New York City-based production company One-Eyed Rabbit has announced that its new short psychological horror film, “Clifton Park,” will celebrate its World Premiere at Screamfest LA later this month.
Directed and co-written by Maren Lavelle (“Wendy”) who co-wrote the script with Matt Steiner (“The Blacklist”), “Clifton Park” tells the story of Mari, a college undergrad and aspiring actress, who when invited to join her theater idols, The Ambassadors, for a weekend “method acting” retreat in upstate New York, seizes the chance to prove her commitment to the craft. But as the troupe develops a new play about a real-life sex cult, the line between reality and performance begins to blur — in deadly ways.
The cast includes Natalie Cabo (“Twentysomethings: Austin”) as Mari, Hayley Griffith (“They/Them”) as Claire, and Matt Steiner as Sam.
“This film is a fictional horror inspired by real-life reflection,” says Lavelle. “The events in this story didn’t happen to me (or, at least, they didn’t happen in this way), but they have, and will, happen to others. This is a story about theater, sex cults, and gaslighting. And it’s ultimately a story about resilience.”
The film explores the parallels between coercive communities and auteur directors, questioning how far people are willing to go in pursuit of art.
“Clifton Park” will premiere on Sunday, October 12, at 1:45 p.m. at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre. Following its premiere at Screamfest LA, “Clifton Park” will continue its festival run through late 2025, with plans for an online release in early 2026. A feature-length version is also in development, with the filmmakers planning to raise a $1M budget for a 2027 production.
“Clifton Park” is produced by One-Eyed Rabbit, Uncultured Swine, and Red Flight Pictures.
