Wikipedia

Drew Fortier

Andrew Lawrence Fortier (born July 14, 1987) is an American musician, guitarist, filmmaker, actor, and author. He is best known for his work with The Lucid; which he cofounded alongside Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge), David Ellefson (ex Megadeth), and Mike Heller (Fear Factory).[1][2] He was guitarist for the now late Chuck Mosley (Faith No More).[3] He has directed and edited the documentary Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie as well as the David Ellefson produced horror film Dwellers which Fortier also wrote and stars in.[4] He is the author of Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious which is an autobiography on his career thus far.

Drew Fortier
Fortier with The Lucid
Fortier with The Lucid
Background information
Birth nameAndrew Lawrence Fortier
Born (1987-07-14) July 14, 1987 (age 37)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • guitarist
  • filmmaker
  • actor
  • author
InstrumentGuitar
Years active2011-present
LabelsSpoiler Head Records
Member ofThe Lucid
Formerly ofBang Tango

Biography

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Fortier was born and raised on the southside of Chicago. He met hard rock band Bang Tango in June 2011 where they offered to let him shoot a studio documentary while they were in Chicago recording their album Pistol Whipped in the Bible Belt; Fortier agreed to the project which eventually grew from a studio documentary to a feature-length film about the band's career up to that point titled Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie. After completing the film, Fortier went on to join Bang Tango as second guitarist alongside Rowan Robertson.[5]

After Bang Tango, Fortier joined Chuck Mosley's band as guitarist up until his passing in November 2017 which led to him writing a memoir about his experiences with Bang Tango and Mosley titled Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious.

As an actor, Fortier appears in the films Her Name Was Christa, Brimstone Incorporated, and Dwellers which he also wrote, directed, and edited.

In 2021 he cofounded The Lucid alongside Sponge vocalist Vinnie Dombroski, ex Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, and Fear Factory drummer Mike Heller. The band released their debut self titled album in fall 2021.

Film career

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Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie

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Main article: Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie

Fortier took 4 years filming and editing what would become a documentary on 80's hard rock band Bang Tango. Originally intended as a studio documentary, the scope of the film grew once original members of the band became involved and more information was revealed regarding the band's history. The film was never given an official release due to clearance issues regarding usage of Bang Tango's back catalogue of music in the film which is owned by Universal Music.[6]

Aside from the inclusion of various members of Bang Tango throughout the band's career up to that point, interviews featured throughout the film include: Howard Benson, Riki Rachtman, Chris DeMakes, Mandy Lion, Andrew Wilkow, Chip Z'Nuff, as well as an opening narration by Twisted Sister's Dee Snider.[7]

The film had one free public screening in Fortier's hometown of Chicago, Illinois with Bang Tango in attendance in April 2015.[8]

Fortier became a member of Bang Tango days later as the band's second guitarist.[9]

Fortier released the film for free on YouTube in early 2016.[10]

In June 2018, Fortier released an 11-minute deleted/extended scene from the film, which contained footage from being on the road with the band as well as more insight into how the band operates while on tour.[11] Fortier made note that the footage was initially removed from the film due to its portrayal of the band members featured in the scenes.[12][13]

Reception

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Reviews of the film were positive. The general consensus is that despite its low budget, the film still manages to get its point across in an unbiased, artistic, and engaging manner while being able to appeal to not only fans of the band or genre, but to anyone not familiar with Bang Tango.

Thanks. And Sorry: The Chuck Mosley Movie

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Summer 2017, Fortier was recruited as guitarist for (Ex-Faith No More frontman) Chuck Mosley's solo band. During his time with the band, Fortier and Mosley explored the idea of a potential documentary to where Mosley would be the subject. Prior to his passing in November 2017 Mosley confirmed with Fortier that a documentary about his life should be made. The film is being produced by Mosley's long time manager and percussionist, Douglas Esper.[14]

In February 2018 it was announced that Thanks. And Sorry: The Chuck Mosley Movie was officially in production with a TBA release date.[15]

Dwellers

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Main article: Dwellers (film)

In May 2019, it was announced that Fortier will be writing, directing, and starring in the found footage horror film Dwellers which is being produced by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and Thom Hazaert via their newly formed production company Ellefson Films.[4] Along with Fortier, the film will also star James L. Edwards, Douglas Esper, Rick Jermain, and Jeff Hatrix.[16] Ellefson and Hazaert will also be appearing in the film as featured cameos.[17]

In August 2019, Ellefson Films released a 50-second teaser for the film which included a voice over from Canadian radio personality Mitch Lafon.

