ILL: a new anthology from Cristopharo, Rojas, Bogatzki & Zanoni – Coming in 2019!

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ILL

New Horror Anthology Coming in 2019!

Money Spreads Disease in new Anthology from Rojas, Cristopharo, Bogatzki and Zanoni!

It was recently announced that an upcoming anthology with an international flavour is on the way; four very talented, extreme horror directors from around the world have joined forces to bring us a new extreme body horror anthology with something to say.

Ill is an episodic biological horror film centering around the theme of physical illness. An anthology told in four segments and directed by some of the most talented and promising Chilean, German and Italian directors of this generation, the project promises to show that these international collaborations, which are are popping up in growing numbers, can be successful and are creating new and exciting collaborations and friendships.

The first segment, helmed by talented Chilean director Lucio A. Rojas (Trauma 2017), co-written with actress Ximena del Solar (who also acts in the film), will feature a mad scientist who spreads a deadly virus to the world with the carrier being money.

Rojas will bring some personal influences to be displayed to lovers of old school horror, kept current in the style of the extreme horror of today. “[My segment] will be a re-reading of the cinema that Cronenberg inspired, but passed through the filter of different live shows. Violent, bloody and promises a lot of gore at a festival of entertainment”, Rojas reveals and intrigues.

The Second segment comes from talented young filmmaker, Lorenzo Dante Zanoni (A Taste of Phobia 2018). It will show how money plays a part in spreading the virus and the effects of it on the human body through the story of a guy who steals from a foreigner.

Zanoni brings an Italian flavour to the mix. He adds: “With my segment, my aim is demonstrate that the horror genre is alive and well in Italy, as Domiziano (Cristopharo) and others continually show us with their films and projects”.

The third segment will be covered by MyIndie featured artist, talented Italian extreme filmmaker Domiziano Cristopharo (Xpiation, A Taste of Phobia, Deep Web XXX 2018, the POE Series, Doll Syndrome 2014, Red Krokodil 2012). Domiziano‘s segment will tell the story of a middle aged woman who, in order to save a little money, has cheap plastic surgery in her house and encounters some complications.

Domiziano is extremely excited about the project and the posiblities it brings. “We built this team to bring something a little different to the audience – a biological horror film in which mortal viruses are spread throughout the world thanks to the existence of money”, he says.

The first three segments show the devastating effects that befall these people due to their actions. The fourth and final segment, coming from talented German director Kai. E. Bogatzki (Scars of Xavier 2017), will show how although money was at first the cause of such evil, it can also bring salvation.

“Of my story you can expect a dark, brutal and tragic piece of (extreme) horror”, Bogatzki adds.

The project looks to continue the current trend in many horror films, which hope to bring practical effects back to the forefront of horror cinema, rather than what has become a tendency to lean on computerized after effects. Rojas explains “these four stories are being worked on with a lot of passion. Our idea is that everything is seen as a movie, entertaining, with a good dose of gore, body horror and where the viewer sees something different and with an element of risk. We will have the best practical special effects, like the old-school days of horror cinema. Do not forget that this is a movie made by fans, for fans.”

The camaraderie and mutual respect between the four is easily apparent in the way they speak of the project and of each other.

Zanoni proclaims: “I am very happy to participate in this film, I generally love anthologies. I met Domiziano during the production of A Taste of Phobia and we became friends. This is the best part of working in the film industry, I am referring to the teamwork and friendship. I am also very proud to have the chance to work with Lucio and Kai, who are great directors and filmmakers. Our aim is to show that it is possible to establish connections between artists from different parts of the world.”

Cristopharo brings his vast experience and talent to the group. His previous dealings with anthologies and the burgeoning desire to create, helped bring this project to fruition. “Ill was borne with the idea to create a net of cooperation between various artists from around the globe. I started this type of collective projects in 2010 with the P.O.E. anthology series that last year arrived at its fourth chapter, involving more than 40 directors worldwide.

I had the chance to be in touch with Rojas, who is a sweet soul and a great artist, thanks to The Optical Theatre Festival, which I manage and where we screened Trauma in its European premiere. Rojas is very diligent and active, he never stops… I was already in discussion with another great extreme director, Kai Bogatzki, to do something together and that’s how it all started. From A Taste of Phobia, I approached the talented young director Lorenzo Zanoni, and we built our little team to bring something a little different to the audience.”

Bogatzki adds: “When Domiziano asked me to be part of the project, I didn’t have to think very long about it. I felt honored that he had me in mind and I‘m very proud to be a part of Ill, especially working with the other three awesome filmmakers!”

As for a timetable for the project and when we can get our eyes on this intriguing film, Rojas had this to say: “Between July and August we plan to start sending the film to international festivals and we hope to start touring it around the world at the end of the year.”

Congratulations, Dom, Lucio, Kai, Lorenzo and all involved! We look forward to seeing this amazing project once completed!

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