David Castro Movies
Two women whose peoples are often at odds find they're more alike than anyone expects in this drama from directors Stefan C. Schaefer and Diane Crespo. Rochel (Zoe Lister-Jones) and Nasira (Francis Benhamou) are two young women who have begun teaching at a public grade school in Brooklyn, NY. Rochel is an Orthodox Jew and Nasira is a Muslim of Pakistani descent, and the students and the administrators at the school are concerned there might be friction between the two teachers. However, over the course of their first year of teaching, Rochel and Nasira discover they have far more in common than they imagined -- both sometimes find themselves culturally out of place in 21st century New York, and both are trying to live within the traditions of their faith while struggling with their own feelings. In particular, Rochel and Nasira bond over the fact both are expected to enter into arranged marriages, Nasira with a wary optimism and Rochel with a great deal of trepidation. Arranged was screened in competition at the 2007 South by Southwest Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Zoe Lister-Jones, Francis Benhamou, (more)
A worldly vampire falls for the daughter of a high profile scientist who's currently researching immortality for the Illuminati in this independent horror thriller starring Katherine Hawkes, Daniel Goddard, and Costas Mandylor. Who would have thought that the Illuminati would become the vampire kingdom's main competitor in the quest to exploit and rule all of mankind? After exploiting the population through war, poverty, disease, and drugs, the clandestine organization attempts to gain immortality through science to no avail. Perhaps the solution to their problem lies with Alex, a debonair vampire who has fallen deeply in love with Estelle after meeting the ethereal beauty at the opera. But Alex doesn't want to welcome Estelle into his coven; he'd rather sacrifice his immortality to raise a family with her and take one last shot at living a normal life. Later, after an intense round of negotiations, the Illuminati agrees to find a cure for Alex's vampirism in exchange for the bite of immortality. What happens next, neither side could have seen coming. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Katherine Hawkes, Daniel Goddard, (more)
After months of living in an inner-city homeless shelter, Frank Diaz (John Leguizamo) receives an opportunity to get an apartment for his family on Christmas Eve. When Frank learns that he must first provide proof of employment before taking occupancy, he and his stepson set out to find the job that could become the first step in a whole new life. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Leguizamo, Leonor Varela, (more)
A seven year-old boy who believes he has killed his older brother flees to Coney Island in director Joanna Lipper's remake of the 1953 classic that Francois Truffaut once credited with sparking the French New Wave film movement. Young Lenny is about to turn twelve. Since their father is in prison and their mother works long hours at a nearby nursing home, Lenny and his younger brother Joey often spend long portions of the day unsupervised. In order to celebrate his birthday, Lenny and his friends make plans to ride the world famous Cyclone rollercoaster at the Coney Island amusement park. Joey too wants to ride the Cyclone, but he is too small and won't be permitted onboard even if he does tag along. When Joey defies Lenny's order to stay at home, the scheming older sibling concocts an elaborate prank in order to teach his insolent sibling a message. Much to Lenny's horror, however, the innocent prank goes frightfully awry and Joey now believes that he has killed his older brother. Realizing just how much trouble the terrified Joey could get himself into without proper supervision, Lenny soon sets out for Coney Island in a desperate quest to rescue him before events take a truly tragic turn. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Castro, Nicolas Marti-Salgado, (more)
Scarecrow Slayer begins with good friends Dave and Karl attempting to boost the scarecrow that stands in a local farmer's field. Dave becomes the victim of a gunshot during the robbery, and his soul goes on to possess the scarecrow. He uses his status as a member of the undead to do away with anyone who attempts to win the hand of his former girlfriend, Mary. Dave concocts a plan to kidnap Mary, but Karl attempts to stop it. Karl is killed in the process, and he too becomes a scarecrow -- leading to a final brawl between the two former friends. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tony Todd, Nicole Kingston, (more)
