Private Project

W A N D E R L U S T: A Musical Noir

A gritty dramatic visual album written & directed by hip hop rocker, Caktuz. This 3 episode mini-series follows the story of a street hustler turned wandering musician, coming back to his hometown (High Point, North Carolina) that is now stricken with an ominous presence that drives it’s infected to violent acts of blind rage.

Upon return Caktuz struggles with his tumultuous past with local street boss, Mamma Bird, and his own smoldering demons. While taking refuge in his music (Hip Hop) and a steamy love affair with ex-lover, Starr, he vows to escape once again, and find a way out by any means, before the town swallows them as alive.

Musically driven in likes of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”, The Beatles’ “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band”, or Prince’s “Purple Rain”; W A N D E R L U S T is a 120 minute film with an accompanying soundtrack encompassing a variety of genres including pop, blues, rock, soul, funk, EDM, and trap. It features guest vocals from [Blaque] Bird, Evil Twin, Jay Mail, Mic Blaque, Path P., Blizzy Bambu, and production from Ronve’, BenNY FoxMORE, as well as Sille Star & Lil Mickey from Cak’s band DOPESHiTE.

  • Caktuz
    Director
  • Caktuz
    Writer
  • [Blaque] Bird
    Writer
  • Caktuz
    Producer
  • [Blaque] Bird
    Producer
  • Zelma Higgs
    Producer
  • Caktuz
    Key Cast
  • [Blaque] Bird
    Key Cast
  • Zelma Higgs
    Key Cast
  • Jay Mail
    Key Cast
  • Fredericka Bradshaw
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Feature, Music Video, Web / New Media, Other
  • Genres:
    Drama, Music
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 18 minutes 39 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 14, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    American Samoa
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital DSLR
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Caktuz

"Lightning in a bottle"...Is the term that best describes North Carolina hip hop artist Caktuz [pronounced Cactus]. This eclectic country boy learned video editing sneaking out of Geometry class into a pre-college broadcasting course in his high school. A big fish in a small pond, Caktuz took his dreams to Brooklyn, NY. With his multiple talents & street hustler savvy he quickly immersed himself into the NY underground and found a platform as host of the Wheatbread Radio podcast.

As a successful alternative hip hop artist already having toured the UK twice, released 3 solo indie albums, and a single with M.O.P. veteran Billy Danze's Sony Red imprint We Build Hits, Caktuz turned his focus to more challenging work through acting. A chance run in with producers for The Eddie Black Story would land him a voiceover role as a radio DJ in the film. Caktuz caught his 1st break as a walk on and Director of Animation for Melvin Van Peebles'; 'The Adventures of A Ex-Dufus Itchy Footed Mutha'. Later his illustration work on Van Peebles' graphic novel of the film would catch the eye of Wesley Snipes, turning into an opportunity to storyboard for his movie 'Gallow Walker'.

From 2011-2013, Caktuz co-hosted, co-wrote, produced, & edited Radio One's skit comedy web series 'ThatsWhatsUp!' and 'Sports Stoop'. Attracting a fanbase of over 450,000+, online users every week. These webisodes held the top rated spot for original content at the company for 3yrs. Since then this country strange fruit has landed several gigs on stage, short film, and small screen including a befitting role as a go-go band leader on an episode of VH1's 'The Breaks'.

Currently Caktuz is producing for the go-go documentary series; 'CRANK!' as well as shopping his 1st self-directed musical noir, W A N D E R L U S T, for network. A witch’s brew of talent, in short, Caktuz is a provocatively new engaging personality on today’s silver screen.

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