Ellefson Films hosted a Q&A panel at Rue Morgue's Frightmare in the Falls horror convention where Fortier and Ellefson revealed that the film will be a gritty found footage horror film that plays out as a documentary gone horribly wrong. Dwellers is described as being highly influenced by The Blair Witch Project and C.H.U.D.[18]

The full trailer for Dwellers was released via Ellefson Films in November 2019.[19][20]

Dwellers went on to be featured in various film festivals and won a selection of awards.[21]

The film was released on Blu-ray/DVD/streaming October 12, 2021.

Other works

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As a way to hone his filmmaking skills to aid the process of creating and completing Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie, Fortier experimented with shooting and editing music videos for Bang Tango, which resulted in clips for their songs: Live Life, I Like It, Bring on the World, and Suck It Up from the Pistol Whipped in the Bible Belt album.[22] This led to Fortier, through word of mouth, being hired to produce and edit promotional videos for such acts as: Vince Neil, Slaughter, Queensrÿche, Great White, Kix, Autograph, Lynch Mob, Vixen, Marty Casey, Les Warner, David Ellefson, Mark Slaughter, Jesse Camp, Doll Skin, A Killer's Confession, and more.[23]

After completing Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie, Fortier was in talks with Fear Factory for a proposed documentary on the band's career. A treatment for the film was drafted which led to meeting with members of the band to speak further about the idea. It was ultimately decided that due to the band's ongoing litigation with former members, it was not the right time for a film to be made.[24]

Music career

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Bang Tango

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Main article: Bang Tango
 
Fortier performing in 2017

After completing and screening Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie in April 2015, Fortier would go on to join the film's subject, Bang Tango, as their second guitarist making his live debut with the band at the 2015 edition of the M3 Festival in Maryland.[25] The decision to bring Fortier into the band was at the suggestion of Rowan Robertson who, as Bang Tango's lead guitarist, felt the band should be represented as having two guitarists to properly perform the material which was originally written and recorded with two guitarists.[26]

Despite having Fortier become a member of the band, frontman Joe Leste' showed disdain toward Fortier in the press regarding the way Leste' had been portrayed in the film.[27][28]

Fortier took a year long break performing with the band to work for Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson's EMP Label Group as their Operations Coordinator. Fortier worked closely with Ellefson and the label's Operations Director Thom Hazaert up until he returned to Bang Tango in August 2017.[29]

Chuck Mosley

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Main article: Chuck Mosley

Fortier joined Chuck Mosley's solo band early summer 2017. It was during this time that plans for a documentary on Mosley's life were discussed which would become Thanks. And Sorry: The Chuck Mosley Movie.[30]

The Lucid

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Main article: The Lucid

In September 2021 it was revealed that a new band consisting of Sponge vocalist Vinnie Dombroski, ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, Fear Factory drummer Mike Heller, and Fortier on guitar. The Lucid announced their debut single Maggot Wind along with an October 15 release date for their debut self titled album. The band released two more singles, "Damned" and "Hair", leading up to the release of their eponymous debut.[31]

In 2023 The Lucid released a 5 track EP titled Saddle Up and Ride. The release has a guest performance from Violent J (Insane Clown Posse) on its title track as well as "Sweet Toof" which is a reworking of the Faith No More song "Epic".

