Horror movies have always been big business in Hollywood, but this year there’s even more to scream about with the new film, “The Bunker.” Not only does the film offer a scintillating and original storyline, it was written and directed by Joseph M. Monks, the world’s first blind feature film director. Commodity Films is sponsoring the screening and a Q & A session with Monks during the festival, July 22-24, 2011. CEO, Russell Hess said, “I picked up this film because Joe Monks is an incredible person and his film “The Bunker” deserves to be seen by everyone; especially, since Monks can’t see it himself.”
Who is Joe Monks? His career began before he went blind, twenty-two years ago as co-creator of the cult comic book series “Cry for Dawn.” “Life was exciting, my comic book series was a success, and everything was going according to plan,” says Monks. In 2001, though, Monks’ life changed. “My life was thrown into chaos when I was diagnosed with Retinopathy caused by my diabetes,” recalls Monks. (Retinopathy is a disease of the retina that can result in loss of vision.) “The doctor thought he might be able to save my eyesight, but the outlook was grim. The day I found out was one of the toughest days of my life,” said Monks.
By 2002, Monks was completely blind, although good things were also happening. A story from his anthology was optioned for a television pilot in foreign markets. Monks married his wife, Pamela, in 2006, and credits much of the success for his film to her love and support. “‘The Bunker’ exists because my wife believed in me. ”
Monks’ full-length feature “The Bunker” will be screening at festivals beginning in Louisville at Fandom Fest this July, and at other festivals through the end of 2011. Hess said, “Monks has a great deal to be proud of. Directing a feature film is a significant accomplishment even if you can see. He is an inspiration to everyone who suffers with diabetes or blindness, as well as other filmmakers. He makes it possible for others to see they, too, can successfully overcome life’s obstacles.”
