Private Project

Murder & Moonbeams

"It's too early for hysterics...how many crazy people do I have to talk to today?"

A washed-up detective who runs a laundromat is about to get his hands dirty investigating the gruesome killing of singer Lily DeMoines, whose hit song currently haunts the airwaves. Her sister insists the police were involved in the murder and the ever-present moon distorts Pierro's mind and his ability to investigate the crime. The absinthe didn't help either.

As his radio whispers him clues and plagued by street musicians, Pierro stumbles towards the truth, propelled by music and blinded by moonlight.

  • Krizia Maria Torres
    Director
    All of Them Women
  • Molly J. Brown
    Writer
  • Bo White
    Key Cast
    "Detective Pierro "
  • Liza Ortiz
    Key Cast
    "Lily DeMoines, Pilar DeMoines, The Singer, The Psychic, Radio (voice)"
  • Ned Brownlow
    Key Cast
    "Newscaster (voice), Officer Redding, Absinthe Barkeep"
  • Molly J. Brown
    Key Cast
    "Bandleader"
  • Erik Berns
    Key Cast
    "Shadow Barkeep, Stagehand"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Noir, Musical, Black Comedy
  • Runtime:
    55 minutes 3 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 29, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    250 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, HD 1080p
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Film Premiere
    Charlotte, NC
    United States
    December 29, 2022
    World Premiere
Director Biography - Krizia Maria Torres

Krizia Maria Torres currently lives in Charlotte. She is a member of the board of directors at Goodyear Arts, an artist-led, nonprofit residency and multi-arts events program. She is also a player in the local band, Patois Counselors. "Murder & Moonbeams" is the fourth project she has directed, shot, and edited.

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Director Statement

"Murder & Moonbeams" is an adaptation of the original fringe musical written by Molly J. Brown.

The film gave us an opportunity to leave the stage and showcase even more of the local music and art community in Charlotte. Beloved music venues and art galleries make up most of its filming locations–Snug Harbor, Petra's Bar, The Milestone Club, and Goodyear Arts among them.

We get to follow Detective Pierro as he haphazardly wanders in and out of these familiar places looking for clues. Along with the original cast, we were able to include a few short "cameos" from other local players as well as feature artwork from a handful of Charlotte-based artists. The detective even unknowingly gives us a tour of some of the city's public art murals.

"Murder & Moonbeams" is a film created entirely by (and as a celebration of) the flourishing indie art scene here in Charlotte.