Theatrical Opening of "A Kiss and A Promise"
We are pleased and thrilled to announce the Theatrical Opening of "A Kiss and A Promise" starting September 9th at the Sunset 5 Theater in West Hollywood! There will be a Q&A after the 7:30pm showing on the 9th and 10th. We hope to see everyone out! If you can't make one of the Q&A showings don't let that stop you from coming out and supporting independent cinema. Click the link below to buy your tickets and check out the show times. Thanks for all the support!
http://www.laemmle.com/viewmovie.php?mid=7335
http://www.laemmle.com/viewmovie.php?mid=7335
Guzman's 'Kiss' set for limited run
Crime thriller to play at L.A.'s Laemmle Sunset 5
By ANDREW STEWART
Writer-director Phillip Guzman's crime thriller "A Kiss and a Promise" will get an exclusive limited run at L.A.'s Laemmle Sunset 5 theater starting Sept. 9.
"Kiss" tells the real-life story of a sociopath (Mick Rossi), who owns and operates a bed and breakfast in Ontario with his wife, played by Natasha Gregson Wagner. Pic co-stars Patrick Bergin and Sean Power.
"We wanted to make a film that was based on actual true stories, one that was difficult in subject matter, because our main character was going to be a deeply troubled individual," Guzman said. "The end result was 'A Kiss and A Promise' -- a film that would deeply affect and change us all."
"Kiss," which screened at this year's Cinequest Film Fest and Dallas Intl. Film Fest, was produced by Lab4 Productions ("2:22").
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118041716
By ANDREW STEWART
Writer-director Phillip Guzman's crime thriller "A Kiss and a Promise" will get an exclusive limited run at L.A.'s Laemmle Sunset 5 theater starting Sept. 9.
"Kiss" tells the real-life story of a sociopath (Mick Rossi), who owns and operates a bed and breakfast in Ontario with his wife, played by Natasha Gregson Wagner. Pic co-stars Patrick Bergin and Sean Power.
"We wanted to make a film that was based on actual true stories, one that was difficult in subject matter, because our main character was going to be a deeply troubled individual," Guzman said. "The end result was 'A Kiss and A Promise' -- a film that would deeply affect and change us all."
"Kiss," which screened at this year's Cinequest Film Fest and Dallas Intl. Film Fest, was produced by Lab4 Productions ("2:22").
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118041716
A Kiss and A Promise – The Ontario Terror
A Kiss and A Promise is a thriller/murder/cop story staring Mick Rossi, Sean Power and Natasha Gregson Wagner. Mick plays, David Beck a serial killer with a craving for killing young women and having sex with his wife Samantha and their renter Charlie. This film is filled with graphic sexuality and is very well written by Mick Rossi & Phillip Guzman.
A Kiss and A Promise takes place in a calm Ontario town. The environment made the film feel real with beautiful country scenes. As you watch the movie, you will be taken to a cold and calm place, which is perfect for the dark characters. The main characters live in a small Bed and Breakfast with a wicked secret. The Bed and Breakfast is a perfect layer for this quiet and demented killer. David Beck starts as a very simple man, normal in every way. Then, you see the sociopath come out. The story is filled with great characters and it keeps your attention through detailed dialog and surprising actions from all of the main characters. Mick Rossi captured the soul of a killer like no one I have ever seen. His role as David Beck drove the action and makes this film a must see.
A Kiss and A Promise takes you into a world of sex, lust and murder that most movies try but don’t capture. The climax of the film exposes the gloomy side of the human psyche. Look for this film when it comes out on September 9, 2011. You will not be disappointed. If you are a big fan of thrillers, A Kiss and A Promise is a must see.
http://illcritics.com/2011/08/review-kiss-promise/
A Kiss and A Promise takes place in a calm Ontario town. The environment made the film feel real with beautiful country scenes. As you watch the movie, you will be taken to a cold and calm place, which is perfect for the dark characters. The main characters live in a small Bed and Breakfast with a wicked secret. The Bed and Breakfast is a perfect layer for this quiet and demented killer. David Beck starts as a very simple man, normal in every way. Then, you see the sociopath come out. The story is filled with great characters and it keeps your attention through detailed dialog and surprising actions from all of the main characters. Mick Rossi captured the soul of a killer like no one I have ever seen. His role as David Beck drove the action and makes this film a must see.
