Private Project

Occupants

'Occupants' is a film about Annie Curtis, an award-winning documentarian and her husband Neil. Annie and Neil embark on a '30 Days of Clean Living' documentary, setting up cameras all over their house to document, via the Internet, their new eating habits. By doing so, half of their cameras capture a parallel version of themselves - a version that ultimately unravels and threatens their very existence.

English Subtitles SRT File Link: www.occupantsthemovie.com/OccupantsSubtitlesSRT.srt

Portuguese Subtitles SRT File Link:
http://occupantsthemovie.com/OccupantsSubtitlesSRTPortuguese.srt

Portuguese Subtitles Movie Data File Link:
https://youtu.be/y5pbJOvwg68

  • Russ Emanuel
    Director
    Girl With Gun, P.J., Chasing the Green, The Legends of Nethiah, Restoration of Paradise
  • Julia Camara
    Writer
    Area Q, Open Road
  • Howard Nash
    Producer
    Tiger, P.J., Chasing the Green, The Legends of Nethiah, Restoration of Paradise, Tracks
  • Robert Kwartler
    Producer
    Tiger, P.J., The Legends of Nethiah, The Meeting Web Series
  • Robert Picardo
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Alan Peterson"
    Star Trek: Voyager, The Wonder Years, P.J., Chasing the Green, The Legends of Nethiah, Restoration of Paradise
  • Briana White
    Key Cast
    "Annie Curtis"
    Basement, Reckless Serenade, Ballerina's Revenge, The Reel Rejects
  • Michael Pugliese
    Key Cast
    "Neil Curtis"
    Grapsing for Straws, The Penalty Box, Tiger
  • Chalet Lizette Brannan
    Key Cast
    "Lonely Girl"
    Star Trek: Captain Pike, The Gate
  • Chris Winters
    Key Cast
    "P.R.I. Representative"
    A Haunting Soldier, Evan Almighty, Raven, Mountain Mafia
  • Scott Brown
    Key Cast
    "P.R.I. Case 3 Testimonial"
    Bullets Blades and Blood, The Chosen, Little Boba
  • Prem Singh
    Executive Producer
    Tiger, Downsizing, P.J., Chasing the Green, The Legends of Nethiah
  • Aaron Retford
    Executive Producer
    Bastian's Dream
  • Vasilis Milesis
    Composer
    México Pelágico
  • Emile Haris
    Director of Photography
    Perfect Red, Bottom Feeders, Whiskey Neat, Hit List
  • Emile Haris
    Editor
    Girl With Gun, P.J., Chasing the Green, Hit List, The Legends of Nethiah
  • Tatiana Kuilanoff
    Production Designer
    Saving Norman, The Smile Man, Love's Routine, Sirens, Breaking & Entering
  • Nina Minnelli
    Key Costumer
    K-Stars, White Crows, Like You Mean It
  • Alisha L. Baijounas
    Makeup Artist
    Lights Out, Kush, Fall North, The Hazing
  • Sean Fahimian
    Post-Sound Mixer
    E! True Hollywood Story, Girl With Gun, P.J., Chasing the Green, The Legends of Nethiah
  • Manikandan Sathyabalan
    Visual Effects Supervisor
    Life of Pi, World War Z, The Counselor, 300: Rise of an Empire
  • Clifford Breakfield
    First Assistant Director
    World War Z, Starry Eyes, Zoe Gone, Making the Rules
  • Jennifer Durst
    Unit Production Manager
    The Chemist
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 20 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 7, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    40,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States
  • Language:
    English, French, Japanese, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Phoenix Comicon Film Festival
    Phoenix, Arizona
    United States
    June 2, 2016
    World Premiere
    Second Place Award, Best of the Festival
  • Florida Supercon Super Geek Film Festival
    Miami, Florida
    United States
    July 2, 2016
    North American Premiere
    Best Director
  • Shore Leave Alternative Film Festival
    Baltimore, Maryland
    United States
    July 17, 2016
    United States Premiere
  • San Diego Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival
    San Diego, California
    United States
    July 23, 2016
    West Coast Premiere
  • San Antonio Film Festival
    San Antonio, Texas
    United States
    July 25, 2016
    Texas Premiere
  • Action on Film International Film Festival
    Monrovia, California
    United States
    September 2, 2016
    California Premiere
  • Toronto Independent Film Festival
    Toronto, Ontario
    Canada
    September 17, 2016
    Canada Premiere
  • Great Lakes International Film Festival
    Erie, Pennsylvania
    United States
    September 22, 2016
    Pennsylvania Premiere
  • Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    September 23, 2016
    Southern California Premiere
  • Velvet Rope Film Festival
    Sutter Creek, California
    United States
    September 30, 2016
    Northern California Premiere
    Breakout Star - Chalet Lizette Brannan
  • Shriekfest Horror Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    October 7, 2016
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi Feature Film
  • Ellensburg Film Festival
    Ellensburg, Washington
    United States
    October 8, 2016
    Washington Premiere
  • Louisville's International Festival of Film
    Louisville, Kentucky
    United States
    October 15, 2016
    Kentucky Premiere
  • Dazed 4 Horror Film Festival
    Houston, Texas
    United States
    October 27, 2016
    Houston Premiere
    Best Experimental Horror Feature, Best Editing Feature Film, Best Actor Feature Film (Michael Pugliese), Best Actress Feature Film (Briana White), Best SFX Effects Feature Film, Best Sound Feature Film, Sexiest Scream Queen Actress Feature Film (Briana White)
  • Stan Lee's Los Angeles Comic Con
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    October 29, 2016
    Downtown Los Angeles Premiere
  • Alien Con
    Santa Clara, California
    United States
    October 29, 2016
    Santa Clara Premiere