Other works

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In 2011, while shooting Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie and 4 years prior to joining the band, Fortier performed additional guitar and backing vocals on Bang Tango's Pistol Whipped in the Bible Belt album. His lead guitar parts can be heard in the choruses of the track Live Life, and his backing vocals can be heard in the choruses of the song Boombox Seance.[32] In 2015, Fortier co-founded the supergroup Zen From Mars along with Chip Z'Nuff (Enuff Z'Nuff), Brynn Arens (Flipp), Mike Heller (Fear Factory), Stephen Shareaux (Kik Tracee), and Kate Catalina. As of 2021, their debut album has yet to be released.[33] In June 2018, Fortier joined 90's hard rock band Flipp as their guitarist for a one-off show in Minnesota.[34]

Acting career

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In 2017, Fortier made his acting debut in the horror film Her Name Was Christa, written by, directed by, and starring James L. Edwards who would go on to become a frequent collaborator of Fortier's.[35]

Her Name Was Christa

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Main article: Her Name Was Christa

July 2017, Fortier was cast as a lead role in the Horror film Her Name Was Christa.[36] Directed by, written, and starring James L. Edwards, the film was released in February 2020 to very polarized reviews.[37]

Brimstone Incorporated

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Main article: Brimstone Incorporated

In 2021, Fortier co-starred in the low budget horror anthology Brimstone Incorporated as Gregory Asmodeus, who is the main character of the film's wraparound story. Fortier was praised by critics for his work in the film with Horror Society opining that, "Fortier was phenomenal as the sleazy corporate goon over interviewing the recently deceased. I really loved the character and the energy he gave him."[38] HorrorNews.net commented, "Drew Fortier did an amazing job as Gregory. You can tell he had a blast with the role and his performance is top-notch."[39]

Trivial

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In fall of 2021, it was announced that Fortier would be starring in the revenge horror film Trivial along with Sasha Graham.

Writing career

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Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious

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Fortier wrote an autobiography titled Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious which covers his career up until 2018.[40]

Rock Star Hitman

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In November 2020 it was announced that Fortier along with Megadeth bassist David Ellefson had co-written a fiction thriller novel titled Rock Star Hitman released in December 2020 via The Ellefson Book Co.[41]

Health

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In May 2022 it was revealed that Fortier had been diagnosed with Testicular cancer leading to him to have surgery removing his right testicle; as of June 2022, he is cancer free.[42]

Filmography

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Feature films

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Year Title Credited as Notes
Director Writer Editor
2015 Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie Yes Yes Yes Documentary
2021 Dwellers Yes Yes Yes
2024 Bunker Heights Yes Yes Yes

Acting roles

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Year Title Role Notes
2020 Her Name Was Christa Nick Perkins
Back Again The Assistant Short film
2021 Dwellers Drew
Brimstone Incorporated Gregory Asmodeus
2023 Trivial Brian Sands
2023 Dementophobia
2023 Wish Made Final Cain Short film
2024 Side Effects May Vary Jack Murray
2024 Deadly Endings The Angel
2024 Bunker Heights Derek Tucker

Music videos

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Year Title Artist Credited as Notes
Director Writer Editor
2011 "Live Life" Bang Tango Yes Yes Yes
2012 "I Like It" Bang Tango Yes Yes Yes
"Suck It Up" Bang Tango Yes Yes Yes
"Bring on the World" Bang Tango Yes Yes Yes
2013 "Lies" Mark Knight and the Unsung Heroes Yes Yes Yes
"Sink Your Teeth Into" Mark Knight and the Unsung Heroes Yes Yes Yes
2016 "How at the Moon" Green Denim Yes Yes Yes Intro by Lloyd Kaufman
2021 "Stitch" Sponge No Yes No Directed by James L. Edwards
2022 "Deaths of Despair" The Lucid Yes Yes Yes
"Hair" The Lucid No Yes Yes Directed by Hannah Fierman

Discography

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With Bang Tango

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  • Pistol Whipped in the Bible Belt (2012) - additional guitars and backing vocals

With Obszön Geschöpf

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  • Master Of Giallo (2018) - guitar on the song "The Death Kiss"

With Ellefson

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  • No Cover (2020) - lead and rhythm guitar on cover of "Downed" by Cheap Trick[43]

