FRED’s Simone Moraldi interviews Stephen Dunn, director of the film Closet Monster, which screened at the parallel and independent section of the 10th Rome Film Festival, Alice nella Città.
The young director of Closet Monster talks about how his film, which is also his feature directorial debut, tells a story with autobiographical traits and how it tries to make considerations about the complicated issue of homophobia.
CLOSET MONSTER tells the story of Oscar Madly (Jessup), a creative and driven teenager who hovers on the brink of adulthood. Destabilized by his dysfunctional parents, unsure of his sexuality, and haunted by horrific images of a tragic gay bashing he witnessed as a child, Oscar dreams of escaping the town he feels is suffocating him. A talking hamster, imagination and the prospect of love help him confront his surreal demons and discover himself.
Marian Arechega, director of the vibrant Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival, discusses the 2026 edition programme, showcasing recent and diverse cinema from Spain.
Rome is once again expanding the scope of its Film Fest: thirteen days of cinema, international premieres, renowned auteurs, emerging talent, series, documentaries, and cinematic heritage—with Javier Bardem, Paolo Genovese, and Monica Vitti at the heart of an edition that …