Film Name: Exhibition of Evil – Segment: Passion
Director: Darren Ward
Writer: Darren Ward
Starring: ROSS ALAN DONEY, JESSICA HUNT, JACKSON BATCHELOR, ELLA PALMER
A curator unveils a most sinister collection, each with its own tale of terror.
In a new exclusive interview on Blazing Minds, I got the chance to ask the segment Writer-Director, Darren Ward, a few questions about his segment of ‘Exhibition of Evil’, which will have its World Premiere at The Horror-on-Sea Film Festival on Saturday, 24th January at 17:30hrs.
Q. You directed the segment Passion as part of the feature film Exhibition of Evil which has been selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival. Can you tell us what we can expect from your segment?
A. Firstly thank you for this interview on Passion. People can expect a homage to the Italian Giallo in this brutal short film. We have tried stylistically to match the films of yesteryear in both camera & lighting departments. Lots of blood and a black gloved killer to boot.
Q. What were your influences when writing the script for the film?
A. My influences are always Italian cinema whenever I am writing a new script. My love for the Giallo genre also came into play massively when writing/making PASSION. I wanted certain troupes of the genre, from music, to props, to camera movement, lighting etc. In my head are thousands of images, scenes from many films that aid the writing process for me.
Q. Did you have any of the cast in mind when writing the script?
A. I was asked by Sam Mason Bell if I wanted to write and direct a short for the anthology. So, with that in mind I wanted to work and direct actors I hadn’t worked with before. Coming off a huge 25 year journey and making my crime trilogy, it was really nice to make a short and have real fun with it working with new talent.
Over the last 3 years or so I have met a lot of Trash Art actors/actresses, as I have help the guys out on special effects for like 4-5 movies. So I kinda knew who I wanted and approached them early on, to work on the film.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. Too many to list…but the films of Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci, Michele Soavi, Ruggero Deodato, Sergio Leone. Their use of camera, lighting and sound, have influenced every movie I have ever directed to date, and going forward.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. Finally getting to drench the interior of a car with so much claret! I had that death scene written for another unmade movie from 20 years ago, so it was fantastic to lift the scene for PASSION. Getting a car was fun! In the end Silver-lake cars donated a BMW for free. I also loved filming the finale.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. No, it went very smoothly. Using crew I have worked with for 25 years. The actors were spot on and I am very very happy with the end result.
Q. What makes Passion stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. It is a Neo giallo of which not too many are made. I wanted the film to go for the jugular and immerse the viewer in an almost dialogue free visual and audible experience.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. You always want people to walk away happy right? I personally would love people to walk away wanting a full length neo giallo to emerge from Passion. A short slick ride thru a twisted mind.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. Yes, I have spent the last year working on getting my biggest project to date into production. The film is called LOTTIE. We are currently casting with a £2.2M budget. I have also just completed a script for a giallo feature entitles ‘LUST’.
February 2026 will see an 8 film boxset released in the UK and USA of my work to date by Treasured Films. So look out for that. Also in Germany they are gearing up to release a 30th Anniversary of Sudden Fury (2019) and A Day of Violence (2010) also gets a re-release.
Q. If someone was looking to direct their own film what advice would you give them?
A. Never give up. Don’t listen to negativity, listen to your our heart. Be focussed, be driven by your imagination. Good Luck.
Exhibition of Evil will have its World Premiere at The Horror-on-Sea Film Festival on Saturday 24th January at 17:30hrs.
You can find out more about Exhibition of Evil and purchase tickets for the film here
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