A Kiss and A Promise takes you into a world of sex, lust and murder that most movies try but don’t capture. The climax of the film exposes the gloomy side of the human psyche. Look for this film when it comes out on September 9, 2011. You will not be disappointed. If you are a big fan of thrillers, A Kiss and A Promise is a must see.
http://illcritics.com/2011/08/review-kiss-promise/
DIFF 2011 Review: A Kiss and a Promise
Rating: 4/5
Writers:Mick Rossi and Phillip Guzman (screenplay)
Director: Phillip Guzman
Cast: Mick Rossi, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Sean Power
We all have parts of ourselves that we don't care to share with the rest of the world, especially those close to us. What would happen if they didn't understand, or if they found our darker side to be horrifying? The duality can oftentimes be too much to handle, and eventually the two worlds begin to blend together. This brings us to Phillip Guzman's A KISS AND A PROMISE, where we explore the duality of a very sick individual.
The film follows the story of David Beck (Mick Rossi) who owns and operates a bed and breakfast in Ontario with his wife. Their luck is about to change, as they recently bought a vacancy sign for their business. This is likely to bring them plenty of new customers. But of course, as things start to fall in place, it causes problems for the family. See, David has a very dark secret. He is a serial killer, who finds solace in raping women and choking them to death with a belt. After he kills a young girl who ran away from home, two detectives take on the case and begin the search for the killer.
The duality inside of David is a common factor in the story, not only is he hiding his murderous side, but he is also struggling to balance his relationship with his wife and his lover. His lover is an amateur writer named Charlie Matthews (Sean Power), who lives in the room next to David and his wife. It gets to a point where Charlie is so behind on his rent, and David's wife is jealous of the attention David gives him and she wants him out. This is where the real rift in his life begins.
The film is shot beautifully. Almost every shot in A KISS AND A PROMISE is either static or slow moving, an effect that never fails to build tension to what is coming. It's even Hitchcock-esque in a way that is sure to give the heebie jeebies to even the bravest people. It is also predominately shot with a pretty heavy depth of field to help control the focus. Most of the time, it is used meaningfully, although it sometimes feels a little overindulgent. Either way, it's very obvious that a keen artistic eye approached the visual style and it certainly adds a whole lot to the film; it feels immensely unique.
The actor who plays David, Mick Rossi, is also the screenwriter for the film, and he has done a really phenomenal job here. The story is very lo-fi, but never once did I have a sense of direction toward what was to come. Twists and turns happen as quick as a blink of the eye, and never gives us too much. Rossi really digs into the psyche of David and fleshed out his character in such a way that made it so that only he could have played the role. He crafts all of the relationships brilliantly, and uses the events and interactions between them to build to a boiling point. When that point happens, the film takes a direction that is both gratifying and saddening.
Rossi and Guzman also set up a whole slew of side-stories that are all just as interesting as the main plot. They all end up building toward the conclusion, and every one of them comes to a head at the end. There was really only one sub-plot that felt a little weaker than the rest, following the parents of the young girl David killed. On the other hand, this side story is immensely important to the film as a whole, it just doesn't grip like the rest of the film.
The performance by the entire main cast was also quite enthralling. It was easy to believe them in their roles and they seemingly understood the characters very well. All of the relationships feel very real due to the superb writing and the immense chemistry that the cast had with one another. All of the performances are believable and endearing with so much care and devotion put into their work. They bring the script to life in a way that filmmakers dream of.
Although the lo-fi nature of the film is certainly a major part of the charm, oftentimes I wanted it to amp up a little bit more than it did. As interesting as the film is, it isn't exactly exciting. The scenes of David interacting with his victims somewhat satiate that desire, but not fully. I would have loved the cinematography to ramp up a little bit more toward the end and get a little bit more exciting, but it wouldn't have matched the rest of the film and could have been out of place.
A KISS AND A PROMISE is a very enjoyable film that keeps you on the edge of your seat for its entirety. Mick Rossi is a vastly talented individual, and I certainly hope that he and Phillip Guzman team up again in the future. They make a really great team and I have no doubt they are on to great things in the future.
http://gordonandthewhale.com/diff-2011-review-a-kiss-and-a-promise/
Director: Phillip Guzman
Cast: Mick Rossi, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Sean Power
We all have parts of ourselves that we don't care to share with the rest of the world, especially those close to us. What would happen if they didn't understand, or if they found our darker side to be horrifying? The duality can oftentimes be too much to handle, and eventually the two worlds begin to blend together. This brings us to Phillip Guzman's A KISS AND A PROMISE, where we explore the duality of a very sick individual.
The film follows the story of David Beck (Mick Rossi) who owns and operates a bed and breakfast in Ontario with his wife. Their luck is about to change, as they recently bought a vacancy sign for their business. This is likely to bring them plenty of new customers. But of course, as things start to fall in place, it causes problems for the family. See, David has a very dark secret. He is a serial killer, who finds solace in raping women and choking them to death with a belt. After he kills a young girl who ran away from home, two detectives take on the case and begin the search for the killer.
