“This zany eight-minute romp is both endearing and angry, a vivid LGBT answer to the zombie movie craze that’s long overdue. Co-directed by Jon Rhoads and Mike Marrero, it’s a wild hodgepodge of stylized violence and attitude that never ceases to entertain, and certainly doesn’t overstay its welcome. Just when you thought this formula couldn’t get any better, Rhoads and Marrero introduce a fresh angle that bodes well for whatever they do next.” -Eric Kohn, Indiewire
FANTASIA FEST - TORONTO AFTER DARK - WICKED QUEER - NEW RENAISSANCE AMSTERDAM - BORSCHT DIEZ - POPCORN FRIGHTS - FARGO FANTASTIC - ATLANTA HORROR - TELLURIDE HORROR SHOW - FREAKSHOW - TALLY SHORTS - SACRAMENTO HORROR - NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL - CHARLOTTE FILM FESTIVAL - HEXPLOITATION - FLORIDA HORROR - CINEPOCALYPSE - KEY WEST FILM FESTIVAL - CINEDELPHIA - SHIVERS - SPASM - SYDNEY UNDERGROUND - RAMASKRIK - LUASANNE UNDERGROUND
“Riley Was Here is an impeccably produced horror short with killer scores and a ton of successful visuals thanks to expert framing and lighting. I never thought I’d be so impressed by a mini-movie that takes place almost entirely in an attic, but Jon Rhoads and Mike Marrero really pulled out all the stops for this one. And I’m glad they did, considering it’s a new take on the zombie genre that we haven’t seen before. Yay originality!” -HORROR SOCIETY
Fantasia - Popcorn frights - Fantastic Fest - Charlotte Film Festival - Fargo Fantastic - Idaho Horror - Telluride Horror Show - Knoxville Horror - Celluloid Screams - Sin City Horror Fest - Atlanta Horror - Frightening Ass Film Fest - Ithaca Fantastik - What The Fest - Key West Film Festival
A grave digger and his spade are left to survive on an island while handling a mysterious task.
Fantasia Fest- Popcorn frights - Key West Film Festival (Special Jury Award for Short Film) - Borscht Corporation Grant Recipient
After wrapping a grueling production with Sexton and the Spade, we wanted to shoot a quick and fun palate cleanser while our favorite actor was still in town. So together we got sweaty in a dark and hot bathroom over the course of two days shooting this little diddy. We had a blast making it. It premiered at Fantasia Fest and wrapped up at Telluride Horror Show, where audiences seemed to have fun with it as well.
One of our favorites shorts. Shot during a 48 Film Challenge, this short was written, produced and edited in 48 hours. In was showcased in several regional film festivals including the Atlanta Film Festival.