MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Gothic Productions International, a Philippine company funded by U.S. independent resources, is producing a documentary giving the unique story of how its latest film Darkest Night was shot. The film is now undergoing some post production editing, and its opening is expected to be followed up by distribution in North America.
The documentary is titled The Demons Behind Darkest Night. The IMDb site for this new film may be accessed at:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2162721/
This “behind-the-scenes” look at the making of Darkest Night will be distributed at the same date and venues as the feature film.
GPI premiered Darkest Night in greater Manila at the Teatrino Theater on November 15, 2011. This private screening is expected to be followed up by theatrical play in the U.S. by mid 2012 and then later in the Philippines Talks are currently underway with distributors in the both countries for the rights. The film was hailed by critics who were present at the premiere.
The film has almost all Filipino actors, as well as American DJ Perry, edgy leading man from the U.S , of The 8th Plague, G.P.S. and many other popular U.S. horror films. Perry plays the leading actor role. He has starred in several American horror/thrillers, as well as westerns and dramatic period pieces. Co-starring in Darkest Night is Anne Gauthier, a newcomer to film and French Filipina. The film also features Issa Litton, Nic Campos, Jill Palencia, Marife Necesito, Zeny Sevilla, Kevin Vitug and Jonas Gruet.
Darkest Night unfolds in a “found video and documentary” style. Its story plops American Perry right in the middle to allow western audiences to experience a “holiday” trip away from home. Eastern audiences will identify with the many vivid Asian characters, as well as the local and family setting. Perry’s character in the film, Ken Tyler, is introduced to the traditional Filipino parents of his Filipino fiancé, Susan Reyes, played by Ms. Gauthier, during a Christmas Day family reunion. What follows is a dark, horrific trip not to be missed, as demonic forces come into play. Darkest Night combines western demons with eastern spiritual traditions to come up with an original recipe for suspense and terror.
The film Darkest Night came about as a collaboration between GPI in the Philippines and Collective Development, Inc. in the U.S. owned by Perry and business partner Jeff Kennedy. The goal was simple – to create a hybrid horror film that would appeal to both eastern and western markets while not losing the edge that makes Asian horror unique. This international film is already creating a splash in the Asian media with Perry being among the first American stars to film in the Philippines with a local film company. You may access the website for Darkest Night at: https://www.darkestnightmovie.com
GPI is currently in talks with a producer/director in Manila to produce a film mostly in Tagalog, later this year, titled Magandang Prinsipe, Paalam (Good Night Sweet Prince). This film is a crime drama about a group of young people who become part of a horrific and tragic disappearance of one of their best friends. Official announcements and more details await further negotiations and additional fund- raising for the film. Most of the funds for this film will be raised in the Philippines.
Proudly, GPI reaffirms its slate of films planned for 2013, including The Beast (written by Williams and starring Perry) another offering in the horror genre. This film tells the story of a woman and her four friends in search of her missing brother, who go on a road trip through the Philippine backwoods and and are kidnapped in a village that keeps a monster hidden away. Another film planned is PanDEMONium (written by Perry), a sword-and-sorcery fantasy about a young prince out to avenge his father’s death and conquer another kingdom. His quest leads him to opposition from a monster created by the blackest of black magic.
Gothic International Productions is managed by American writer/producer Russ Williams, a long- time resident of Malaysia, and director Noel Tan best known for his early documentary work with Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. The company includes various Asian talents from the stage and screen. You may access the GPI website at: https://www.gothicproductionsintl.com
Founded in November 2010 by a group of dedicated film-makers from Asia and the U.S., GPI chose as its primary mission to produce and encourage quality, international Gothic and horror films in an Asian setting or with Asian ties. Its goal is to make excellent films in these genres and to promote Asian filmmakers who wish to make new, cutting-edge Gothic-dramatic and related films. GPI’s primary goal is to create productions with intense drama and real characters.
