Perils of Otranto

Screenplay and Directed By:

Tanzeil Moustapha

Logline

A young caregiver whose client has survived a tragic ​past, gets wrapped up in a sinister game of "House".

Tanzeil Moustapha is first-generation Sudanese-Canadian ​emerging filmmaker. She received her Bachelors of Film ​and Media Production at Humber College and is the first ​ever recipient of Cityline’s Scholarship for BIPOC Women. ​Tanzeil hopes to create films that tell nuanced stories of ​underrepresented people and showcase all of her ​intersections as a Black Muslim woman. She is currently ​Directing and Wrote her first independent short film ​called Perils of Otranto.

Perils of Otranto is a passion project that has taken a sum of 4 years to develop. It's seen ​me through my undergraduate degree, the pandemic and the loss of a loved one. It is a ​short film born from grief, it's the desire to hold onto fond memories, as the only measure ​of joy and connection to the people that have gone before us.

Perils of Otranto is a character driven short film, dealing with themes of infantilization vs. ​adultification, nostalgia and asserting control over the uncontrollable. As a Black filmmaker ​who adores classic cinema, it was difficult not often being represented in a nuanced light. ​I'm subverting the era's cinematic motifs by projecting my intersectionalities in this film- this ​is my love letter to classic cinema.

Isabella

A young woman from a working class background who has just begun her ​career as a caregiver during a recession, while supporting her ailing mother. ​She establishes an immediate bond with her client, Godfrey, who appears to be a ​kind man. However, Isabella soon learns that something sinister lies behind his ​friendly demeanour. Isabella is kind, empathetic and naive.

Godfrey

A wealthy elderly man who enjoys living his life in absolute seclusion. Having lost his ​family due to a tragic car accident, Godfrey swears off having a family, or so it seams. ​The loss of his family permanently scarred Godfrey to the extent of kidnapping people that ​remind him of his family, in order to recreate his childhood. Godfrey is intelligent, ​charming and evil.

Dexter Freeman

as Godfrey

Trish Kanu

as Isabella

Ryan O’Neill

as James

Dexter Freeman and Virgin Islands (VI)native, is ​passionate about arts and entertainment. ​Presently he is the host of a popular radio ​show in the Virgin Islands called ‘In The ​Morning’ on 107.9 DaVybe. Dexter's great voice ​tone and dynamic personality along side his ​fellow co-hosts and love for political issues ​captivates audiences across the VI. Now, Dexter ​is thrilled to bring his energy and experience to ​the world of film, eagerly joining the cast as ​Godfrey, the lead, in Perils of Otranto.

Trish Kanu, an Afro-Canadian actress from ​Winnipeg, Manitoba, was born to Sierra Leonean ​parents who migrated to Canada during the Sierra ​Leone Civil War. Engaged in performing arts from ​a young age, she participated in theatre, musical ​productions, and dance performances. After ​initially studying French at the University of ​Manitoba, she moved to Toronto in 2022 to pursue ​acting at the Toronto Film School, where she ​graduated with a diploma in Acting for Film, ​Television, and Theatre. Trish has since signed ​with HectiQ Agency and is building her career in ​short films and various film projects, driven by her ​passion for inspiring others and making ​meaningful connections through her work.

Ryan O’Neill has been in love with film and ​television since he saw Star Wars for the first ​time as a child. Over the years, his passion has ​increased exponentially as he learned more about ​film as both an art form and a source of ​entertainment. Ryan is a published author and he ​has acted and been featured in multiple television ​programs. Some of his highlights include a ​speaking role, where he played the lead ​Ghostbuster character, in a commercial

and playing a Space Cop in the upcoming Apple ​TV, science fiction series, Murderbot.

Monique Armstrong

Indira Layne

Producer

Production Manager

Ayanfe Ayeni

Assistant Director

Gaby McNab

2nd AC

Trinitae Johnson

Production Designer / Art Director

Wardrobe/Costumes

Bianca Garcia

Production Assistant

Social Media Manager

Perils of Otranto uniquely blends multiple art forms to create a rich and immersive storytelling experience. ​Directed by a Black filmmaker and produced by a predominantly women-led crew, this project exemplifies how ​diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches can elevate the narrative and aesthetic of cinema.

In a world where traditional film-making often adheres to conventional boundaries, our film stands out by ​integrating elements from visual arts, such as illustration and painting. This multidisciplinary approach not only ​enriches the storytelling but also bridges different artistic realms, offering audiences a multi-sensory experience ​that is both innovative and evocative. By harnessing the strengths of each art form in a filmic medium, we create ​a dynamic and layered narrative that challenges traditional storytelling methods and pushes the boundaries of ​what film can be.

Ultimately, collaboration of a diverse, predominantly women-led team ensures that our approach remains ​inclusive and representative, bringing fresh and varied perspectives to every aspect of the film. This synergy ​between different artistic forms and diverse voices not only enhances Perils of Otrantos’s impact but also ​contributes to a broader conversation about the power of interdisciplinary and inclusive art in shaping cultural ​narratives.

To donate, please click the button below. You can contribute any amount you'd like. ​For donations over $1,000, please send an e-transfer to tanzeilmoustapha@gmail.com. ​Thank you so much for supporting our goal of creating this short film.

The End.