Venezuelan actor Oscar Cardenas co-wrote A DARK FOE with his daughter Maria Gabriela Cardenas who makes her DIrecting Debut with the film. Oscar plays a psychologically wounded, vengeful, FBI agent who relentlessly pursues the serial killer who murdered his mother and kidnapped his sister years earlier. The traumatic experience left him with a life-long fear of the dark, a visibly nervous demeanor, and a childlike hope that his sister is still alive and he will be able to rescue her.
I had the opportunity to speak with Oscar Cardenas about his experience of writing, starring, and co-producing a Horror/Psychological Thriller and being directed by his daughter.
What inspired you and Maria Gabriela to create a film designed to be unsettling, frightening, and invoking people’s innermost fears?
Oscar Cardenas: It has always been a life-long dream to create movies. My brother and I started making home movies before we were even teenagers. I loved the movie industry and studied acting but also studied business. With my daughter Maria’s love of writing and storytelling we decided to create a Production Company, Path of Thorns Entertainment. We wanted to tell stories that would be captivating and entertaining that also shined a light on the dark side of humanity. Stories that would startle people and give them a cathartic experience. There is nothing like a Horror Thriller to provide heightened sensations safely.
In A DARK FOE you play an FBI agent on suspension. How did you prepare for the part to be authentic?
Oscar Cardenas: I actually got help from two authentic FBI Agents that I shadowed for several weeks. I also got support from Bill Bellamy, my FBI partner in the film, and from Selma Blair who plays my psychiatrist.
You were able to secure some big name talent to join your cast, like Academy Award nominee Graham Greene and Selma Blair. How did that come about?
Oscar Cardenas: Graham Greene, took the part right after reading the screenplay. Greene’s role as The Cradle, a Native American Psychopath was written with him in mind from the very beginning. The screenplay went to seasoned actress Selma Blair, who was amazed by the gallery of compelling characters and complex storylines and joined the project.
What was the experience of being directed by your daughter, Maria Gabriela?
Oscar Cardenas: Maria has a confidence that transmits to others. She knows how to get what she wants from a scene and she knows when to drop the reins and let the horses run. Working with her is a joy even though the part required me to go to hell!
Oscar Cardenas co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in A DARK FOE accomplishing his long-awaited dream and is now developing two features for Path of Thorns Entertainment with Maria, The Bus and The Man and The Lion Face. He now resides in Los Angeles, California.
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