Memento International has boarded “Gazer,” the debut feature of American filmmaker Ryan J. Sloan which will world premiere at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
Set in New Jersey, the paranoia thriller stars Ariella Mastroianni as Frankie, a young mother with a rare degenerative brain condition called dyschronometria. Struggling to perceive time, she uses cassette tapes for guidance and is unable to find steady work with her condition. When a mysterious woman offers her a risky job, she takes it, unaware of the dark consequences that await.
Sloan, who is from New Jersey and previously worked as electrician, pays tribute to New Hollywood’s great masters by revisiting the mystery thriller genre in “Gazer.” Lensed in 16mm stock, the film follows a magnetic character played by Ariella Mastroianni, who stars opposite Marcia Debonis, Renee Gagner, Jack Alberts and Grant Schumacher.
“‘Gazer’ is a redemption story derailed by a revenge story, following flawed characters who are trying their best to get by in the world. It is, in many ways, a love letter to those films that first inspired me,” said Sloan, adding that the film is “also a testament to the power of community — an example of grassroots independent filmmaking that we hope will inspire other filmmakers to defy traditional pathways and make their films the way they want to, without needing an invitation.”
Memento International’s head of sales Alexandre Moreau said the “quality of the mise-en-scène is impressive for a first feature film.” “Along with Ariella they crafted a tense thriller with such a cool and unique atmosphere. The film goes back to the roots of truly independent U.S. cinema, something we’re excited to share with audiences worldwide,” Moreau continued.
Sloan wrote the script with Mastroianni. “Gazer” is also produced by Sloan and Mastroianni through their company Telstar Films.
“Gazer” joins Memento International’s 2024 Cannes slate which also features Jonas Trueba’s Directors’ Fortnight sentimental comedy “The Other Way Around;” Norwegian genre film “The Ugly Stepsister” based on “Cinderella;” Bruno Dumont’s Berlinale Jury Prize winner “The Empire;” Guillaume Nicloux’s biopic “The Divine Sarah Bernhardt;” and thriller ‘Arenas’ by Camille Perton.