The duality inside of David is a common factor in the story, not only is he hiding his murderous side, but he is also struggling to balance his relationship with his wife and his lover. His lover is an amateur writer named Charlie Matthews (Sean Power), who lives in the room next to David and his wife. It gets to a point where Charlie is so behind on his rent, and David's wife is jealous of the attention David gives him and she wants him out. This is where the real rift in his life begins.
The film is shot beautifully. Almost every shot in A KISS AND A PROMISE is either static or slow moving, an effect that never fails to build tension to what is coming. It's even Hitchcock-esque in a way that is sure to give the heebie jeebies to even the bravest people. It is also predominately shot with a pretty heavy depth of field to help control the focus. Most of the time, it is used meaningfully, although it sometimes feels a little overindulgent. Either way, it's very obvious that a keen artistic eye approached the visual style and it certainly adds a whole lot to the film; it feels immensely unique.
The actor who plays David, Mick Rossi, is also the screenwriter for the film, and he has done a really phenomenal job here. The story is very lo-fi, but never once did I have a sense of direction toward what was to come. Twists and turns happen as quick as a blink of the eye, and never gives us too much. Rossi really digs into the psyche of David and fleshed out his character in such a way that made it so that only he could have played the role. He crafts all of the relationships brilliantly, and uses the events and interactions between them to build to a boiling point. When that point happens, the film takes a direction that is both gratifying and saddening.
Rossi and Guzman also set up a whole slew of side-stories that are all just as interesting as the main plot. They all end up building toward the conclusion, and every one of them comes to a head at the end. There was really only one sub-plot that felt a little weaker than the rest, following the parents of the young girl David killed. On the other hand, this side story is immensely important to the film as a whole, it just doesn't grip like the rest of the film.
The performance by the entire main cast was also quite enthralling. It was easy to believe them in their roles and they seemingly understood the characters very well. All of the relationships feel very real due to the superb writing and the immense chemistry that the cast had with one another. All of the performances are believable and endearing with so much care and devotion put into their work. They bring the script to life in a way that filmmakers dream of.
Although the lo-fi nature of the film is certainly a major part of the charm, oftentimes I wanted it to amp up a little bit more than it did. As interesting as the film is, it isn't exactly exciting. The scenes of David interacting with his victims somewhat satiate that desire, but not fully. I would have loved the cinematography to ramp up a little bit more toward the end and get a little bit more exciting, but it wouldn't have matched the rest of the film and could have been out of place.
A KISS AND A PROMISE is a very enjoyable film that keeps you on the edge of your seat for its entirety. Mick Rossi is a vastly talented individual, and I certainly hope that he and Phillip Guzman team up again in the future. They make a really great team and I have no doubt they are on to great things in the future.
http://gordonandthewhale.com/diff-2011-review-a-kiss-and-a-promise/
DIFF 2011 Review: A Kiss nad a Promise:
Screening Schedule
Sun, Apr 3rd 10:00pm
Landmark’s Magnolia Theatre #4
$10.00
---------------
Tue, Apr 5th 5:00pm
Angelika Film
Center #7
$10.00
---------------
For more information and ticket purchases, visit:
http://filmguide.dallasfilm.org/tixSYS/2011/films/5040
Cinequest International Film Festival 2011 - Reviews:
A KISS AND A PROMISE
A film review by Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ***
If you are a fan of fact based films, even ones only "inspired by" a true story, then A KISS AND A PROMISE may be your cup of tea, especially if you like your tea laced with lots of sex and murder. Well, having grown up watching the murder mystery master, Alfred Hitchcock, I thoroughly enjoyed A KISS AND A PROMISE. I do, however, have a warning, that some of scenes are quite intense albeit not overly graphic, so be sure that you're ready for cinematic tea this strong before buying your
tickets.
As the movie begins, we are taken to an especially lovely area of Ontario, Canada during the fall foliage season when trees are at their peak. Well, you should savor this beauty while you can, since the movie is about to turn dark in more ways than one, as we switch mainly to interior scenes, frequently at night, as the murderer prowls for young women.
Although we learn the identity of the murderer fairly early on in the narrative, I won't reveal it, although I'm sure most reviewers will take the easy path out and tell you who he is. Let's suffice it to say that story is set in a Bed and Breakfast run by a husband and wife, played by Mick Rossi and Natasha Gregson Wagner of HIGH FIDELITY. Sean Power plays a long-term tenant of theirs who is hopelessly behind on his rent. Although the B&B has had problems attracting guests, their new Vacancy
sign means that strangers are finally beginning to stop by looking for rooms.
