First Born [2022 Short Film]

First Born is a short film written by Dan Chomistek and directed by Toby Roberts, which revolves around a wealthy family plagued by a generational curse.

The opening scene begins in a small town in 17^th Century England, where a witch has been arrested for practicing black magic. Moments before her execution by hanging, the sorceress curses the judge who condemned her to death, decreeing that the firstborn sons of all his descendants will perish before their fathers.

The final scene is set in the present day, in an opulent country manor where a descendant of the judge lies on his deathbed. By his side are his two sons, who await the fulfillment of the curse that has haunted their family for centuries.

Starring

Stephen Schreiber

Stephen is a dynamic actor who has worked on both sides of the Atlantic. You may remember him from the 2016 TV series Undercover, and the 2017 film Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

Denise Mack

Denise is an experienced character actress with a background in film, TV, and theatre. You may recall her from the 2006 film Children of Men, and the 2018 film The Favourite.

Matthew Brenher

Matthew is a British classical actor who has performed in a variety of Shakespearean productions. You may have seen him in the American crime series Castle, and the British soap opera Brookside.

Tal Profs

Tal is a versatile actor and martial artist fluent in French, Spanish, and his native English. He is currently in rehearsals for the 2022/2023 film The Man Who Would Be King.

The Team Behind the Scenes

Screenwriter: Dan Chomistek

Dan, the mind behind First Born, is a screenwriter, sailor, and ex-rancher from Western Canada who has yet to catch his first lucky break. In addition to some feature-length films, he has written a number of shorts in the paranormal, science fiction, and dark comedy genres, which are distinguished by their clever twist endings.

Director: Toby Roberts

Toby, the founding director of Colne Brothers Film Ltd., has over twenty years experience in the film business. From scouting locations to finding period costumes to producing, directing and editing, Toby has poured blood, sweat and tears into First Born, overseeing the creation of this film of which we’re all immensely proud.

Executive Producer: Hammerson Peters

HP, who got this ball rolling, is a Western Canadian writer, carver, and fiddler known for his YouTube channel of the same name, which treats with the subjects of Canadian history and unexplained phenomena. This project constitutes his first foray into the world of film production.

 

Stills from the Shoot and Screening