The Sasqualogist
In the Colorado Rockies, a researcher and his young protégé track a Sasquatch, uncovering the emotional depth of their adventure and the influence of fatherhood.
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Joseph GrandaDirectorThe Healing Garden
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Joseph GrandaWriterThe Healing Garden
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Joseph GrandaProducerThe Big Empty
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Brandon SwartzKey Cast"Marty"
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Project Type:Feature
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Runtime:1 hour 29 minutes
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Completion Date:May 15, 2024
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Sony Cinema
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Joseph Granda has a multifaceted career in the entertainment and art worlds. Trained in NYC under the esteemed William Alderson in the Meisner technique, Joseph's journey spans stage, film, and visual arts.
Film Development
As the Head of Film Development at Merkel Media, Joseph Granda has produced several notable projects:
The Shape of Shadows (Summer 2023)
Sasquatch and the Missing Man tells the story of Wes Germer, host of The Sasquatch Chronicles.
The Sasqualogist: Set for a Summer 2025 release, Joseph wrote, directed, and starred in this film alongside Brandon Swartz.
Project X with Merkel Media is currently in post production.
Bitcoin film
The Big Empty: A collaboration with Galaxy Digital and director William Foxley, this film explores the impact of Bitcoin mining on a small Texas town.
Writing and Directing
The Sasqualogust Joseph wrote, directed and starred in this feature film set for a (2025) release.
The Healing Garden (March 2021): Joseph wrote and directed this critically acclaimed and financially successful film.
Recently adapted Douglas Wilson's novel "Ride Sally Ride" for the screen.
Television
Miracle Hunter: A TV show currently in development with external producers.
Stage
Originated the role of Tippy in Broadway’s "Club House Madness." Acclaimed performance as Tchaikovsky in the off-Broadway play based on the composer's life, hailed as "inspiration" by The New York Times.
Acting
Joseph has shared the screen with numerous Hollywood stars:
Opposite Mira Sorvino in "Amongst Friends"
With Keanu Reeves in "A Walk in the Clouds"
Opposite Eric Roberts, Theresa Russell, and James Marsden in HBO’s "Public Enemies"
With Snoop Dogg and LL Cool J in "Caught Up"
Recently starred in "The PK's" for Loor.tv
Screenwriting
Credits include "Smells Like School Spirit" and "Winning at Waterloo." "White Noise," purchased by Saleem Films.
Finalist for the 2015 Kairos Prize for "Out of the Flatirons."
Wrote and directed "The Healing Garden."
Recently completed "The Super Awesome," which he is also producing.
"The Marriage of Adam and Eve": A screenplay likened to Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ."
Production Experience
Worked as personal assistant to director Abel Ferrara on films including "King of New York" and "Bad Lieutenant."
Collaborated with icons such as Christopher Walken, Harvey Keitel, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Val Kilmer.
Extensive experience in commercial production as a Second Assistant Director and First AD with Paul Dektor and Tony Scott.
Why Bigfoot?
At the tender age of 10, my father walked away from our home, vanishing from my life forever. Years later, his lifeless body was discovered near the Sequoia National Forest. The absence of a father casts a haunting shadow over a young man, leaving behind a lingering void that never truly dissipates. It took me years to unravel the roots of my obsession with Bigfoot, tracing it back to the loss of my father amidst the wilderness of abandonment.
From childhood memories of the Six Million Dollar Man grappling with Sasquatch to my adulthood compulsion to collect Bigfoot memorabilia, each encounter served as a silent yearning for a surrogate guide through life's dense forests. "THE SASQUALOGIST" is not merely a movie; it's a journey into the depths of human longing, a quest for connection with something larger than ourselves.
During my research for the film, I delved into the world of Sasquatch enthusiasts, discovering a diverse community united by their love, reverence, and unwavering belief in this enigmatic creature. Within this community, there are two distinct factions: the "Aper's," who view Sasquatch as a yet-to-be-discovered hominid, and the "Woo's," who perceive it as an otherworldly being. With this film, I sought to navigate the complex terrain of Sasquatch lore with respect, infusing it with subtle humor and presenting compelling evidence for both camps.
Regardless of your stance on Sasquatch, "THE SASQUALOGIST" promises to leave you with a profound understanding of the legend and a newfound appreciation for the significance of paternal guidance in our lives, whether we've experienced it firsthand or yearn for its presence. With the heartfelt dedication poured into every aspect of this film, I am confident that you will embrace it with the same fervor and affection that fueled its creation. - Joseph Granda