SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER, 2 hours, USA
Directed by Cory Wexler Grant
SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER is a gay, coming-of-age comedy that follows Julien Rosdahl, his best friend Cary, and their outcast friends through high school in the 1990’s. The only thing Julien dreams of is having a show on the high school radio station, but his brand of comedy is very... weird.

http://www.screamsfromthetower.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

After finishing my first feature, PAINTER, which is a dark, brooding, psychosexual drama, making a coming-of-age comedy about a couple of closeted gay boys growing up in the 90's, felt like nice change of pace. And I'd never seen a gay film quite like SCREAMS. It's also a love letter to an old friend, who formed me, and shaped the way I saw the world.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

4 years. Is that fast? I have no idea. It felt fast. I had what I thought was a whimsical idea. I handed the script to my producer and friend, Alex Wenger, and the moment Covid restrictions were lifted, we were shooting in the midwestern suburbs of Chicago. Post production took too damn long, but I love post production. I think we were very, very lucky - timing, financing, casting... This film was like a very determined unborn baby who just had to exist.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Boys. Wigs.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Time is the obstacle. Money, of course. All the usual stuff. And our brilliant DP, Sarah Whelden, rightfully won't shoot at high noon, "Unless you want it to look ugly." That's an obstacle. But in truth, nothing was going to stop me from completing the film. I'm always going to complete the film.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Well, it's nerve wracking watching people talk about your film. Especially when you're not in conversation with them. It's just terrifying. But, they seemed to like it. And that was quite nice. Thank you.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I've always wanted to make movies. I don't know what else to do.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

"PeeWee's Big Adventure". Also, David Fincher's "Girl With The Dragon Tattoo". And of course, "The Shining". There's a relationship there. But I have no idea what it is.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I suck at making industry connections. And we are all looking for sales agents and distributors. So anything you can do to help filmmakers along in that regard is always deeply appreciated.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It's a great site. Incredibly efficient.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Bucatini Amatriciana. Fresh Red Vines too.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Always a new film. A New York City black comedy. I write fast. I have a dozen scripts burning a hole in my laptop. Some stories really bug you, keep nagging you to become real. This next one has been bugging the shit out of me. I can't wait to make it.