  • Kansas International Film Festival
    Overland Park, Kansas
    United States
    November 6, 2016
    Kansas Premiere
    Best Narrative Film Jury Award Nomination
  • Weyauwega International Film Festival
    Weyauwega, Wisconsin
    United States
    November 11, 2016
    Wisconsin Premiere
  • Fright Night Film Fest
    Louisville, Kentucky
    United States
    November 26, 2016
    Louisville Premiere
  • Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema
    Idyllwild, California
    United States
    January 9, 2017
    Idyllwild Premiere
    Best Screenplay Feature, Excellence in Filmmaking Winner, Best Feature, Juan Ruiz Anchia Award Best Cinematography Feature Film, Best Ensemble Cast Feature Film, Best Actress Feature Film, Best Supporting Actress Feature Film, Mary Austin Award Excellence In Directing Feature or Featurette, Best Actor Feature Film, Best Director Feature Film Nominations
  • Chandler International Film Festival
    Chandler, Arizona
    United States
    January 15, 2017
    Arizona Premiere
    Best Action/Thriller Feature December 2016
  • SoCal Film Festival
    Huntington Beach, California
    United States
    February 9, 2017
    Huntington Beach Premiere
    Best Director, Audience Choice Award
  • Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival
    Boston, Massachusetts
    United States
    February 18, 2017
    Northeast United States Premiere
    Best Found Footage Film
  • Cosmic Film Festival
    Orlando, Florida
    United States
    February 18, 2017
    Florida Premiere
    Best Feature Film - Action, Adventure or Sci-Fi
  • WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival
    Miami, Florida
    United States
    February 18, 2017
    Miami Premiere
    Best Editing Winner, Best Feature Nomination
  • DC Independent Film Festival
    Washington D.C.
    United States
    February 18, 2017
    Washington D.C. Premiere
  • Sedona International Film Festival
    Sedona, Arizona
    United States
    February 20, 2017
    Northern Arizona Premiere
  • Nevermore Film Festival
    Durham, North Carolina
    United States
    February 24, 2017
    North Carolina Premiere
  • Pasadena International Film Festival
    Pasadena, California
    United States
    March 9, 2017
    Pasadena Premiere
  • Russian International Horror Film Festival and Awards
    Moscow
    Russian Federation
    March 22, 2017
    Russian Premiere
  • Verde Valley Comic Expo
    Sedona, Arizona
    United States
    March 31, 2017
    Sedona Premiere
  • Utah Film Awards
    Provo, Utah
    United States
    April 7, 2017
    Utah Premiere
    Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing Nominations
  • Toronto International Spring of Horror and Fantasy Film Festival
    Toronto, Ontario
    Canada
    April 8, 2017
    Toronto Premiere
  • Fandemonium
    Boise, Idaho
    United States
    April 14, 2017
    Idaho Premiere
  • StarFest Denver
    Denver, Colorado
    United States
    April 21, 2017
    Colorado Premiere
  • Silicon Beach Film Festival
    Culver City, California
    United States
    April 26, 2017
    Culver City Premiere
    Best Horror Film
  • Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    United States
    April 27, 2017
    Pennsylvania Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi Feature
  • Motor City Nightmares International Film Festival
    Novi, Michigan
    United States
    April 29, 2017
    Michigan Premiere
  • Milledgeville Film Festival
    Milledgeville, Georgia
    United States
    April 30, 2017
    Georgia Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi Film
  • SCI-FI LONDON Film Festival
    London, England
    United Kingdom
    May 1, 2017
    United Kingdom Premiere
  • American Tracks Music Awards
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    May 9, 2017
    Music Premiere
    Best Score Nomination
  • Ratha Con
    Athens, Ohio
    United States
    May 11, 2017
    Ohio Premiere
  • FROSTBITE International Film Festival
    Colorado Springs, Colorado
    United States
    May 19, 2017
    Colorado Springs Premiere
    Second Place Finalist
  • First Contact Film Festival
    Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey
    United States
    May 27, 2017
    New Jersey Premiere
    Best Non-Quad Feature
  • NewFilmmakers NY
    New York, New York
    United States
    June 7, 2017
    New York Premiere
  • Global Music Awards
    La Jolla, California
    United States
    June 27, 2017
    La Jolla Premiere
    Bronze Medal: Best Score/Soundtrack
  • Paris Art and Movie Awards
    Paris, France
    United States
    July 3, 2017
    France Premiere
    Best Score Nomination
  • Hollywood Dreams Film Festival
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    United States
    August 20, 2017
    Nevada Premiere
    Best Special Effects - Feature Nomination
  • Knoxville Film Festival
    Knoxville, Tennessee
    United States
    September 15, 2017
    Tennessee Premiere
  • Neu World Studios International Film Festival
    Cedar City, Utah
    United States
    September 16, 2017
    Cedar City Premiere
  • Depth Of Field International Film Festival
    Nassau, Delaware
    United States
    September 18, 2017
    Delaware Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi Horror, Best Actress Briana White, Best Actor Michael Pugliese, Best Supporting Actor Robert Picardo, Best Script/Writer Julia Camara, Best Editing and Cinematography Emile Haris, and Best Viewer Impact (Entertainment Value)
  • Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards and Festival
    Hollywood, California
    United States
    September 30, 2017
