Written by Jesus Figueroa
@ThisFunktional of ThisFunktional.com
The award winning slasher film “Murder in the woods” comes to drive-ins and theaters nationwide on August 14, with a Digital and Video on Demand release slated for September 18.
“MURDER IN THE WOODS” is centered on a group of college friends who plan a getaway to celebrate a birthday party 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 hasn’t 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.
Slasher film “Murder in the woods” is directed and produced by Mexican filmmaker Luis Iga Garza and written and produced by Yelyna De León.
“I realized that this type of film had never been done in English for a mainstream audience, where Latinos and people of color are the leads and they are not portrayed in stereotypical ways,” Director Luis Iga Garza said. “This is why, while developing this indie feature, we were very conscious of making sure that there would be a diverse cast in lead roles.”
“For us, it’s important for this story to be universal, but being Mexican-American, it was also important for the script to include cultural Latino references such as El Dia de los Muertos, The Chupacabras, and other stories that are recognizable,” writer and producer Yelyna De León said. “We purposely showed authentic moments, such as the altars to honor our ancestors, and blessings when we leave the house, memorable experiences that we share with our families.”
The cast includes 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
In Drive-Ins And Theaters Nationwide August 14
Available On Digital And VOD September 18
murderinthewoodsmovie.com
Facebook: @MITWMovie
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#MurderInTheWoods
Facebook: @MITWMovie
Instagram: @murderinthewoods
Twitter: @MITWMovie
TikTok: @murderinthewoods
#MurderInTheWoods
