Private Project

Dion & Denver

In the late 1960s, an aging Dion DiMucci, struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly changing America, meets an ambitious young John Denver who helps reignite his passion for music and reminds him of their place in the cultural spotlight.

  • Zack Hosseini
    Director
    A Cotton Moon
  • Danny DiTorrice
    Writer
    Gabagoons, Oldscool
  • Tessa Leibowitz
    Writer
  • Gehrig Campbell-Dempsey
    Producer
    A Cotton Moon
  • Rayce Lopez
    Producer
    A Cotton Moon
  • Danny DiTorrice
    Producer
    A Cotton Moon
  • Matthew Fresolone
    Producer
  • Morgan Rutter
    Producer
  • Zack Hosseini
    Producer
    A Cotton Moon
  • Danny DiTorrice
    Key Cast
    "Dion DiMucci"
  • David San Miguel
    Key Cast
    "John Denver"
  • Dana Mackin
    Key Cast
    "Jo"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Zack Hosseini

Born and raised in Georgia, Zack swapped peach trees for palm trees when he followed his unyielding passion for storytelling to Los Angeles. From a young age, Zack was spinning tales and recruiting his brother to star in his homemade movies. This early burst of creativity set the stage for a lifelong love affair with filmmaking, eventually leading Zack to become an award-winning director and editor with over a decade of experience.

Zack's portfolio is a kaleidoscope of thrilling narratives, stylish music videos, and captivating branded content. His work has captivated millions online and at prestigious festivals such as Palm Springs ShortFest, San Diego Comic-Con, Chelsea Film Festival, FilmQuest, and the Phoenix Film Festival.

A proud graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Zack was drawn into the world of elevated genre films, intertwining psychological depth with complex characters to break the mold of traditional storytelling. His unique vision shines in his recent narrative shorts, “A COTTON MOON,” a psychological thriller starring Eric Roberts, and “DION & DENVER,” a revisionist history short imagining a chance encounter between Dion DiMucci and John Denver in 1968 Los Angeles.

With an editor's keen eye, Zack has edited compelling content for iconic brands like Nike, AT&T, Google, American Express, Universal Pictures, Mattel, DreamWorks, The New York Times, and Credit Karma. His knack for blending commercial precision with narrative flair sets his work apart, elevating numerous high-profile campaigns. One of his favorite projects involved collaborating with Mattel to produce a high-octane sizzle that captured the global, timeless impact of the Hot Wheels brand, incorporating hundreds of diverse assets into 90 emotionally resonant seconds.

As a screenwriter, Zack's storytelling acumen has earned him a spot in the coveted Top 10 on the Coverfly Red List and as a finalist in screenplay competitions such as ScreenCraft, Film Pipeline, and WeScreenplay.

Now settled in Los Angeles, Zack is busy developing several pulse-pounding narrative features. As the founder of Chaos Theory Entertainment, he and his creative team remain dedicated to creating stories that defy expectations and leave an indelible mark on audiences. Looking to the future, Zack aims to push the boundaries of innovation and entertainment through groundbreaking cinema, and whatever art and technology the future may hold.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In a world constantly shifting beneath our feet, where the rush of time threatens to leave even the brightest stars in the rearview, comes the story of "Dion & Denver." Set against the turbulent canvas of late 1960s America, our film weaves together the lives of an aging Dion DiMucci, searching for his place amidst the metamorphosis of a nation, and the incandescent John Denver, burning bright with an undying passion for music.

Over a fleeting span of two days, my team and I, armed with a vision, found ourselves battling the unpredictable temper of Mother Nature. As a surprise storm claimed Los Angeles, rain blanketed our outdoor sets. But like the unyielding spirit of our protagonists, we forged ahead, capturing what I believe to be cinematic magic. This serendipitous storm, instead of becoming an obstacle, became an ally, adding an unscheduled depth and texture to the narrative.

This is not just a tale of two musicians, but a journey through the very heart of American culture, from the harmonic croons of the 50s to the soul-stirring ballads of the 60s. It's a time capsule, a bridge that spans across eras, genres, and emotions. The euphony of doo-wop, the resonance of folk, the vigor of rock, the warmth of country—each note echoes a piece of a larger mosaic.

Watching David San Miguel, it's impossible not to be moved by the fervent spirit of John Denver he invokes. Danny DiTorrice, with equal commitment, breathes life into the essence of Dion with charm and grace. Both actors' performances not only pay homage to these legendary figures but resonate deeply with those who hold their music dear.

This film is an ode, a love letter—to Dion, to John, to every fan, and to the indelible marks they've etched into the annals of culture. It’s a commitment to authenticity, a pledge to respect legacies that have woven the soundtrack to countless lives. Every time the film rolls, there's an innate warmth, a feel-good aura that lingers, a testament to our dedication to these icons.

"Dion & Denver" is more than a short film—it’s a journey through time, a dance of melodies, and above all, a tribute to the undying power of music. As you watch, I hope you'll not only relive the iconic tunes of these legends but also feel the heart, passion, and determination that went into every frame.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Warmly,
Zack Hosseini