    Hollywood Premiere
    Narrative Feature: Horror – Gold Award
  • Highway 61 Film Festival
    Pine City, Minnesota
    United States
    October 5, 2017
    Minnesota Premiere
  • Maverick Movie Awards
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    October 1, 2017
    Best Screenplay Winner, Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Editing Nominations
  • Imaginarium Convention
    Louisville, Kentucky
    United States
    October 6, 2017
    Louisville Premiere
    Best Feature Runner Up, Best Editing
  • Los Angeles Cinema Festival Of Hollywood (Fall 2017)
    Hollywood, California
    United States
    October 8, 2017
    Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, Best Score
  • Marina del Rey Film Festival
    Marina del Rey, California
    United States
    October 8, 2017
    Marina del Rey Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi Feature
  • Horror at the Hooker
    Brattleboro, Vermont
    United States
    October 12, 2017
    Vermont Premiere
  • HorrorQuest Film Festival
    Atlanta, Georgia
    United States
    October 14, 2017
    Atlanta Premiere
  • Glendale International Film Festival
    Glendale, California
    United States
    October 14, 2017
    Glendale Premiere
    Best Horror/Thriller, Best Female Screenwriter
  • Virgin Spring Cinefest
    Kolkata, West Bengal
    India
    October 20, 2017
    India Premiere
    Bronze Awards: Horror/Science Fiction/Genre Feature Film, Best Producer, Best Actress, Best VFX Artist
  • Long Beach Zombie Fest
    Long Beach, California
    United States
    October 21, 2017
    Long Beach Premiere
  • Art is Alive Film Festival
    Brooklyn, New York
    United States
    October 27, 2017
    Brooklyn Premiere
    Best Female Actor in a Short or Feature, Best Cinematography Nominations
  • PiGrecoZen FilmFest
    Ancona, Marche
    Italy
    October 28, 2017
    Italy Premiere
    Best Feature Nomination
  • Calcutta International Cult Film Festival
    Calcutta
    India
    November 11, 2017
    Calcutta Premiere
    Outstanding Achievement Award
  • UnderGround FilmFest
    Ancona, Marche
    Italy
    November 18, 2017
    Ancona Premiere
    Feature Movies Lungometraggi
  • Berlin Sci-Fi Filmfest
    Berlin
    Germany
    November 18, 2017
    Germany Premiere
    Runner-Up
  • Rendezvous Film Festival
    Amelia Island, Florida
    United States
    November 18, 2017
    Northern Florida Premiere
  • Chicago Amarcord Arthouse Television & Video Fest Awards
    Chicago, Illinois
    United States
    November 30, 2017
    Illinois Premiere
  • Bloodstained Indie Film Festival: Sci-Fi Horror Action
    Shanghai
    China
    December 2, 2017
    China Premiere
  • Erie International Film Festival
    Erie, Pennsylvania
    United States
    December 7, 2017
    Erie Premiere
  • The European Independent Film Award
    Paris
    France
    December 23, 2017
    Paris Premiere
    Platinum Award: Best Horror, Diamond Award: Best Editing
  • Flagler Film Festival
    Palm Coast, Florida
    United States
    January 14, 2018
    Palm Coast Premiere
    Best Director Feature Winner, Best Feature, Best Actress Feature (Briana White) Nominations.
  • Accolade Global Film Competition
    La Jolla, California
    United States
    February 27, 2018
    La Jolla Premiere
  • George Lindsey UNA Film Festival
    Florence, Alabama
    United States
    March 1, 2018
    Alabama Premiere
  • Las Cruces International Film Festival
    Las Cruces, New Mexico
    United States
    March 10, 2018
    New Mexico Premiere
    Best Director
  • Rock Horror in Rio Film Festival
    Rio de Janeiro
    Brazil
    April 7, 2018
    Brazil Premiere
    Popular Vote: Terror Category Winner
  • Firefly Film Competition
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    April 15, 2018
    Awards Show Only
    Best Feature Film (Platinum Award), Best Director, Best Actor/Actress (Briana White), Best Editing Winner
  • Tupelo Film Festival
    Tupelo, Mississippi
    United States
    April 21, 2018
    Mississippi Premiere
    Best Feature, 2nd Place Winner
  • Bare Bones International Film Festival
    Muskogee, Oklahoma
    United States
    April 28, 2018
    Oklahoma Premiere
    Best Feature Thriller, Best Editing, Best Movie Soundtrack Winner, Feature Film Best Picture (USA), Lead Actor Female (Briana White), Lead Actor Male (Michael Pugliese), Supporting Actor Male (Robert Picardo), Ensemble Cast + Best Director Nominations
  • Roswell Film Festival
    Roswell, New Mexico
    United States
    April 28, 2018
    Roswell Premiere
    Best Editing Winner, Best Film, Best Actor – Briana White, Best Director Nominations.
  • MayDay Film Festival
    Evansville, Indiana
    United States
    May 19, 2018
    Indiana Premiere
    Best Actress in a Feature Film
  • Telly Awards
    New York, New York
    United States
    May 22, 2018
    Awards Show Only
    Silver Trophy for Best Craft-Writing (Non-Broadcast Production)
  • Mediterranean Film Festival (MedFF)
    Sicily
    Italy
    June 2, 2018
    Sicily Premiere
    'Semi-Finalist'
  • Melbourne City Independent Film Awards
    Melbourne
    Australia
    June 4, 2018
    Australia Premiere
    Best Visual Effects
  • International New York Film Festival
    New York, New York
    United States
    June 15, 2018
    New York City Premiere
    Best Micro-Budget Film, Best Feature (Micro-Budget under $250,000)
  • AltFF Alternative Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    June 18, 2018
    Feature Category: Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Supernatural, Best Actress (Briana White), Best Writer Nominations
  • Pinnacle Film Awards