A humorless film, it does have one deliciously ironic, if not outright humorous, moment. As the killer peers through a subway car while stalking his next victim, who is standing on the opposite platform, we realize that just above her head in this visual is a subway admonition to "Be safe and considerate."
Midway through the film, as it began to flag a bit, I was worried that the word "Promise" in the title might end up being ironic for viewers, but the movie picks up considerably in the last part, which proved to be even better than its fine beginning.
http://www.freak-search.com/en/thread/4429293/review_a_kiss_and_a_promise_2010
___________________________________________________________________
A Kiss and a Promiseby Don Hines on Feb 22, 2011(Canada; 92 min.)
This disquieting film set in small-town Ontario is sadly plausible only because it is based on “actual events.” A husband and wife (Mick Rossi and Natasha Gregson Wagner) are running a fledgling B&B with a struggling writer for a tenant (Sean Power) while a serial killer is loose. Ominous close-ups of a vacuum cleaner and a boiling kettle hint at domestic disturbances within. The cinematography’s wan, blue Canadian light does little to illuminate the warped past of these characters, nor show much promise for their futures. Fine, terse, ensemble acting humanizes the inexplicable. Patrick Bergen is stoical as a dogged detective. The film seems to embody Kafka’s dictum “There is hope, but not for us.” (DH)
http://www.sanjose.com/ae/articles/2011/02/22/a_kiss_and_a_promise
A film review by Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ***
If you are a fan of fact based films, even ones only "inspired by" a true story, then A KISS AND A PROMISE may be your cup of tea, especially if you like your tea laced with lots of sex and murder. Well, having grown up watching the murder mystery master, Alfred Hitchcock, I thoroughly enjoyed A KISS AND A PROMISE. I do, however, have a warning, that some of scenes are quite intense albeit not overly graphic, so be sure that you're ready for cinematic tea this strong before buying your
tickets.
As the movie begins, we are taken to an especially lovely area of Ontario, Canada during the fall foliage season when trees are at their peak. Well, you should savor this beauty while you can, since the movie is about to turn dark in more ways than one, as we switch mainly to interior scenes, frequently at night, as the murderer prowls for young women.
Although we learn the identity of the murderer fairly early on in the narrative, I won't reveal it, although I'm sure most reviewers will take the easy path out and tell you who he is. Let's suffice it to say that story is set in a Bed and Breakfast run by a husband and wife, played by Mick Rossi and Natasha Gregson Wagner of HIGH FIDELITY. Sean Power plays a long-term tenant of theirs who is hopelessly behind on his rent. Although the B&B has had problems attracting guests, their new Vacancy
sign means that strangers are finally beginning to stop by looking for rooms.
A humorless film, it does have one deliciously ironic, if not outright humorous, moment. As the killer peers through a subway car while stalking his next victim, who is standing on the opposite platform, we realize that just above her head in this visual is a subway admonition to "Be safe and considerate."
Midway through the film, as it began to flag a bit, I was worried that the word "Promise" in the title might end up being ironic for viewers, but the movie picks up considerably in the last part, which proved to be even better than its fine beginning.
http://www.freak-search.com/en/thread/4429293/review_a_kiss_and_a_promise_2010
___________________________________________________________________
A Kiss and a Promiseby Don Hines on Feb 22, 2011(Canada; 92 min.)
This disquieting film set in small-town Ontario is sadly plausible only because it is based on “actual events.” A husband and wife (Mick Rossi and Natasha Gregson Wagner) are running a fledgling B&B with a struggling writer for a tenant (Sean Power) while a serial killer is loose. Ominous close-ups of a vacuum cleaner and a boiling kettle hint at domestic disturbances within. The cinematography’s wan, blue Canadian light does little to illuminate the warped past of these characters, nor show much promise for their futures. Fine, terse, ensemble acting humanizes the inexplicable. Patrick Bergen is stoical as a dogged detective. The film seems to embody Kafka’s dictum “There is hope, but not for us.” (DH)
http://www.sanjose.com/ae/articles/2011/02/22/a_kiss_and_a_promise
Interview with director Phillip Guzman:
Phillip Guzman
1Q: Tell us a little about the origins of A KISS AND A PROMISE, from concept to financing.
A Kiss and A Promise was an idea that permeated in Mick Rossi’s head for some time now. He had approached myself and Lenny Bitondo (producer) with the idea of a seemingly normal man whose need for sexual gratification drags him down a violent path. We began writing the script a couple months later (July 2010) and we shot the film in November that same year. We work as a small, close-knit team; so getting things done takes a lot less time.
