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SUPPORT LOCAL indie Cinema

About the film

The investigation is falling apart, and Detective Bruce Key is fixated on a strange blood smear left by the killer. A shape that he could swear he has seen before...

Travis Arbuckle is an indie film director staying at the Underwatch Hotel, and is the prime suspect of the murder case. He struggles to keep the film shoot and his relationship with his pregnant fiancee from falling apart, all while facing the temptation of the mysterious character Blue. 

Meanwhile, Detective Key’s son, Clay, struggles in limbo after graduating high school with no plans or identity. He is an unpopular paper boy who becomes uneasy and isolated as he suspects his father is hiding something.

It’s 1979 in the small Canadian town of Underwatch.
A strange murder has taken place in a hotel.

These overlapping threads explore themes of masculinity, trauma, and free-will vs. predetermined fate. The three characters are all pushed to their breaking points in this gritty and poetic neo-noir.

where we’re at and what we need!

As of July 2026, we have raised $51,000 CAD of our $75,000 goal!

We are currently in pre-production for the film. We start filming in September and there is still a lot to do.

We need to raise money for a few important aspects of the film.

  • Location Rental

  • Art Department

  • Set Dressing

  • Wardrobe

  • Catering

  • Paying Our Talented Cast and Crew

  • And More!

All these things take time and money. And we can’t do it without your help!

But wait, there’s more! We won’t leave you empty handed for your generosity. Please contribute money below and we will contact you via the email address provided about your rewards!

Our Team

ANDY LEWIS

Andy wrote and produced Cup of Cheer, which topped the Canadian Box Office for two weeks and has been on Tubi, CBC Gem, Amazon Prime, and more. It received four stars from The National Post and praise from The Globe and Mail, CBC’s Eli Glasner, and more. He created, wrote, directed, and produced the series Sunshine City for Bell Media and OUTtv. Clouds, a short he wrote and directed, played over thirteen festivals and won awards for Best Cinematography, Best Cast, and Audience Choice. He is a published poet and teaches at Toronto Film School, specialising in Film History and Screenwriting.

Writer & Director

JONATHAN MARKOU

Jonathan Markou is a Toronto-based producer and First Assistant Director with experience across 40+ productions and 13 producing credits. His work spans independent film, music videos, and commercials, including feature and short-form projects. The most recent feature he 1st AD’d, “Bee My Love”, secured both American and Canadian distribution with “Great American Family” and “Super Channel”. Known for his calm leadership and strong organizational approach, Jonathan helps directors turn ambitious ideas into efficient, well-run productions while maintaining a focused and collaborative set environment.

Producer & First Assistant Director

DANIAL AMROLLAHI

Danial Amrollahi is a Canadian-Iranian filmmaker, producer, and film production manager based in Toronto. He studied at Sharif University of Technology and graduated from Toronto Film School. He serves as Film Production Manager at UM Media Group⁠. Amrollahi produced the feature films Maasou (2025) and Lucky Boy (2026), and directed the award winner short film Ginger (2024). His work primarily explores psychological themes and the complexities of the human experience through character-driven storytelling.

Producer

jason d’souza

Jason D'Souza is a talented cinematographer with over nine years of experience in the film industry, specializing in feature films, commercials, and music videos. He has been featured on Upworthy and worked with clients such as Google, Coca-Cola, and CBC. One of the feature films he was the cinematographer for, “Play Along” (2024), won Best Feature at the Canadian Independent Film Festival. Having honed their craft in vibrant creative hubs such as Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles, Jason brings a unique perspective and artistic vision to every project. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling, Jason continues to push the boundaries of cinematography, capturing stunning imagery that resonates with audiences.

Cinematographer

NINOZKA PANELLI

Ninozka Panelli is a Toronto-based Makeup Artist, Beauty Educator, and Content Creator with over 15 years of bridal, fashion, editorial, commercial, film, and television makeup experience. These include Antihero, Shattered, Devil’s Void, Stealing the Sky (directed by acclaimed actress/director Megan Follows), Play Along, and the CBC reality series Bollywed, alongside independent and award-winning shorts. 

Ninozka has worked on luxury events, fashion shows, and high-profile productions, including Friday Harbour events, TIFF-related events, the Taylor Swift concert hospitality experience for Sheraton Hotels, and the Miss Teen Pageant 2017. Her portfolio includes major brand campaigns for Mr. Sub (Super Bowl campaign), BMO, Budweiser, FreshCo, Pine-Sol, Clairol, Tylenol Cold Medicine, and Kelseys, across broadcast, print, and digital media. As a content creator and influencer, Ninozka has more than 52,000 followers on Instagram (@ninozka_mua).

Key Hair and Makeup Artist

HAMMAD MOTIWALA

Hammad is a Toronto-based actor, comedian, and street interviewer with a lifelong obsession with being in front of a camera and a crowd. He built his name through candid street interviews and comedic content that has amassed over 20 million views across social platforms, and more than 20k followers on some platforms, with a style rooted in genuine human connection and spontaneous performance. Whether he's stopping strangers on the street or stepping in front of a lens, Hammad brings an unfiltered energy and natural presence that has defined his entire creative life. Acting isn't a career pivot for him — it's where he's always been headed.

Cast Member (Cameo Role)

Mauricio tamez rodriguez

Production Designer

Mauricio is a Production Designer whose work blends bold visual storytelling with elements of magical realism. With a background in Animation and Film Production, his projects span feature films, short films, commercials, and music videos, adapting his approach to best serve each story and medium. As Head of the Art Department, he collaborates closely with directors and other creatives to craft immersive environments that deepen character, atmosphere, and narrative. With a focus on queer storytelling, Mauricio aims to create authentic stories that explore identity and human connection.

MICKEY ELLSWORTH

Sound Recordist

With 5+ years of experience working in TV, film, and commercial productions, Mickey is a highly capable production sound mixer known for capturing superb on-set audio and devising creative solutions for challenging sonic environments. His physical recording style lends well to fast-paced, demanding shoots and he has provided trusted sound to clients ranging from indie production houses to major international brands. Professional-grade gear and a vast understanding of digital audio allow Mickey to consistently provide high quality deliverables to clients, thriving on shoots where a single-person sound team is required to work seamlessly with talent and across camera and continuity departments. Blending technical audio knowledge with a dynamic & physical approach to capturing on-set sound, he brings trusted recording services to productions ranging from indie features to full-scale commercial ad campaigns. He has worked with Seth Green, Andrew Phung, and Natasha Leggero, among others, on narrative TV & feature productions, while his commercial credits include brands like Meta, TikTok and S.C. Johnson. His IMDb page can be viewed here

Make a contribution and support our movie!

3% Cover the Fee

This contribution is not tax deductible.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED!

Please contact ANDY@REDTAPES.CA if you want to be help our film in any of these ways!

Or scroll up to support us financially!

Thank you for supporting local indendent artists and the local indie film scene!