    United States
    July 7, 2018
    Awards Show Only
    Best Feature Film: Gold Award, Best Screenplay: Platinum Award, Best Actor (Briana White): Platinum Award
  • Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards
    Rome
    Italy
    July 21, 2018
    Rome Premiere
  • Out of the Can Film Festival
    Alfreton, Derbyshire
    United Kingdom
    August 4, 2018
    England Premiere
  • Worldcon 76 Film Festival
    San Jose, California
    United States
    August 19, 2018
    San Jose Premiere
  • Oniros Film Awards
    Aosta
    Italy
    August 25, 2018
    Aosta Premiere
    Yearly: Best Supporting Actor (Michael Pugliese) Winner. Yearly: Best Actress (Briana White) / Monthly: Best Feature Film, Best Sci-Fi Film, Best Actress (Briana White), Best Supporting Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Editing, Best Costumes Winner, Best Poster, Best Idea, Best Director, Best Make-up Nominations
  • Mindfield Film Festival - Albuquerque
    Albuquerque, New Mexico
    United States
    August 25, 2018
    Albuquerque Premiere
    Best Feature Film: Platinum Award
  • Queen Palm International Film Festival
    Palm Springs, California
    United States
    September 8, 2018
    Palm Springs Premiere
    Silver Award: Best Feature Film - Action/Horror/Mystery/Thriller Winner, Best Editing - Feature Film Nomination
  • UNDO Divergent Film Awards
    Arlington, Massachusetts
    United States
    September 8, 2018
    Arlington Premiere
    Best Horror & Supernatural Feature Nomination
  • Genre Celebration Festival
    Tokyo
    Japan
    September 15, 2018
    Japan Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi Feature, Best Actress (Briana White) Nominations
  • Rock Horror in Rio Film Festival - São Paulo
    São Paulo
    Brazil
    September 21, 2018
    São Paulo Premiere
  • Top Indie Film Awards
    Online
    United States
    September 25, 2018
    Awards Show Only
    Best Original Idea Winner, Best Feature, Best Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Writing, Best FX, Best Editing Nominations
  • Fargo Fantastic Film Festival
    Fargo, North Dakota
    United States
    September 29, 2018
    North Dakota Premiere
  • Chico Independent Film Festival
    Chico, California
    United States
    September 29, 2018
    Chico Premiere
  • Cult Critic Movie Awards
    Kolkata, West Bengal
    India
    September 29, 2018
    West Bengal Premiere
    Horror/Science Fiction Genre Film Category: Outstanding Achievement Award
  • Indigo Moon Film Festival
    Fayetteville, North Carolina
    United States
    October 12, 2018
    Fayetteville Premiere
    Best Narrative Feature (Juried Award)
  • Sydney Indie Film Festival
    Sydney, NSW
    Australia
    October 22, 2018
    Sydney Premiere
    'Semi-Finalist'
  • Davey Awards
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    October 24, 2018
    Awards Show Only
    Silver Trophy for Best Craft-Film/Video-Low Budget: under $700/minutes (Non-Broadcast Production)
  • Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival
    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    United States
    October 27, 2018
    Grand Rapids Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi
  • FANtastic Horror Film Festival
    San Diego, California
    United States
    October 27, 2018
    San Diego Premiere
    Best Actress in a Feature Film (Briana White) Winner, Best Feature Film, Best Actor in a Feature Film (Michael Pugliese), Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film (Robert Picardo), Best Supernatural Horror Nominations
  • Found Footage Southern Sykos Horror Film Festival
    Sunset, Louisiana
    United States
    October 27, 2018
    Louisiana Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi Feature, Best Parallel Universe Feature, Best Use of Surveillance Cameras, Best Climax, Best Ending With a Twist, Best Ending Cliffhanger, Best Relationship Dynamic, Best Lighted Film, Best Use of One Location, Best Celebrity Cameo, Best Death by Fire Scene, Most Intense Twist, Best Use of Handheld Camera, Sexiest Lead Actress, Best Dual Performance by Actors, Best Use of Special Effects, Best Production Crew, Best Edited Feature, Most Likely to Have a Sequel, Best Found Footage Film, Best Written Dynamic of Characters, Most Anticipated Sci-Fi Film, Best Celebrity Performance, Best Written Twist Ending, Best Jaw Dropping Scene
  • Oregon International Film Awards
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    November 1, 2018
    Oregon Premiere
    Best Narrative Feature
  • Rendezvous Scare Fest
    Amelia Island, Florida
    United States
    November 3, 2018
    Amelia Island Premiere
  • Big Water Film Festival
    Ashland, Wisconsin
    United States
    November 8, 2018
    Ashland Premiere
  • EyeCatcher Film Festival
    McAlester, Oklahoma
    United States
    November 9, 2018
    McAlester Premiere
    Best Director Nomination
  • Blow-Up Arthouse International Film Festival
    Chicago, Illinois
    United States
    November 10, 2018
    Chicago Premiere
  • Nevada International Film Festival
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    United States
    November 14, 2018
    Las Vegas Premiere
    Best Director
  • Directors Awards
    Jakarta
    Indonesia
    November 18, 2018
    Indonesia Premiere
    Platinum Awards: Best Directing in Feature Film, Feature Narrative, Editor & Gold Awards: Story, Art Director
  • Global Film Festival Awards
    La Jolla, California
    United States
    November 30, 2018
    La Jolla Premiere
    Best Actress: Briana White, Honorable Mention: Narrative Feature Film
  • 13 Horror Film & Screenplay Contest
    Hollywood, California
    United States
    December 1, 2018
    Best Horror Baddy
  • Chambal International Film Festival
    Rajasthan
    India
    January 13, 2019
    Rajasthan Premiere
  • South Film and Arts Academy Festival
    Rancagua, O'Higgins
    Chile
    January 16, 2019
    Chile Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi Feature, Best Screenplay In A Feature Film, Best Lead Actor In A Feature Film (Michael Pugliese), Best Editing In A Feature Film
  • FICMARC - Caribbean Sea International Film Festival
    Pampatar, Nueva Esparta
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    January 24, 2019
    Venezuela Premiere
    Best Drama Feature Film
  • Reels of the Dead
    Atlanta, Georgia
    United States
    January 25, 2019
  • Crown Wood International Film Festival
    Kolkata, West Bengal
    India
    February 10, 2019
    Kolkata Premiere
    Science Fiction Film, Director, Actor Male (Michael Pugliese), Actor Female (Briana White), Editing
  • West Coast International Film Festival
    Malibu, California
    United States
    January 27, 2019
    Malibu Premiere
    LA Sci-Fi Europa Prize – Best Director
  • Gold Movie Awards
    London, England
    United Kingdom
    February 17, 2019
    London Premiere
    Best Feature
  • MystiCon Independent Film Festival
    Roanoke, Virginia
    United States
    February 22, 2019
    Virginia Premiere
  • Independent Talents International Film Festival
    Bloomington, Indiana
    United States
    February 28, 2019
    Bloomington Premiere
  • Five Continents International Film Festival
    Puerto la Cruz, Anzoategui
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    March 9, 2019