With The Lucid

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Bibliography

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  • Dark, Depressing, and Hilarious: My Bittersweet Journey In and Out of the Music Business
    • 2018 Hardcover ISBN 978-1-387-94185-8
    • 2018 Paperback ISBN 978-0-359-10604-2
    • 2018 Paperback (Amazon Edition) ISBN 978-1-718-10639-0
  • Rock Star Hitman

Accolades

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Fortier has received numerous awards internationally for the film Dwellers.[45]

Year Event Award Title Result
2021 Mad Monster Film Fest Best Horror Film[46] Dwellers Won
Bridgefest Best Horror Film Won
Screamwriting Festival Best Horror Film[47] Won
Vegas Movie Awards Best Horror Film[48] Won
LA Sci-Fi & Horror Festival Best Actor Won
Horrorhound Film Festival Midnight Madness Drinking Game[49] —
The Thing in the Basement Horror Fest Best Director[50] Won
Best Feature Film Nominated
Hollywood Blood Horror Fest Best Documentary[51] Won
Five Continents International Film Festival Best Horror Feature Film[52] Won
Best Editing Feature Film Nominated
Best Screenplay Feature Film Nominated
Horror Bowl Movie Awards Most Disturbing Scenes[53] Won
Crypticon Film Fest Most Shocking Indie Film (Minneapolis) Won
Most Shocking Indie Film (Kansas City) Won
National Independent Film Association Best Microbudget Film Won
2022 Rome International Movie Awards Best Actor[54] Won
Best Director Won
Best Documentary Won
White Unicorn International Film Festival Best Horror Feature Film Won
Dreamachine International Film Festival Best Music Video[55] The Lucid - "Hair" Won
Diamond Bell International Film Festival Best Music Video Won
Vegas Movie Awards Best Song[56] Won
Best Ensemble Won
Black Swan International Film Festival Best Music Video[57] Won
Horror Bowl Movie Awards Best Horror Music Video Won

