Connected’s Brandon X Bell and discusses his projects and what it’s like to be black and depressed and admit it.
Recovery Unplugged: Episode 3: Thomas Moore
Screening: Sun. 10:25 am
Running Time: 22:00
Directed by: Amy Leigh McCorkle and Melissa Goodman
Written by: Amy Leigh McCorkle
Synopsis: Host Amy Leigh McCorkle sits down with award winning filmmaker Thomas Moore to discuss the loss of his friend and the decisions he’s made from that.
Recovery Unplugged Episode 7: Sela Carsen
Screening: Sun. 10:50 pm
Running Time: 13:00
Directed by: Amy Leigh McCorkle
Written by: Amy Leigh McCorkle
Synopsis: A look at art and mental health from the caregiver’s perspective.
Music Video
Lucky Man
Screening: Sat. 11:30 am
Running Time: 4:51
Directed by: Seth Young
Written by: Joe Casterline
Music Video
Synopsis: Music Video for Lucky Man by Joe Casterline
KISS ME MALIBU
Screening: Sat. 11:35 am
Running Time: 4:18
Directed by: Mikel Arraiz
Written by: Mikel Arraiz
Music Video
Synopsis: Horror-comedy film about the insecurities and overthinking that TV shows, religion, culture and belief systems create in us during male-female relationships and in courtship. It makes fun of us and the roles we take in that process, without making any moral judgements. The story is narrated through a song.
This is a personal and independent project where the director also created the music for the video.
Midnight Mind
Screening: Sat. 11:40 am
Running Time: 5:51
Directed by: Mara Katria
Music Video
Synopsis: “Hear the rain falling down – streams on the windows. Feel the clouds rolling by, grey against your midnight mind.” These are the opening lyrics to the song and music video for “Midnight Mind.” The composition of this song by Mara Katria features J. Jeff Ungar and was e-mastered at Real World Studios. While the song itself is an essential component to the overall piece, “Midnight Mind” was envisioned as a story of both sound *and* vision – a short film which aims to convey the tragedy, struggle, and hope present in our human experience.