    Puerto la Cruz Premiere
    Best Sci-Fi Feature Film, Special Mention Lead Actress Feature Film (Briana White)
  • Royal Wolf Film Awards
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    April 1, 2019
    Awards Show Only
    Best Feature Film
  • Malibu West International Film Awards (Los Angeles Motion Picture Festival)
    Malibu, California
    United States
    April 9, 2019
    Grand Jury Prize Gold Awards: Best Picture, Best Writer, Best Actress (Briana White)
  • Sands Film Festival
    Jacksonville Beach, Florida
    United States
    April 13, 2019
    Jacksonville Beach Premiere
    Semi-Finalist
  • So You Think You Can Act Competition
    Nassau, Delaware
    United States
    April 14, 2019
    Nassau Premiere
    Robert Picardo (Platinum Award), Briana White (Leading Actress: GOLD: EXCELLENCE, Romantic & Dramatic Scene: GOLD: OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE), Michael Pugliese (Leading Actor: GOLD: EXCELLENCE, Romantic & Dramatic Scene: GOLD: OUTSTANDING EXCELLENCE)
  • Florence Film Awards
    Florence, Tuscany
    Italy
    May 3, 2019
    Florence Premiere
    Best Feature Film
  • Best Actor Award
    Saint-Vincent, Valle d'Aosta
    Italy
    May 5, 2019
    Saint-Vincent Premiere
    Diamond Award: Best Actress in a Horror (Briana White)
  • Honolulu Film Awards
    Honolulu, Hawaii
    United States
    May 15, 2019
    Hawaii Premiere
    Best Feature
  • Vegas Movie Awards
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    United States
    May 16, 2019
    ‘Best Original Story, Best Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Actress (Briana White)’ Finalist, ‘Best Director, Best Horror’ Semi-Finalist
  • Inca Imperial International Film Festival
    Lima, Lima
    Peru
    May 16, 2019
    Peru Premiere
    Best Editing
  • DaVinci International Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    May 18, 2019
    Awards Show Only
    Finalist
  • Escape Velocity Film Festival
    Oxon Hill, Maryland
    United States
    May 25, 2019
    Oxon Hill Premiere
    Best Feature Film
  • Okotoks Film Festival
    Okotoks, Alberta
    Canada
    June 1, 2019
    Alberta Premiere
  • Southeast Regional Film Festival
    Jacksonville, Florida
    United States
    June 1, 2019
    Jacksonville Premiere
    Best Cinematography
  • Move Me Productions Belgium - Film Festival
    Antwerpen
    Belgium
    June 1, 2019
    Belgium Premiere
    Best Actress International Feature Film (Briana White), Best Actor International Feature Film (Robert Picardo)
  • Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival
    Vero Beach, Florida
    United States
    June 7, 2019
    Vero Beach Premiere
  • Origins Film Festival
    Columbus, Ohio
    United States
    June 14, 2019
    Columbus Premiere
    Best Feature Film
  • Alaska International Film Awards
    Anchorage, Alaska
    United States
    June 14, 2019
    Alaska Premiere
    Best Thriller
  • Olympus Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    July 10, 2019
    Best Sci-fi Film
  • Montevideo, Area Metropolitana de Montevideo
    Montevideo, Area Metropolitana de Montevideo
    Uruguay
    July 11, 2019
    Uruguay Premiere
  • jellyFEST
    North Hollywood
    United States
    July 20, 2019
  • Horror Bowl Movie Awards
    Chandigarh, Punjab
    India
    July 22, 2019
  • Hollywood Horrorfest
    Hollywood, California
    United States
    August 9, 2019
  • Indie Gathering Film Festival
    Cleveland, Ohio
    United States
    August 10, 2019
    Cleveland Premiere
    Best Lead Actress: Feature (Briana White) Nomination, 1st Place Suspense-Thriller Feature Winner
  • KaPow Intergalactic Film Festival
    North Hollywood, California
    United States
    September 18, 2019
    Best Twist Ending Winner, Best Horror, Best Made in California Nominations
  • New Vision International Film Festival
    Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
    Netherlands
    September 25, 2019
    Netherlands Premiere
    Best American Feature Film, Best American Actress (Briana White), Best American Actor (Michael Pugliese) Nominations
  • Best Actors Film Festival
    San Francisco, California
    United States
    October 18, 2019
    San Francisco Premiere
    Feature Drama: Best Actor (Briana White)
  • Overcome Film Festival
    Anaheim, California
    United States
    October 23, 2019
    Anaheim Premiere
  • BangkokThai International Film Festival
    Wangmai, Pathuman Wangmai, Bangkok
    Thailand
    October 27, 2019
    Thailand Premiere
    Best Fiction Feature Film, Best Script
  • Los Angeles Crime & Horror Film Festival
    Hollywood, California
    United States
    November 3, 2019
    Best Editing
  • Steam House Entertainment Independent Film Awards
    Modesto, California
    United States
    December 8, 2019
    Modesto Premiere
  • Hollywood Horror Film Festival
    Hollywood, California
    United States
    March 13, 2020
  • Fort Lauderdale International Press To Play Online Film Festival
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    United States
    April 3, 2020
    Fort Lauderdale Premiere
  • Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival
    Laguna Niguel, California
    United States
    April 23, 2020
    Laguna Niguel Premiere
    Inspirational Recognition
  • Brazil Cinefest
    Rio de Janeiro
    Brazil
    April 29, 2020
  • Buenos Aires Film Festival
    Buenos Aires
    Argentina
    May 8, 2020
    Argentina Premiere
  • Directors Screen Awards
    Des Moines, Iowa
    United States
    May 14, 2020
    Gold Award: Director Feature Film
  • Twilight Tokyo Film Festival
    Tokyo
    Japan
    May 28, 2020
    Tokyo Premiere
    Best Actor (Michael Pugliese), Outstanding Achievement: Actress (Briana White), Cinematography, Feature Script, Narrative Feature
  • Redwood Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    May 28, 2020
    Best Horror/Thriller Film
  • Fantastic Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    May 31, 2020
    Spain Premiere
    Best Feature Thriller
  • Sand Dance International Film Festival
    Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
    India
    June 10, 2020
    Best Narrative Feature, Script, Director
  • Coimbatore International Film Festival
    Coimbatore
    India
    June 13, 2020
    Coimbatore Premiere
  • Interrobang Film Festival
    Des Moines, Iowa
    United States
    June 27, 2020
    Iowa Premiere
  • Fiction Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    June 30, 2020
    Barcelona Premiere
    Best Mockumentary, Best Double Character (Briana White)
  • Hitchcock Film Awards
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    July 10, 2020
  • Moody Crab Film Fest
    Moga, Punjab
    India
    July 17, 2020
    Moga Premiere
    Best Experimental Documentary
  • ConZealand Film Festival
    Wellington
    New Zealand
    July 29, 2020
    New Zealand Premiere
  • Experimental Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    July 30, 2020
    Best Mockumentary
  • Sicily Independent Film Awards
    Sicily
    Italy
    August 13, 2020
    Best Science Fiction
  • Kalakari Film Fest
    Kalakari
    India
    August 25, 2020
    Kalakari Premiere
  • The Best Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    August 29, 2020
    Best Edition
