Film News & Interview: MURDER IN THE WOODS

By Liz Lopez

REZINATE Pictures presents the slasher film Murder in the Woods on Digital and Video on Demand platforms September 18, 2020. The film opened in theaters nationwide in August and is directed and produced by Mexican filmmaker Luis Iga Garza (The Call) and written and produced by Yelyna De León (Will and Grace, A Better Life). The fun yet frightening thriller stars an exclusively multicultural cast in non-stereotypical roles, including José Julián (A Better Life, Shameless), Jeanette Samano (ISA, Female Fight Squad), Chelsea Rendon (Vida, Bright), Catherine Toribio (Jane the Virgin), Jordan Diambrini (The Outfield) and Kade Wise (Empire). It also features Danny Trejo (Machete), Soledad St. Hilaire (Beatriz at Dinner), Kurt Caceres (Better Call Saul, Dexter) and Rolando Molina (American Dad!, Next Friday).

Murder in the Woods is centered on a group of college friends who plan a getaway to celebrate a birthday at a desolate cabin in the woods. Against his grandmother’s (Soledad St. Hilaire) demands, Jesse (José Julián), a loner-type decides to go on a trip with his friends. He is immediately smitten with Fernanda (Jeanette Samano), a sweet girl from Chicago whom he has not seen in years. She is in town visiting her loudmouth cousin, Chelsea (Chelsea Rendon), who is ready to celebrate her birthday and plans to let loose with her boyfriend Gabe (Jordan Diambrini). Tagging along at the last second are Jule (Kade Wise), the class clown pothead, and the very out-of-his-league Celeste (Catherine Toribio). Soon after arriving to the mysterious cabin in the woods, the group of teens discover the dark secret it holds, which forces them to fight for their lives.

Trailer: https://bit.ly/mitw01tjpr                     

INTERVIEW with Catherine Toribio

Catherine Toribio is an actress known for her roles in Jane the Virgin (2014) and Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014).

EL: What drew you to participate in this film?

CT: I was attracted to the film because of the very diverse cast and crew. Coming off of Paranormal Activity, I was lucky for a second time.

EL: After reading the script to the completion of the film, what can you say about the film?

CT: It is a fun slasher film, paying homage to the old school films. Fans will enjoy it – it is not something reinvented. It is special with a very Latin twist. It has a very clear voice and showcases who we are. The film provides jump scares and is well rounded.

EL: Can you provide a challenge that you had during your participation in this film?

CT: One is that it was a night shoot – I had to adjust. At times I would get only two hours of sleep and then get ready to go. I also went through four hours of prosthetics.                                  

EL: How did you prepare for this role/character?

CT: This was a most fun role. I understood who she was. She was really insecure and was just mean to find her strength. It was fun to explore as you don’t really talk to people like that (as she does in the film).              

EL: After working on the Sci-Fi and horror films, is there something else you want to explore?

CT: I have done comedy on Jane the Virgen, but I would like to work on a comedic film.  

EL: What other work do you have now (or the future)?

CT: I will be in L. A.’s Finest. I am excited to have two projects out now that also include Danny Trejo in the cast.

Murder in the Woods premiered at the Festival Internacional de Cine de Guadalajara in LA (FICG in LA) and the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. During the festival run, the film won nine awards, including Best Film at the LA Skins Film Festival and XicanIndie Film Fest, in addition to Best Supporting Actor (Kade Wise), Best Sound Design and Best Soundtrack at the Macabre Faire Film Festival in New York, as well as the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

Runtime: 89 min

Aspect Ratio: 2.39 (SCOPE)

Genre: Horror, Slasher

Languages: English

Dubbed: Spanish

Subtitles: Spanish

Country: USA

Shooting Format: 2K

Final Format: 2K

Camera: Panavision Alexa

Source: REZINATE Pictures and Stadium Media

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