References

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  1. ^ a b Childers, Chad (8 September 2021). "David Ellefson Launches New Band The Lucid, Reveal First Song Album Details". Loudwire. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  2. ^ Kennelty, Greg (2021-10-06). "David Ellefson's THE LUCID Streams New Song "Hair"". Metal Injection. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  3. ^ "Former Faith No More Singer Chuck Mosely To Be Joined By Bang Tango Guitarist Drew Fortier On Select Dates". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
  4. ^ a b "Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson To Produce Horror Film 'Dwellers'". blabbermouth.net. 2019-05-31. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
  5. ^ Development, PodBean. "#282 - Drew Fortier (Dwellers, Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie, The Lucid)". theoverlookhourpodcast.podbean.com. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  6. ^ "Attack Of Life: The Bang Tango Movie Streaming For Free". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
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  11. ^ "Producer Drew Fortier releases deleted road scene from 'Attack of Life: The Bang Tango Movie' – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. 19 June 2018. Retrieved 2018-06-25.
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  15. ^ "Filming Commences On "Thanks. And Sorry: The Chuck Mosley Movie" Documentary". Icon vs. Icon. 2018-02-20. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
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  17. ^ "Thrash to Horror: Famous Metal Bassist Tackles Horror for First Time". Dead Entertainment. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
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  20. ^ "Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson Posts Trailer From His New Horror Movie Dwellers". Metal Injection. 17 November 2019. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
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  22. ^ "Bang Tango Debut "I Like It" Video – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. 16 January 2012. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  23. ^ "'Attack of Life' Filmmaker Drew Fortier Launches New Production Company". Icon vs. Icon. 2017-10-04. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  24. ^ "Welcome to the American Underground (Pt.8) Chris Taylor talks with Drew Fortier, musician and film maker". HeadBangers Lifestyle. 2016-09-10. Archived from the original on 2018-07-09. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  25. ^ "M3 Rock Festival Day Two (Part 2) Concert Review – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. 16 July 2015. Retrieved 2018-02-28.
  26. ^ "Joe Lesté of Bang Tango Interview – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. 27 October 2015. Retrieved 2018-03-01.
  27. ^ Callwood, Brett (2017-01-16). "Underrated '80s Rockers Bang Tango Return to the Sunset Strip". L.A. Weekly. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
  28. ^ "Bang Tango movie creator Drew Fortier explains film ending that Joe Lesté dislikes – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
  29. ^ "Guitarist Drew Fortier returns to Bang Tango – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. 15 August 2017. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  30. ^ "There's A Documentary On Ex-Faith No More Frontman Chuck Mosley Coming - Metal Injection". Metal Injection. 2018-02-07. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  31. ^ Blabbermouth (2021-10-06). "DAVID ELLEFSON's Post-MEGADETH Project THE LUCID Releases Third Single, 'Hair'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  32. ^ "Drew Fortier". Discogs. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  33. ^ Blabbermouth (2016-08-09). "KIK TRACEE, ENUFF Z'NUFF, FEAR FACTORY Members Join Forces In ZEN FROM MARS Project". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  34. ^ "Flipp Recruit Drew Fortier As New Guitarist Recap ::Flipp News ::antiMusic.com". www.antimusic.com. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
  35. ^ AS | The Lucid (Mike Heller, Drew Fortier, Vinnie Dombroski, David Ellefson), retrieved 2021-10-21
  36. ^ "Bang Tango, ZFM Guitarist Drew Fortier To Star In New Horror Film, Her Name Was Christa". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
  37. ^ "'Her Name Was Christa' Is Both Brutally Honest And Strangely Comforting". PopHorror. 2019-06-27. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
  38. ^ "Brimstone Incorporated (Review)". Horror Society. 2021-04-12. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  39. ^ "Film Review: Brimstone Incorporated (2021)". Horror News | HNN. 2021-04-18. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  40. ^ BraveWords. "BANG TANGO Guitarist DREW FORTIER Shares Excerpt From Dark, Depressing, And Hilarious Autobiography". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  41. ^ BraveWords. "MEGADETH Bassist DAVID ELLEFSON, ZEN FROM MARS Guitarist DREW FORTIER Collaborate On New Book, Rock Star Hitman". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
  42. ^ Blabbermouth (2022-05-27). "DAVID ELLEFSON's THE LUCID Bandmate DREW FORTIER Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer: 'Check Your Balls', He Says". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  43. ^ Downed (feat. Chip Z'Nuff & Drew Fortier), retrieved 2020-12-03
  44. ^ Blabbermouth (2022-12-23). "DAVID ELLEFSON's THE LUCID Collaborates With INSANE CLOWN POSSE's VIOLENT J On 'Saddle Up And Ride' EP". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  45. ^ "DWELLERS, AWARD WINNING FOUND FOOTAGE HORROR FILM, Now Available for PRE-ORDER". Horror News | HNN. 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2021-10-21.
  46. ^ BraveWords. "DAVID ELLEFSON And DREW FORTIER Win "Best Horror" Award For Dwellers". bravewords.com. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  47. ^ FM, Player (4 May 2021), SS #111 | DWELLERS: w/David Ellefson (Megadeth) Drew Fortier (Director/Guitarist), retrieved 2022-11-14
  48. ^ "Vegas Movie Awards March Winners". Vegas Movie Awards.
  49. ^ Sheldon, Jeremy. "Virtual HHW: DWELLERS". horrorhound.com. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  50. ^ "Services 4". The Thing In The Basement Horror Fest. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  51. ^ Blabbermouth (2021-03-10). "MEGADETH Bassist DAVID ELLEFSON Announces Release Date For His Award-Winning Horror Film 'Dwellers'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  52. ^ "FICOCC #5-2". festival (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  53. ^ "Edition 5". Horror Bowl. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  54. ^ Awards, Rome International Movie (2022-03-05). "Rome International Movie Awards: FEBRUARY 2022 - WINNERS". Rome International Movie Awards. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  55. ^ Festival, Dreamachine International Film. "Dreamachine International Film Festival". Dreamachine International Film Festival. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  56. ^ "NOVEMBER 2022 EDITION". VegasMovieAwards. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  57. ^ "Monthly Results: October 2022 – Black Swan International Film Festival". 31 October 2022. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
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