  • Wallachia International Film Festival
    Bucharest
    Romania
    September 11, 2020
    Romania Premiere
    Best Cast
  • The Continental Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    September 20, 2020
  • Orlando International Film Festival
    Orlando, Florida
    United States
    September 25, 2020
    Orlando Premiere
    Grand Jury: US Fiction Award
  • Salem Horror Festival
    Salem, Massachusetts
    United States
    October 1, 2020
    Salem Premiere
  • The Atman Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    October 3, 2020
    Best Feature Film
  • South Europe International Film Festival
    Valencia
    Spain
    October 18, 2020
    Valencia Premiere
    'Best Director' Winner, 'Best Original Screenplay Of A Feature Film, Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Durst), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Picardo), Best Lead Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Film' Nominations
  • Anatolia International Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    October 23, 2020
    Turkey Premiere
    'Best Thriller Feature Film' Winner, 'Best Lead Actress (Briana White)' Nomination
  • Horror Avenue Film Festival
    DeKalb, Illinois
    United States
    October 24, 2020
    DeKalb Premiere
  • Peachtree Village International Film Festival
    Peachtree Village, Georgia
    United States
    October 29, 2020
    Peachtree Village Premiere
    'Best Feature Film' Nomination
  • SIN Film Festival
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    United States
    October 29, 2020
  • Chicago Indie Film Awards
    Chicago, Illinois
    United States
    November 1, 2020
  • Mediterranean Film Festival Cannes
    Cannes, French Riviera
    France
    November 27, 2020
    Cannes Premiere
  • Horror Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    November 30, 2020
    'Best Feature Thriller' Winner, 'Best Actress (Briana White),Best Director' Nominations
  • East Europe International Film Festival
    Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship
    Poland
    December 5, 2020
    Poland Premiere
    ‘Best Lead Actress (Briana White), Best Lead Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Durst), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Picardo), Best Hair Make-Up & Body Design, Best Visual Effects Or Design, Best Original Screenplay Of A Feature Film, Best Director’ Nominations
  • Pure Magic International Film Festival
    Amsterdam
    Netherlands
    December 9, 2020
  • L.A. Sci-Fi Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    December 17, 2020
    'Europa Prize Gold Award: Best Film' Winner
  • Autumn Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    December 20, 2020
    'Best Experimental' Winner, 'Best Actress (Briana White), Best Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Director' Nominations
  • Andromeda Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    January 5, 2021
    Istanbul Premiere
    'BestHorror'
  • Star Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    January 17, 2021
    'Best Thriller'
  • ARTBOX international filmfest
    Dewas, MP
    India
    January 20, 2021
    Dewas Premiere
  • VIP Fest
    Barcelona
    Spain
    February 28, 2021
    'Best Horror' Winner, 'Best Director' Nomination
  • Europa Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    March 31, 2021
    'Best Actress (Briana White), Best Edition, Best Thriller-Terror-Horror-Psychological' Nominations
  • North Europe International Film Festival
    London, England
    United Kingdom
    April 5, 2021
    'Best Hair Make-Up & Body Design, Best Visual Effects Or Design, Best Original Screenplay Of A Feature Film, Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Durst), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Picardo), Best Lead Actress (Briana White), Best Lead Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Director, Best Film' Nominations
  • Global Monthly Online Film Competition (GMOFC)
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    April 9, 2021
    Best Feature Film, Best Cinematography Feature, Best Editor Feature
  • Best Director Award™ – New York
    New York, New York
    United States
    May 5, 2021
    'Platinum Award: Best Director Of A Horror' Winner
  • Bridge Fest
    Vancouver
    Canada
    May 6, 2021
    Best Supporting Male in Feature Film (Michael Pugliese)
  • Forum Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    July 31, 2021
    'Best Noir-Psychological-Underground, Best Director' Nominations
  • Big Ben International Film Festival
    London, England
    United Kingdom
    July 31, 2021
    ‘Best Actor - Fiction (Michael Pugliese), Best Actress - Fiction (Briana White), Best Horror / Science Fiction / Genre Feature Film’ Winner, ‘Best Director: Russ Emanuel - Outstanding’ Nomination
  • FLICKFAIR Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    August 1, 2021
  • Swedish International Film Festival
    Arvika
    Sweden
    August 10, 2021
    Arvika Premiere
    'Best Sci-Fi Film, Best Supporting Actor (Michael Pugliese)' Winner, 'Best Director, Best Actor (Robert Picardo), Best Actress (Briana White)' Nominations
  • West Europe International Film Festival
    Brussels
    Belgium
    August 14, 2021
    Brussels Premiere
    'Best Original Screenplay of a Feature Film' Winner, 'Best Hair, Make-Up and Body Design, Best Supporting Actor (Robert Picardo), Best Lead Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Film' Nominations
  • Jade Jaguar Cinema Festival
    Vitória, ES
    Brazil
    August 22, 2021
    Vitória Premiere
    Quarter-Finalist
  • Author Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    September 30, 2021
    'Best Feature Fiction' Winner, Best Actress (Briana White)' Nomination
  • Focus International Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    October 1, 2021
    'Best Supporting Actor Feature Film (Robert Picardo), Best Supporting Actress Feature Film (Jennifer Durst), Best Visual Effects Feature Film' Winner, 'Best Feature Film, Best Director Feature Film, Best Actor Feature Film (Michael Pugliese), Best Actress Feature Film (Briana White), Best Cinematography Feature Film, Best Editing Feature Film, Best Sound Design Feature Film, Best Score Feature Film, Best Practical Effects Feature Film, Best Story Feature Film' Nominations
  • Grand Junction Film Festival
    Grand Junction, Colorado
    United States
    October 3, 2021
    Grand Junction Premiere
  • Alternative Indie Pro Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    October 31, 2021
    ‘Best Feature Experimental’ Winner, 'Best Actress (Briana White), Best Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Documentary-Feature, Best Edition' Nominations
  • Juggernaut Sci-Fi & Fantasy Film Festival
    Chicago, Illinois
    United States
    November 5, 2021
  • Black Cat Award
    ‏‎Ciudad La Paz
    Bolivia, Plurinational State of
    November 11, 2021
  • Roswell Sci Fi Film Fest
    Roswell, New Mexico
    United States
    November 14, 2021
  • High Tatras Film & Video Festival
    Dolný Smokovec Vysoké Tatry, Prešovský kraj
    Slovakia
    November 24, 2021
    Slovakia Premiere
    'Best Actress' Winner
  • Teknochat Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    November 30, 2021
