Five FrightFest Facts with Rebekah and Maxime of ‘Traumatika’

As Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 continues to thrill and terrify, one of the standout screenings from yesterday was the world premiere of Traumatika. Directed by Pierre Tsigaridis, this film has already made waves with its intense and visceral storytelling, blending elements of possession, true crime, and slasher horror.

We had the chance to catch up with Maxime Rancon, CEO of The Rancon Company, and Rebekah Kennedy, one of the film’s lead actresses, to discuss the making of Traumatika, their inspirations, and what they hope audiences take away from this terrifying experience.

Maxime Rancon, CEO and Rebekah Kennedy, actress

1. Tell us about your film

Maxime Rancon: Traumatika is a relentless, fast-paced descent into the dark world of possession, blending elements of true crime, body horror, and slasher genres. This film is an intense and gripping experience, offering a visceral exploration of fear and terror that pays homage to our favorite kind of horror. It’s a love letter to the subgenres that have defined and shaped our deepest nightmares, combining them in a way that both honors tradition and pushes the boundaries of what horror can be.

Rebekah Kennedy: Traumatika is an insane, intense, emotional, and terrifying ride. It’s a difficult movie to talk about without giving too much away. I really think it’s best to go in as blind as you can. But it’s about a little boy named Mikey whose night terrors start to become reality when his mother begins to show signs of demonic possession. It uses multiple first-person point-of-view shots to really immerse the audience into this horrifying world, and our director Pierre Tsigaridis creates some really creepy and disturbing visuals. It’s a truly wild movie!

2. How did you get into making movies?

Maxime Rancon: I’ve always been a passionate cinephile, with a particular love for horror that has fueled my creative journey. For over a decade, I honed my craft in the world of advertising, producing and directing films that allowed me to explore the art of visual storytelling. My path took a significant turn when I met Pierre, a kindred spirit in the realm of horror. Our shared vision and love for the genre inspired us to shift our focus towards feature filmmaking. Our first collaboration was on Two Witches, a project that resonated so strongly with audiences that it has evolved into a burgeoning franchise, with the sequel already in pre-production. Building on the momentum of that success, we embarked on our next venture together, Traumatika, a film we both wrote and produced, channeling our collective passion and creativity into what we hope will be another powerful addition to the horror genre.

Rebekah Kennedy: I started doing theater when I was 12, so I’ve been acting the good majority of my life in some capacity. After I graduated college in Florida, I moved back to Texas to get my bearings as I had plans to move to New York to pursue theater. In the meantime, I was doing plays in Dallas and met some fellow actors who suggested I look into film and TV as well. I didn’t know much about that world, so I started doing background work to be on set. There I met some amazing people and someone who referred me to their talent agency. They graciously signed me and that was really the beginning, and I haven’t stopped since. I worked on several movies and a TV show while in Texas and then moved to L.A. a few years later. Now I’m also venturing into the producing world and directed my first short film last summer. I’m excited to see where everything takes me next.

3. What films would you love to see screened at FrightFest and why?

Maxime Rancon: I would love to see FrightFest dedicate an entire day to screening classic horror films—the very ones that ignited my passion for the genre and shaped me into the horror fan I am today. Imagine a lineup that takes us back to where it all began, featuring iconic films like John Carpenter’s Halloween, a masterclass in suspense and terror that defined the slasher genre. We could delve into the chilling atmosphere of The Thing, a film that continues to set the standard for creature features and paranoia-fueled horror. Then there’s Scream, which revitalized the genre in the ’90s with its clever blend of satire and scares, and The Ring, a haunting tale that introduced Western audiences to the eerie, slow-burn horror of J-horror. And of course, Drag Me to Hell, a modern classic that perfectly balances camp and terror, showcasing the genius of Sam Raimi. A day like this would not only be a celebration of horror’s rich history but also a tribute to the films that have left an indelible mark on the genre and on fans like me.

Rebekah Kennedy: I would have loved to have seen Barbarian when it played at FrightFest a few years ago. I loved that movie and thought it was just fantastic, so it would have been cool to be among the first to experience it. This year, I’m really looking forward to Strange Darling. It’s another movie you should go into blind, and I really love those movies. You have no idea what to expect, and it’s really thrilling.

4. If you could create your own award to give at FrightFest, what would it be and why?

Maxime Rancon: I think it would be fantastic for FrightFest to introduce its own set of awards, recognizing the incredible talent and hard work that goes into creating the films we love. Personally, I’d be thrilled to see categories like Best Feature, Best Director, and Best Actor/Actress, which would honor the collective achievements of the filmmakers and actors who bring these stories to life. These awards could shine a spotlight on the craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication that make the horror genre so compelling. However, if I had to choose one award that truly captures the essence of what FrightFest is all about, it would be the ‘Fright Award.’ This award would stand as the ultimate accolade, given to the movie that resonates most powerfully with audiences—whether it’s the scariest, the most innovative, or simply the film that fans can’t stop talking about. The Fright Award would celebrate the film that embodies the spirit of FrightFest, serving as a symbol of the festival’s dedication to showcasing the very best in horror.

Rebekah Kennedy: I would love to create my own award for the Creepiest Performance. Those actors aren’t often appreciated in the award space, so that would be cool. There have been so many chilling performances over the years.

5. If your life was made into a horror film, what would it be called and who would play the starring role?

Maxime Rancon: If my life was made into a horror movie, it would be called Doomed Motorist Vortex (DMV)—a movie inspired by The Twilight Zone where I’m stuck in a loop at the DMV trying to renew my driving license. I would play the main role and the DMV lady would be played by Danny DeVito. Anyone interested, please send me an email! Lol, idk…

Rebekah Kennedy: The Top Shelf and the star would be Florence Pugh. She’s also pretty short, and reaching a high shelf anywhere can be pretty terrifying. There’s definitely many ways you could go with that!

Traumatika screened yesterday at FrightFest 2024, leaving audiences in stunned silence and eager for more. With its innovative storytelling and chilling visuals, it’s no surprise that this film has become one of the festival’s most talked-about entries. If you missed it, make sure to keep an eye out for this terrifying tale as it makes its way through the festival circuit and eventually onto your screens.