2Q: You seem to do it all in your films: Write, produce, direct and act. If you could only do one, which would it be and why?
Most of it is out of necessity. My true love is directing. I act to fill in background roles; don’t expect any monologues from me, because they’d probably be pretty bad.
3Q: What was your best and/or worst experience while making A KISS AND A PROMISE?
My best experience will be sharing this film with the world, which happens on March 3rd at Cinequest! The worst experience making the film would have to be directing highly emotional scenes day in and day out, it really takes a toll on you.
4Q: Festival audiences often have to make hard decisions about what to see, and the catalog descriptions sometimes run together. In your own words, why should people see your film? Our film is an examination of madness; it doesn’t pull any punches or apologize either. If you want to watch a movie that will have you asking questions after, one that provokes thought and true fear, come see our movie!
5Q: The current market for independent films is fractured, to put it lightly, and existing distribution models grow more ineffective with each passing moment. What are your hopes or plans for distribution?
We hope for a great run at film festivals, followed by a theatrical showing and then out on dvd and bluray.
http://cqcentral.com/?p=1275
A Kiss and A Promise was an idea that permeated in Mick Rossi’s head for some time now. He had approached myself and Lenny Bitondo (producer) with the idea of a seemingly normal man whose need for sexual gratification drags him down a violent path. We began writing the script a couple months later (July 2010) and we shot the film in November that same year. We work as a small, close-knit team; so getting things done takes a lot less time.
2Q: You seem to do it all in your films: Write, produce, direct and act. If you could only do one, which would it be and why?
Most of it is out of necessity. My true love is directing. I act to fill in background roles; don’t expect any monologues from me, because they’d probably be pretty bad.
3Q: What was your best and/or worst experience while making A KISS AND A PROMISE?
My best experience will be sharing this film with the world, which happens on March 3rd at Cinequest! The worst experience making the film would have to be directing highly emotional scenes day in and day out, it really takes a toll on you.
4Q: Festival audiences often have to make hard decisions about what to see, and the catalog descriptions sometimes run together. In your own words, why should people see your film? Our film is an examination of madness; it doesn’t pull any punches or apologize either. If you want to watch a movie that will have you asking questions after, one that provokes thought and true fear, come see our movie!
5Q: The current market for independent films is fractured, to put it lightly, and existing distribution models grow more ineffective with each passing moment. What are your hopes or plans for distribution?
We hope for a great run at film festivals, followed by a theatrical showing and then out on dvd and bluray.
http://cqcentral.com/?p=1275
Cinequest Update
Screening Updates for "A Kiss and A Promise" :
3/3/2011, 7:15:00 PM Camera 12 Cinema in San Jose
3/6/2011, 1:15:00 PM Camera 12 Cinema in San Jose
3/7/2011, 2:00:00 PM Camera 12 Cinema in San Jose
_________________________________________________________
For more information and ticket purchases, visit:
http://www.cinequest.org/event_view.php?eid=1485
3/3/2011, 7:15:00 PM Camera 12 Cinema in San Jose
3/6/2011, 1:15:00 PM Camera 12 Cinema in San Jose
3/7/2011, 2:00:00 PM Camera 12 Cinema in San Jose
_________________________________________________________
For more information and ticket purchases, visit:
http://www.cinequest.org/event_view.php?eid=1485
Behind the Benefit Screening of a "Kiss and A Promise"
December 13, 2010 - Bloor Cinema Toronto - Benefit Screening
The screening of "A Kiss and A Promise" was a tremendous success, with a sell out crowd of 700. The private screening was emotionally moving and well received, with powerful subject matter and tragic characters for everyone to follow. Director/Co-Writer Philip Guzman, Lead Actor/Co-Writer Mick Rossi, and Co-Star Sean Power all flew in for the big event. The producers of " A Kiss and A Promise" are proud to announce that they raised over $14,000 for Crystal Kramer and her family.
"It was very gratifying seeing the movie play as well as it did in front of such a large crowd!" - Guzman
Also out to support the benefit screening were: The Producers - Lenny Bitondo, Mike Guzzo, and Manny Barbosa along with all the local cast and crew that worked on the film.
December 24, 2010 - Festival Announcement!
"A Kiss and A Promise" has just been selected to compete at the 2011 Cinequest International Film Festival. Cinequest is one of the top 15 festivals in the world! The festival is in it's 21st year and is located in San Jose, California. The festival will take place between March 1st-13th 2011.