    'Best Feature Thriller' Winner, 'Best Experimental, Best Edition - Special Effects' Nominations
  • World Film Carnival - Singapore
    Singapore
    Singapore
    November 30, 2021
    Singapore Premiere
    ‘Best Actress (Briana White)’ Winner, ‘Outstanding Achievement Award: Narrative Feature, Horror/Science Fiction/Genre Feature Film, Best Actor (Robert Picardo), Best Supporting Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Editing’
  • San Francisco Another Hole in the Head Film Festival
    San Francisco, California
    United States
    December 1, 2021
  • Shockfest Film Festival Silver Bullet Virtual Screening
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    United States
    December 10, 2021
    'Golden Stake Award: Honorable Mention'
  • V.i.Z. Film Fest
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    December 11, 2021
    'Best Feature Film, Best Feature Film Director' Winner, 'Best Feature Film Actor ( Michael Pugliese), Best Feature Film Actor (Robert Picardo), Best Feature Film Actress (Briana White), Best Feature Film Cinematography, Best Feature Film Screenwriter' Nominations
  • The 48 Hours Film-Countdown
    New York, New York
    United States
    December 23, 2021
    'Best Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Actress (Briana White), Best Director, Best Editing, Best Feature Film, Best Horror Science Fiction Feature Film, Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Durst)' Winner
  • Summer Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    December 31, 2021
    'Best Experimental' Winner, 'Best Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Edition, Best Script' Nominations
  • AVA Digital Awards
    Dallas, Texas
    United States
    January 17, 2022
    'Platinum Winner: Directing'
  • Love Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    February 28, 2022
    'Best Experimental' Nomination
  • South America Awards
    São Paulo, SP
    Brazil
    April 18, 2022
    'Best Screenplay Feature Film, Best Sound Design Feature Film' Nominations
  • SounDance Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    April 30, 2022
    'Best Feature Thriller' Winner, 'Best Edition' Nomination
  • World Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    April 30, 2022
    'Best Experimental, Best Edition' Nominations
  • Budapest Movie Awards
    Budapest
    Hungary
    June 11, 2022
    Hungary Premiere
    'Best Horror' Winner
  • Iconic Images Film Festival
    Goštauto, Vilnius
    Lithuania
    June 16, 2022
    Lithuania Premiere
    'Best Horror/Thriller Film' Winner
  • dotCOMM Awards
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    July 8, 2022
    'Platinum Winner: Video Creativity – Directing' Winner
  • Forum Film Festival (Serie B, Underground)
    Barcelona
    Spain
    July 31, 2022
    'Best Feature Experimental' Winner, 'Serie B, Underground, Edition' Nominations
  • Festigious International Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    September 6, 2022
    'Best Actress (Briana White), Best Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Ensemble (Briana White, Michael Pugliese, Robert Picardo, Chalet Lizette Brannan, Chris Winters, Scott Brown), Best Cinematography, Best Original Story, Best Indie Feature, Best Horror, Best Director (Feature), Best Picture' Winner
  • Beaufort Film Festival
    Beaufort, North Carolina
    United States
    October 7, 2022
  • Viddy Awards
    Dallas, Texas
    United States
    October 12, 2022
    'Gold Winner: Broadcast Creativity – Directing'
  • MarCom Awards
    Dallas, Texas
    United States
    October 18, 2022
    'Platinum Award: Video/Film – Directing' Winner
  • Golden Merlion Awards
    Singapore
    Singapore
    November 19, 2022
    'Best Actor (Female) - Briana White' Winner
  • Tietê International Film Awards
    Tietê, São Paulo
    Brazil
    December 10, 2022
    Tietê Premiere
    ‘Best Feature Film, Best Lead Actress Feature Film (Briana White), Best Lead Actor Feature Film (Michael Pugliese), Best Screenplay Feature Film, Best Cinematography Feature Film, Best Editing Feature Film’ Nominations
  • Dramatica Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    December 31, 2022
    'Best Experimental, Best Script' Nominations
  • VIP Fest 2023
    Barcelona
    Spain
    February 28, 2023
    'Best Experimental' Nomination
  • Real Image Film Festival
    Barcelona
    Spain
    May 31, 2023
  • Philadelphia Film Awards
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    United States
    September 28, 2023
    'Best Feature Film' Winner
  • Golden Fern Film Awards
    West Bengal
    India
    September 30, 2023
    'Best Actor (Robert Picardo), Best Film Score – Soundtrack (Critic’s Choice Award), Best Producer (Critic’s Choice Award), Best VFX Artist (Outstanding Achievement Award), Horror Film, Narrative Feature (Critic’s Choice Award)' Winner
  • NYX Video Awards
    New York, New York
    United States
    October 2, 2023
    “Grand Award: Broadcast / Television - Sci-Fi” Winner
  • Haunted House FearFest Film Festival
    New York City
    United States
    October 5, 2023
    'Best Psychological Feature' Nomination
  • W³ Awards
    New York, New York
    United States
    October 7, 2023
    ‘Silver Winner: Video Features - Best Directing, Branded Entertainment – Entertainment’
  • Tabriz Cinema Awards
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    October 21, 2023
  • The Thing In The Basement Horror Fest
    Seattle, Washington
    United States
    October 31, 2023
    Seattle Premiere
  • Star City Film Festival
    Waukon, Iowa
    United States
    November 11, 2023
    'Director’s Achievement Award, Best Feature Film' Winner
  • Close Film Festival
    Konya
    Turkey
    December 30, 2023
    'Da Vinci Special Section' Winner
  • Venus Community Awards
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    December 31, 2023
    'Best of the Year' Nomination
  • Film Basement Horror Film Awards
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    March 23, 2024
    'Best Premise Award – Feature Film' Winner
  • Hermes Creative Awards
    Dallas, Texas
    United States
    June 14, 2024
    'Platinum Winner: Electronic Media / Social Media / Interactive Media | Video Creativity | 187. Directing'
  • BR Banshee Festival
    Rio de Janeiro
    Brazil
    May 13, 2024
    ‘Horror Feature Film: Best Screenplay, Best Actress (Briana White), Best Actor (Michael Pugliese), Best Director’ Winner, ‘Best Horror Feature, Horror Feature Film: Best Editing’ Nominations
  • The Romford Film Festival
    London, England
    United Kingdom
    May 24, 2024
  • Jersey Shore Film Festival
    Asbury Park, Deal Park, and Red Bank, New Jersey
    United States
    June 23, 2024
  • Kookai International Film Festival
    Tamil Nadu
    India
    September 10, 2024
    'Best Horror Film' Winner
  • Happenstance Horror Fest
    Salem, Massachusetts
    United States
    November 2, 2024
    'Honorable Mention'
  • Island of Horror Film Fest
    Wye Mills, Maryland
    United States
    November 2, 2024
    ‘Best Use of a Former Star Trek Actor (Robert Picardo)’ Winner, ‘The Features Award’ Nomination
  • Maharaja Film Festival
    Gujarat
    India
    December 8, 2024
Distribution Information
  • ITN Distribution
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Russ Emanuel

