Runaway Pen Productions

Last Thursday, "Cold October" played a the 2009 Terror Film Festival in Philadelphia. It was really well received by the audience and festival organizers. Following the screening, director Mikel J. Wisler took part in a Q&A time. Questions ranged from the execution of special effects, size of budget, to story inspiration. "My favorite question," says Wisler, "was definitely the one about what inspired this story. It was pretty strange and exciting to explain to an audience at a horror film festival that my humble psychological thriller was really my means of exploring the question of what an Old Testament prophet might look like today? Would we just diagnose such a person as mentally ill? Would this person be too closed off to the possibility of a God who want to communicate with him?"

Several people paid high compliments to "Cold October" for it's achievements in cinematography, music, style, plot, and performances by the actors. "It was really humbling and exciting to be part of TFF," says Wisler, "and to be nominated for Best Screenplay. My thanks to everyone at TFF for making me feel so welcome. I'm looking forward to reading their press release of this years festival with the interviews of all filmmakers inattendance this year." Once that article is published, a link will be posted here on the Runaway Pen website.

Mikel J. Wisler at the 2009 Terror Film Festival.

In September, "Cold October" played at the 2009 ShockerFest and was nominated for Best Horror Short Film. Just recently, Wisler received his official certificate for the nomination since he wasn't able to attend the California based festival. "Cold October" also played last Friday at the 2009 Sacramento Horror Film Festival. Due to Wisler's attendance of Terror Film Festival and limited funds, he did not make it out to California for that festival as well. "I'm really honored to be part of both ShockerFest and Sacramento Horror," he explains, "and I really wish I could make it to every festival. But traveling isn't cheap, especially on an indie filmmaker's salery ... or maybe I should say, on a freelance videographer's salary--this indie film thing isn't paying yet. But one step at a time."

This week, "Cold October" plays at the 2009 Southern Appalachian International Film Festival in Tennessee. Wisler expresses his desire to attend the festival. Again, limited by budget, he will be unable to be in attendance for that festival.

The official certificate from the 2009 ShockerFest.