New York-based Washington Square Films debuted its latest feature film, 11:55, to a sold-out house at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Produced by Washington Square Films, and directed by WSF directors Ben Snyder and Ari Issler, the 80-minute feature film follows veteran Nelson Sanchez as he returns to the neighborhood he grew up in after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps. However, it’s hardly a happy homecoming, as Sanchez is immediately faced with the repercussions of an action that took place years ago – the fatal shooting of a local drug dealer.
As the murdered drug dealer’s brother vows revenge, returning to town on a train that is due to arrive five minutes before midnight, 11:55 becomes one man’s race against the clock to break the cycle of violence that has defined his entire life – and to survive. Directors Issler and Snyder draw from the conventions of traditional Western films, the clock-ticking intensity of shows like “24” and themes of reconciliation and forgiveness to weave together their feature directorial debut.
11:55 premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 5 in the U.S. Fiction Competition, and will screen at the Seattle International Film Festival on June 11.
Credits:
Production Company: Washington Square Films
Directors: Ari Issler, Ben Snyder
Director of Photography: Tim Gillis
Executive Producers: Steven J. Brown, Rick Gates, Rod Lake, Susan Leber, Erika Pearsall
Producers: Danny Mendoza, Joshua Blum, Gia Walsh, Kara Baker, Matthew Thurn
Screenwriters: Ari Issler, Ben Snyder, Victor Almanzar
Editor: Ray Hubley
Production Designer: Akin McKenzie
Music: H. Scott Salinas
Costume Designer: Amanda Ford
Casting Director: Ben Snyder
Cast: Victor Almanzar, Shirley Rumierk, Elizabeth Rodriguez, David Zayas, Mike Carlsen, Julia Stiles, John Leguizamo
About Washington Square Films
Over its 15-year tenure, Washington Square Films has grown to be considered one of the most respected production companies in the industry.
Boasting a sharp eye for talent, a high level of integrity and a discriminating downtown New York sensibility, the company has produced award-winning independent films and commercials, as well as forged a thriving entertainment management division. On any given day, the seasoned producers and managers at Washington Square Films are likely to be working with some of the most revered actors and promising directors in the business.
From its headquarters on New York City’s Bowery, and satellite office in Los Angeles, the company manages and collaborates with an internationally recognized roster of writers, directors and A-list talent in entertainment and advertising. Washington Square Films receives regular accolades at The Academy Awards, Peabody Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, Golden Globes and Cannes Lions, along with selection for top International festivals such as Sundance, TIFF, New York Film Festival, Tribeca, Berlin and Locarno, and continues to break new ground in creative production.