Editor’s note: This story originally ran June 11. Update on June 23 – “The Observance” won Best Suspense Thriller in the Feature category and Best Actor for Alec James, who plays Jonah in the film, at the Horror Hotel Film Festival in Cleveland.)
A horror flick shot in Augusta last spring is making its way into the horror film festival scene.
“The Observance” will be screened at the 14th Annual International Horror Hotel Film Festival June 19-22 in Cleveland, Ohio.
“After five years in a coma, Madison Neubauer wakes to find her home and family in the grip of ‘The Observance’ – a religious cult who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets,” is the synopsis for the Rob Hollocks’ film.
The film has been nominated for several awards including Alec James for best actor; Kate Dailey for best actress; best editing and best feature suspense/thriller.
It was also selected for the upcoming Sci-Fi, Horror & Action Film Festival in Delaware and in April, it was officially selected for the Bloody Horror International Film Festival – BHIFF in Quebec.
Hollocks has made several films in the Augusta area including “The Observance,” “Applewood” and “Mister Sleep” which premiered on March 25, 2024 in Augusta before an April 2, 2024 launch to streaming platforms.
In a May 13, 2024 Augusta Good News article, Hollocks said he’s found a great group of actors and technical crew to work with in the Augusta area, and the bulk of the crew for “The Observance” is homegrown. Not only are they skilled, but they love what they do.
“It’s so refreshing to work with and meet people who actually, genuinely love what they do and do it for the love of it,” he said.
Best actor nominee James plays the charismatic leader of “The Observance” while Dailey plays Madison.
“Alec plays a great villain, but he’s seriously a wonderful person. I work with him every chance I get. He is immensely talented,” said Dailey in a Feb. 24 Augusta Good News article.
According to the Film Augusta Facebook page, an Augusta screening is in the works for later this year. For a sneak peek, view the film trailer here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s a Georgia Press Association winner and the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
Hi Charmaine!
I hope you are doing well. I saw the article this morning, and just wanted to say thank you for your support. It’s really appreciated.
All my best
Rob Hollocks