Russell "Russ" Emanuel is an award-winning American director, producer, and independent filmmaker, having directed such actors as John Heard, Robert Picardo, Vincent Pastore, Glynnis O'Connor, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Jeremy London, Ryan Hurst, William Devane, Marina Sirtis, Sean Kenney, Armin Shimerman, and Gary Graham. Originally from San Francisco, he grew up in both Japan and the United States, garnering an international viewpoint of the world throughout his childhood. After graduating from the University of Southern California to study Cinema-Television, he founded Russem Productions in 2002 in order to promote his short films including GIRL WITH GUN (2005) and documentary RESTORATION OF PARADISE (2014), as well as current films COLLAR (2017), THE ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE (2018), and THE ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE II (2021). Presently, WISPER (2020) marks Emanuel's fifth foray into feature filmmaking, after having directed P.J. (2007), CHASING THE GREEN (2009), THE LEGENDS OF NETHIAH (2012), and OCCUPANTS (2015).

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

For me, “Occupants” was a wonderful experience.

It employed a new style of filmmaking that I never explored before – that of the “found footage” concept. It required an entirely new outlook. Gone was the classic narrative setup of an establishing shot, wide shot, medium shots, and close-ups: Now it was replaced by a point-of-view type of perspective, from a “webcam” / “security camera” or a “handheld” format.

While certain elements were made easier (for example, less camera setups), it was made more difficult in other respects. For example, one scene would be only one shot – so all elements in that one shot had to be "perfect" (from the acting to the lighting). Definitely more challenging, but a lot of fun!

And not only was I able to work with my producing partner, Howard Nash again, but this film teamed me up with various crew members I have come to know from previous collaborations, including my DP / editor Emile Haris and my key gaffer / 1st assistant camera Jorge Hernandez. And of course, it's always a pleasure to direct Robert Picardo, with whom this was my fifth collaboration.

Notwithstanding the above, we raised our money for this film in an “out-of-the-box” way – through crowd funding methods via the site, IndieGoGo. We began by filming a “Video Teaser”, introducing our project. And throughout the next 60 days of our fundraising, we were able to persuade family and friends (and complete strangers) to have faith in our project. We ultimately raised 106% of our goal!

Along for the ride were a new cast and crew that I had the pleasure of meeting and working with. Briana White and Michael Pugliese were both wonderful and brilliant choices to play our lead characters, Annie and Neil. Their characters’ complexities hit close to home for me (for aren’t we all human, with our own human frailties and “inconsistent” behavior?). It was intriguing to have these two actors play dual roles – both a “good” and a “bad” version. Since both versions were genetically identical, the characters begin to doubt not only each other, but themselves, which made for an amazing experience to see their dualities explored.

It was also great to work with writer Julia Camara, unit production manager Jennifer Durst, 1st assistant director Clifford Breakfield, production designer Tatiana Kuilanoff, key costumer Nina Minnelli, key makeup artist Alisha L. Baijounas, script supervisor Alexandria Sanders, still photographers Jack Roth and Janeen Berryman, and our behind-the-scenes videographer, Eric Kask.

We also dabbled into "viral marketing" by creating a website for the Peterson Research Institute (P.R.I.) to tie it into the film itself. The P.R.I. company has various "testimonial videos" of people who saw parallel universes. These cases range up to Case 831 which the feature film itself is about (http://www.pri-research.info).

Furthermore, we created a 24 page comic book tie-in based on another "testimonial video" we filmed - Case 285 based on a "Lee Mitchell" and his story, which is now fully funded via Indiegogo as of March 9, 2016 (http://igg.me/at/occupantscomicbook/x/7977592).

With this incredible collaboration between cast and crew, “Occupants” has now attained final completion. That said, I hope you'll enjoy our film, and my fourth foray into feature filmmaking.

-- Russ Emanuel