CASTLES & CREATURES: The Axe of Fate

Four adventures travel to meet their fate as they close in on an object of great power, but there may be a betrayer in their midst!

  • Joel Hennessy
    Director
  • Joel Hennessy
    Writer
  • Joel Hennessy
    Producer
  • Deborah Emmanuel
    Producer
  • Shari-fay Bowen
    Key Cast
    "Lady Death Blade/Anna"
  • Brandyn Richardson
    Key Cast
    "Brentathor/Brent"
  • Christian Cusson
    Key Cast
    "Timotheous/Tim"
  • Nick Casal
    Key Cast
    "Stealsalot/Steve"
  • Mike Warshauer
    Key Cast
    "Zack"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Fantasy, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 39 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 9, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    21,312 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - New York Film Academy
  • New York International Film Awards
    New York, New York
    United States
    December 6, 2025
    North American Premiere
    Best Fantasy Film Winner
Director Biography - Joel Hennessy

Joel Hennessy is an award winning filmmaker from Rochester, New York based in New York City. He is an Air Force Veteran, and winner of the Academic Certificate of Excellence in Film. He is best known for writing and directing the award winning short films “Castles & Creatures: The Axe of Fate” and “The Mr. Sprinkles Super Happy Fun Time Show”. Joel’s filmography is heavily influenced by Syfy and fantasy stories, his love of film stemming from TRON: Legacy and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. As a story teller he finds that the most meaningful tales that stick with us are the ones that find their emotional impact within the absurdity of a fantastical world or plot. Joel is the Director of the award winning short "Tides of Grief" and Producer for the upcoming film “Tumbleweed: A Walk in High Cotton”. He has also been assistant director and gaffer for many other officially selected projects. He has also been in multiple speaking roles in many of the films he has worked on.

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Director Statement

I've always wanted to tell genuine human stories set in a fantastical world. In my experience, it provides the audience with much needed escapism while still touching on themes and emotions that acknowledge what we go through in the real world. This film is made to celebrate the genre of fantasy, whlie pointing out that you still have to face the music in real life... be it in a comedic way.