Commodity Films is bringing Joseph M. Monks and his groundbreaking independent thriller, THE BUNKER, to the 2011 American Film Market (Nov. 2-9 in Santa Monica).
Monks lost his eyesight after a prolonged battle with Diabetic Retinopathy. His blindness hasn’t stopped him from doing the unexpected, however, such as riding mechanical bulls, sword fighting with trained martial arts black belts or even becoming the world’s first blind film director. Monks not only wrote and directed the film, but self-financed the project. Using standard woodworking and power tools, he even built some of the sets.
THE BUNKER revolves around the kidnapping of a congressman’s daughter, a young runaway who must find a way to free herself from her captor, or meet her demise. Monks and his film have received praise from the Hacker’s Source, Miami Herald and FANGORIA Magazine features writer Tom Carnell, among others.
Frank Darabont (THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION) had this to say about Monks’ groundbreaking debut, “This is the single greatest marketing hook I’ve ever seen. It’s something that’s never been done before.”
Russell Hess of Commodity Films, a Tampa, Florida-based entertainment company, will be meeting with both domestic and foreign distributors during the market. “I have to be honest, I couldn’t believe it when I heard that a blind man directed a film,” says Hess. “Just because Joe can’t see in no way means he doesn’t have a keen eye. He knows what he wants to say in his film and he does just that. I’m sure this accomplishment is going to open doors for not only the blind, but for anyone with a physical challenge. Everyone should have an opportunity to work in entertainment and Joe has just paved the way.”
“Making this film is something I hope will inspire people, whether they’re blind or facing other obstacles, and let them know that nothing’s impossible,” says Monks. He adds, “People thought this couldn’t be done, but I’m not one to let anything stand in my way, especially naysayers. I believe I’ve proven the doubters wrong.”
To set up a meeting or interview with Joe or for more information on his film, contact:
Russell Hess
917.740.4377
russell@commodityfilms.com