Film Review: Catacombs (Short Film, Panic Fest 2024)

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Film Review: Catacombs (Short Film, Panic Fest 2024)

“In 2019, an article in my hometown paper about the deadliest prison riot in the last three decades caught my eye. The harrowing, minute-by-minute account of how seven men tragically lost their lives during a night of chaos resonated deep with me. Yet, it was the underlying systemic failures – understaffing, overcrowding, and a shocking neglect for safety, exemplified by easily tampered cell doors – that truly struck a chord. This terrifying thought was the genesis of “Catacombs.”

I hope this film not only resonates deeply but also leaves a haunting impression on its audience, vividly bringing to light the profound themes of lost fatherhood and the harrowing realities of the prison system in the United States—shedding light on the shared horrors faced by both prisoners and those employed within these institutions.

The feature script for Catacombs is currently in the 2nd round of the Sundance Producers Lab selection process.”

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Produced by Cunningham Film Co in association with Fisher Films Inc
Produced/Written/Directed/Edited by Chad Cunningham
EP: Chad Cunningham, Dale Fisher, Elizabeth Fisher

Starring:
Mike – Kenneth Trujillo
Cooper – Iroko Anyogu
Gerald – Renzie Wilson Price
Front Gate Guard – Chris Caulpetzer
Prisoners – Weldon Wright, Siam J. Manuels, Leonard Freeny, Brandon Anthony, Jason Lanauze, Dustin Tate, Alan Collins, Skyler Chaney

Crew:
DP: Andrew McGary
1st AC: Andrew Swisher & Sam Thomas
Steadicam: Sean Hunt
Gaffer: Shane Hunter
Grip: Scott Scholler, Mark Lewis, Dustin Tate
Composer: William Wright
Production Designer: Maggie Yeager
Set Dresser: Logan White
HMU Department Head: Jessica Curtis
HMU Artist: Shante Coleman
Wardrobe Designer: Katie Hardin
Location Audio: Kyle Heverly
Supervising Sound Editor/Mixer: Christian Sawyer
Sound Effects Editor: Daniel Da Silva
Locations Manager: Amber Gallagher
VFX Supervisor/Artist: Alan Collins
Colorist: Asa Fox
Script Supervisor: Skyler Chaney

Synopsis:

 

During a raging thunderstorm, a correctional officer must face the horrors that haunt the maximum-security prison where he works.

 

 

Review:

 

This is a great short film to watch while it’s raining out. A security guard is working late, and he is trying his best to find his humanity for a man locked up. This is one of those short films where I kind of would like it to be a feature film. You can feel the intensity, and the shots are excellent. It reminds me of Creepshow.

 

This is when I would be OUT! Done, BYE! No, this man waits it out. He’s a trooper. Well… That was wild. Make sure to check out all the films at Panic Fest 2024.