Ogden filmmaker Andrew DeBennett has debuted his debut feature film, Obsession’s Rising, a psychological thriller about a coffee shop owner who develops an uncomfortable obsession with a customer, according to a September 17 report.
Originally developed as a short film while DeBennett was attending the Los Angeles Film School, the project was expanded into a feature after the short film won awards.
To develop the feature, DeBennett collaborated with local screenwriter Shane Nolan. The two met through a Facebook post made by Nolan while he was searching for local filmmakers to collaborate with after moving from New York to Utah.
DeBennett filmed the movie in Ogden and Salt Lake City, noting that the local filming experience allowed him to build friendships with masters of their craft. The production included support from co-writer Nolan and Rebekah DeBennett, who served as the first assistant director and production assistant.
DeBennett's cinematic influences include filmmaker Kevin Smith and indie horror films such as The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity.
Obsession’s Rising premiered at the Zepstone International Film & Music Festival in Murray, which ran from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5. The film received nominations in six categories, including Best Horror, Best Feature, Best Original Soundtrack, Best Alternative Song, Best Song Lyrics, and Song of the Year.
Chloe Vonkoelsch won the award for Best Song Lyrics for the song Sickness, which was written for the film. Nolan stated that the film aims to show how obsession can become horrific and how true crime is sometimes incorrectly glorified.
DeBennett is scheduled to host a private screening of Obsession’s Rising on Oct. 15 at the Megaplex Theatres at Jordan Commons in Sandy. During the event, he will hold a raffle for attendees to win various props from the film.
