Criminal fixer Cliff Van Aarle’s unique psychological condition gives him an edge in the criminal underworld, but when he’s hired by two amateur drug dealers claiming they were attacked by ‘zombies,’ Van Aarle is dragged into a terrifying and bizarre mystery that will force him to relive the traumatic past he thought he’d escaped.

Psychosis is the debut feature film from South Australian independent writer/director Pirie Martin. A stylistic genre bender, the film combines surrealist Noir, Horror, and ‘Arthouse Action’ to create a truly unique audio-visual experience inspired by the limitation and manipulation of human perception. It follows Cliff Van Aarle (played by breakout talent Derryn Amoroso); a criminal fixer experiencing auditory hallucinations who is hired to expose a sadistic hypnotist with apparent ties to his traumatic past.

Following the screening, stay for an extended Q&A, with writer & director Pirie Martin and Mercury Board member, Flinders University academic and indie-filmmaker Cameron Nelson as they discuss the extraordinary journey of making this ambitious film. The discussion will explore the opportunities and challenges of making a low budget indie film and working outside the traditional funding system, film festival strategies and lessons from their worldwide festival run, audience development and managing distribution.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

Horror Fest International 2023 (USA)

WINNER: Best Experimental Horror

Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival 2023 (USA)

WINNER: Jury Award, Best Feature

Sherman Oaks Film Festival 2023 (USA)

WINNER: Grand Jury Award for Best Screenplay, Feature Film, Horror
WINNER: Audience Award for Best Feature Film, Horror

Vesuvius International Film Festival 2023 (Italy)

WINNER: Best Actor, Derryn Amoroso
NOMINATED: Best Feature

Popcorn Frights Film Festival 2023 (USA)

NOMINATED: Best Feature Film

OFFICIAL SELECTION
Weird Weekender 2023 (Germany)
Panic Fest 2023 (USA)
SOHO Horror Film Festival 2023 (UK)
Desmond District Demons 2023 (USA)
Abertoir Horror Festival 2023 (UK)
Arizona Underground Film Festival 2023 (USA)
Paracinema Cult Film Festival 2023 (UK)
The Macroproject Film Festival 2023 (USA)