FOUND FOOTAGE FLICK "What Happened to Dorothy Bell? makes its world premiere at Fantastic Fest
As one of the premier outlets covering this year's Fantastic Fest, we're excited to spotlight another must-see feature. "What Happened to Dorothy Bell?", from How Bizarre Pictures, is one of the most unique found-footage films of the year, directed by Danny Villanueva Jr. The story follows Ozzie as she uncovers disturbing secrets from her childhood after attempting to communicate with her deceased grandmother—unwittingly awakening a benevolent spirit with grave consequences. Starring Asya Meadows, Michael Hargrove, and Lisa Wilcox, the film will make its world premiere at Fantastic Fest on Sunday, September 22nd. Check out the trailer, and stay tuned for more updates on What Happened to Dorothy Bell?!
How Bizarre Pictures is proud to announce the World Premiere of the nightmarish, coming-of-age found footage horror feature WHAT HAPPENED TO DOROTHY BELL? from writer/director Danny Villanueva Jr. (I Dream of a Psychopomp) and starring Asya Meadows, Michael Hargrove (Nia DaCosta directed and Jordan Peele produced Candyman) and Lisa Wilcox (Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child) at Fantastic Fest 2024.
"For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an obsession with ghost stories", said Villanueva Jr. "I wanted to play in the found footage realm because it’s such a powerful format to explore the paranormal. Those supernatural elements feel much more accentuated when set in a reality-grounded, diegetic world."
WHAT HAPPENED TO DOROTHY BELL? follows Ozzie Gray, who, after uncovering disturbing revelations from her early childhood involving her late grandmother, Dorothy Bell, sets out to video document her investigation into these events. Seeking answers, She visits the library where Dorothy died to try to communicate with her spirit. As her attempts become increasingly desperate, Ozzie unwittingly awakens something far more malevolent than she could have ever imagined.
“The film has gore, thrills, and a touch of mystery, but what truly drew me to this project was the relationship between Ozzie and her grandmother, Dorothy Bell", said Meadows. "My grandmother was my best friend and hero growing up, so I resonated deeply with that bond. Ozzie’s inner journey of making peace with her traumatic past, rectifying her grandmother’s name, self-discovery, and forgiveness all struck a chord with me."
Alongside Meadows, Hargrove, and Wilcox, WHAT HAPPENED TO DOROTHY BELL? also stars Steven Alonte (The Cathedral), Sargon Odicho, Arlene Arnone, Yera Constable, and J. Anthony Ramos. The film was produced under Danny Villanueva Jr.'s independent production company, How Bizarre Pictures, with Villanueva Jr. serving as Editor and Producer, Tim Shircel as Executive Producer, and Michael Thomas Determan as Cinematographer and Co-Producer. Production design was done by Jody Sekas.
"I’m delighted to share this film with an audience especially at such a beloved event as Fantastic Fest", said Villanueva Jr. "Their deep respect for genre and great community of fans that embrace peculiarity makes it such a perfect space for the world premiere of our film, “What Happened to Dorothy Bell?”. “
"It's been a long time coming, so I’m elated for the World Premiere of the film at Fantastic Fest", said Meadows. "It's a huge honor for our little indie horror film to be selected."
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