Draft:Lake George (film)
 | Review waiting, please be patient.
This may take 8 weeks or more, since drafts are reviewed in no specific order. There are 1,837 pending submissions waiting for review.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
Reviewer tools
|
Lake George, 2024 American independent thriller film written, directed, produced by and starring Hamid Antonio Castro. The film weaves a gripping narrative centred on two protagonists—a recently released convict and an expectant father—who must raise $100,000 in one night to prevent the execution of a family member in prison. Inspired by actual events, critically-acclaimed Lake George is a film of unflinching storytelling, emotional depth, nuanced moral dilemmas, and human resilience. It had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and is released theatrically in January 2025. The film is notably independent, as it was fully financed by Castro himself after he declined offers from streaming platforms to maintain full creative control.
Plot
Against the backdrop of New York's underworld, Lake George weaves a tale of two desperate men, entangled by circumstance, against impossible odds. A convict, newly released after being implicated in an unsuccessful heist, and a father-to-be must navigate a web of danger and deception in their race against time to save a loved one. The film explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about.
Cast and Characters
Hamid Antonio Castro
as Psych
Castro plays the role of Psych, an ex-convict tormented, but determined, with much conviction. Indeed, his performance has received praise for its realness and emotional depth.
Cindy Kimberly
as Katherine
In her film debut, model-turned-actress Cindy Kimberly gives a powerful performance of Katherine, imbued with toughness yet also emotional depth. The transition of Kimberly from modeling into acting is considered by many critics to be quite successful; they note her screen charisma and potential for being a rising star.
Rio Thake
as Rame
Thake plays the role of Rame, a soon-to-be father who finds himself in a truly harrowing situation. He brings further depth to this richly layered tension that pervades the film's narrative.
Sheck Wes
as Inmate
Known best for his career in rap, Sheck Wes brings raw energy into the Inmate, adding gritty reality to the atmosphere of the film.
Mike Markoff
as Damien
Markoff completes the ensemble as Damien, whose menacing presence raises the stakes in the story.
Production
Hamid Antonio Castro, born in Queens to immigrant parents from both Iran and Colombia, is a first-time director who found his way into the movie business after enjoying great success as an entrepreneur. Prior to being a filmmaker, Castro was a celebrity fitness professional who managed businesses that tended to celebrities. In 2017, he sold his business and relocated to Colombia to focus on screenwriting and filmmaking, self-learning the craft over four years.
Lake George was independently financed, with a budget of $2 million, with full artistic control for Castro. He was the writer, director, producer, and lead actor, therefore making this film particularly personal for him.
The film was shot on location in New York, something for which Castro drew upon his own experiences and knowledge of the city to craft an authentic setting.
Reception
Lake George premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 to critical acclaim. Reviewers praised its compelling narrative, raw performances, and tight pacing. The film has also gained attention on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, where its promotional content has resonated with audiences.
| TikTok | |
|---|---|
| @lakegeorgethemovie | @lakegeorgethemovie |
| First video publish date: August 25th 2024 | First video publish date: November 12th 2023 |
Critics have highlighted the film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and its intense, character-driven storytelling.
Director’s Accomplishments
Hamid Antonio Castro has been widely recognized for his work on Lake George, winning several awards, among them:
- Best First-Time Director Feature Film at the Portugal Indie Film Festival
- Best Feature Film at Prisma Rome Independent Film Awards
- Best Director at the Asian Independent Film Festival
- Best Original Story at the Asian Independent Film Festival
Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking, Asian Independent Film Festival Castro's entrepreneurial background and determination to make art on his terms have paid off as a rising talent in independent cinema.
Legacy
Lake George stands as a testament to the power of independent filmmaking. The very path taken by Castro-from entrepreneur to filmmaker-is one of resilience and creativity that will undoubtedly provide inspiration for aspiring artists. Slated for a theatrical release in January 2025, Lake George promises to be a memorable experience that will further cement the place of Castro in the film industry.