Preview of the Films “Full Moon Fathers” To Bring Horror to Malta
MALTA – On October 16, local filmmaker and musician Sean Cranston will preview his film Fathers Full Moon at the Malta Drive-In, as part of an evening’s entertainment that also includes an art show and live music.
The year is 1979. On the run from the law, a vicious biker gang, known as The Full Moon Fathers, wakes up from a night of partying in the woods to find one of their members murdered. While all fingers are pointing at each other, another, more sinister presence enters.
Full Moon Fathers is the brainchild of Sean Cranston. He is a self-described “ramblin'” guy, trying to survive and make the best of it [I] he can.” (My apologies to Dickey Betts, but a quote is a quote.) Cranston is a drum instructor and show director at The Albany School of Rock by day, and “had an irresistible urge to create something that went against the heart of the “teenagers explore a haunted place “movies”. He observed that some veterans are not very afraid in this world, because of what they have seen and lived. A story shared with him by a friend allowed him to add elements of real life, and which led to an effort to write a story that tests the limits in an otherwise uncontrolled situation of the world.
The self-funded project allowed Cranston to immerse himself in the scenery and history in the woods of Schuylerville NY, where he lived for two years making this film. He characterized it as “fun,” which is probably true, compared to the effort required to keep the wheels turning over the four years to bring it to screen. Cranston used some preparation skills when he continued to use the Malta Drive-In, due to the continued unpredictability of Covid. Making it so people could watch the movie in a car with their pod was a nice touch. (We public health folks love it!)
Future plans for the film include possible Video-on-Demand distribution (depending on reception) and the release of his novella based on the film, with hand-drawn illustrations to accompany each chapter.
Before the display of Fathers Full Moon, a terrifying short film, “Holiday Spirit”, by Crantson’s dear friend Bailey Victoria (writer and director) will be shown. The School of Rock House Band is a group of “crazy talented” youngsters who will kick off the night with some classic rock n roll tunes.
A drive-in in October? To watch a scary movie? Or two? When is the veil between the living and the dead thinning? Do you dare? Oh, what could happen?
- Written & Directed: Sean Cranston
- Cinematography and Editing: Jim Powers
- Art Director and Production Design: John Stegemann
- Starring: Michael F Hayes, Paul Sacchetti, Stephen Croce, Joules Davis, Tim Roberts, Bill Kelleher, Vegas Nacy, Joe Reilly, Jim Wertman Jr, Hap Winters, Jesse Calhoun, Jerry Warren, with Andy Jacek, Gemma Nacy, John Mcghee, & Jerry Gretzinger (Note by M. Miller: yes, that JG from WNYT)