Newly widowed father, Daniel Lambert, grapples with his skepticism of the supernatural as he moves into a charming old house with his four children, seeking a fresh start after the untimely passing of his wife. The family struggles to adapt to their new life, each of them finding their own way to cope with their grief. However, his teenage daughter, Leila, longing for a connection to her late mother, turns to a séance, hoping to bridge the gap between the living and the dead. Unbeknownst to her, the séance inadvertently opens a portal to a sinister realm, inviting a malevolent spirit into their home. As inexplicable events begin to unfold, David's disbelief in the paranormal is tested, forcing him to confront his deepest fears to protect his children and reclaim their home.

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Justin: Shawn Devlin
Leila: Julie Sheppard

Get to know the writer;

1. What is your screenplay about?

My screenplay, "Echoes from the Veil" is about a newly single father, Daniel Lambert, who moves his 4 children into a new house after his wife dies suddenly and tragically while at work. His second oldest daughter, Leila, wants to try to connect to her mom one more time but she ends up opening a portal and causing havoc on her entire family. The bigger problem is Daniel is basically the definition of a skeptic, so there's a logical explanation for everything, so everything that goes on not only tests his beliefs but it tests his relationship with his children.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

It's a drama/horror film.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

It's not your usual "bump in the night" scary story. It has heart, it deals with not just the paranormal aspect, but it goes through everyone's way of coping with a sudden loss. You want to see this family succeed at staying together, but at the same time you're terrified at what's actually trying to tear them apart.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Terrifying and emotional.

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

"The Watcher in the Woods", came out in 1980 starring Bette Davis and Lynn Holly Johnson.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

5 months now, I'm still consistently fixing and rewriting.

7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?

I watch a lot of shows like "A Haunting" "The Haunted" "Paranormal Witness" and hearing the subtle changes in everyone's lives inspired the paranormal part. The family side of the story was inspired by actual sudden losses in my own family and how we all dealt with that grief. Daniel, the main character, was inspired by an actor I admire and hope to work with.

8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

The biggest obstacle was actually the ending. How exactly did I want this to end and how can I make sure everything has reached it's full circle?

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I'm passionate about directing, I've been working on becoming a director. I don't perform music but I love music and every project I deal with, I listen to a specific playlist every time I write.

10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

I love the passion everyone has about showcasing people's work. that you're not just about "hey we read this, this is our feedback" and go on your merry way. You actually care about the screenplays and projects presented to you. The feedback I received for "Echoes from the Veil", my first thoughts were you gave me advice on what I should fix were thoughts I already had and actually working on fixing now.