A new independent film is set to make its debut in Grants Pass, bringing with it a story as chilling as it is deeply human. Broomstick Ave, a psychological horror-thriller, follows the harrowing descent of Gabe, a young man tormented by supernatural forces that feed on his trauma, guilt, and fragile grip on reality. As his world unravels, he is thrust into a nightmarish series of events where the boundary between the living and the dead dissolves. More than a simple horror story, the film dares to confront the lasting scars of grief and the peril of never escaping one’s past.
The script’s origins trace back to director Benjamin Barlow’s senior year of high school. What began as a raw, personal exercise in exploring his own emotions quickly grew into a screenplay that resonated well beyond the classroom. Through revisions and table readings, Barlow’s vision gained momentum, drawing the attention of producers who recognized its potential to blend atmospheric horror with an unflinching exploration of the human psyche.
Production for Broomstick Ave began in June 2024, with filming split between San Francisco and Los Angeles. San Francisco’s fog-draped streets offered an eerie, haunting backdrop, while Los Angeles provided a grittier urban edge. The production was spearheaded by executive producers Elior Dudnik and Barlow himself, who together raised $20,000 over six months to make the project possible. Their tireless commitment not only brought the film to life but also gave birth to their independent banner, Timeless Productions, a studio built on the belief that fearless stories can challenge audiences and leave a lasting impact.
Casting proved to be a pivotal turning point in the project’s development. After two months of auditions, the creative team found what they were looking for in the dynamic pairing of Teryn Macallan from Los Angeles and Bella Mraz from New York. Their chemistry and ability to deliver raw, authentic performances elevated the story beyond its written form, anchoring the film with emotional depth that matched its haunting tone.
Behind the camera, the energy on set was palpable. Despite their youth, the cast and crew worked with professionalism and determination that rivaled seasoned productions. Among them was Robert Murphy, a 54-year-old industry veteran with Netflix, who was so struck by Barlow’s script that he insisted on joining the project. The collaboration between Murphy and the teenage director underscored the passion that defined the production, where long nights, creative risks, and unexpected challenges fueled a film that is both atmospheric and unrelentingly human.
At just 18 years old, Benjamin Barlow has proven himself a director with a vision that belies his age. A native of Grants Pass, he began writing stories in high school that combined emotional intensity with genre-driven tension. As co-founder of Timeless Productions, he has set his sights on creating work that pushes boundaries in horror and thriller storytelling. With Broomstick Ave, his debut feature, Barlow demonstrates that youthful ambition and determination can produce a work of striking cinematic weight.
The film is more than a piece of horror entertainment—it is a testament to what can be achieved with persistence, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in one’s vision. With its emotionally grounded performances, striking atmospheres, and exploration of trauma and guilt, Broomstick Ave aims to unsettle audiences while provoking reflection.
The premiere of Broomstick Ave will be held at Southgate Cinemas on August 22 at 7:30 p.m., accompanied by a speech from the director. For Barlow, it marks not just the release of a film, but the realization of a dream born from a high school script and brought to life through grit, passion, and the belief that even the most ambitious ideas can become reality.