Twisted psychological thriller by David Gil

Artist Statement

"Before art is born, the artist must be ready to be consumed by the fire of his own creation." Auguste Rodin

Twisted is a psychological exploration of the ambition, power, and sacrifice behind artistic creative practices. Set in New York City’s ruthless art sphere, the film follows Eirika Vanderstein (Amazing Amy Harlib), an aging sculptor clinging to her fading legacy, and Alexa Patterson (Alyssa Labrie), an aspiring model chasing immortality. Their paths collide in a fateful casting where art, body, and soul become indistinguishable.

Eirika, haunted by irrelevance, sculpts herself into her work, molding her body like clay in search of a muse worthy of her next masterpiece. Alexa, trapped in the limbo of normalcy, dreams of eternal recognition but is confronted with an industry that demands pieces of her soul in return. As Alexa navigates indifferent gatekeepers and moral compromises, she is forced to choose between fleeting success and righteous anonymity.

Through a satirical and surreal lens, Twisted exposes the insatiable hunger of the creative world—a machine that devours genius, commodifies bodies, and transforms creative vision into capital.

Inspired by Rodin’s Gates of Hell, the film unearths the disturbing drives behind artistic legacy and the cost of being remembered. When art is both salvation and destruction, what do artists and muses get to give up to live forever?

Crew

Twisted (Short Film) official poster featuring a surreal and haunting image of an aging sculptor and a young model intertwined, symbolizing artistic obsession and sacrifice.

David Gil

Writer, Director, Editor

David Gil is an independent filmmaker and visual artist exploring the intersections of film, visual art, and design. Trained in Art and Design at Harvard GSD (2020) and Luxury Management at l’IFM (2002), he founded a Paris-based artist collective in 2005, which evolved into Deleted Films, a platform for critical inquiry and cultural disruption.

His work examines how technology, media, and power structures shape perception and identity while advocating for inclusion. His short film Candyland (2024), featuring African American trans actors, tackles gender identity, gun violence, and digital control. It was selected for NewFest’s TRANSgressive program and was a semi-finalist at the Blow-Up Art House Film Fest.

His documentary Éloge du Mouvement (2014) chronicled a decade-long collaboration with dancers affected by Huntington’s disease, culminating in a neuroscientific study on the benefits of dance for HD patients, a broadcast on France Télévisions, and a public performance in Hiroshima.

Gil’s aesthetic sensibilities extend to luxury, beauty, and fashion. Based in New York City, he identifies as an unlabeled mutt with three acquired national identitites—Colombian by birth, French in soul, and American at heart.

Tony Delerme

Director of Photography

Tony Delerme is a Haitian actor, director, writer, and cinematographer whose career bridges performance and filmmaking. Raised between Haiti and the United States, his multicultural background shaped his storytelling, deepening his understanding of human experiences.

As an actor, Tony is known for his emotional depth and versatility, seamlessly transitioning between genres while bringing authenticity and nuance to every role. His performances capture both intensity and vulnerability, making his characters compelling and memorable.

Beyond acting, Tony is equally skilled behind the camera. His passion for filmmaking began at age 10, sparking a lifelong dedication to directing, writing, and cinematography. His deep understanding of visual storytelling allows him to craft narratives that are both striking and emotionally resonant.

A proud advocate for Haitian culture, Tony weaves elements of his heritage into his work, contributing to both international and Haitian cinema. Whether on screen or behind the lens, he tells meaningful stories with a unique perspective. With a growing body of work and a reputation for excellence, Tony continues to push creative boundaries, bringing fresh, compelling narratives to every project he takes on.

Cast

Amazing Amy Harlib

Eirika Vandersteen

Amazing Amy (Amy Harlib) is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of movement. At 70, she defies expectations, performing eccentric yoga-contortion acts despite injuries that would sideline most—torn rotator cuffs, a disintegrated spinal disc, and two hip replacements. Her performances, infused with humor and character-driven storytelling, challenge ageism and gender stereotypes while celebrating the body’s adaptability.

A lifelong student of physical theater, Chinese martial arts, acrobatics, and yoga, Amy honed her craft over decades, from Taiwan to New York City. Though injuries forced a hiatus in 1994, she fearlessly relaunched her career in 2009, proving that movement is ageless. Since then, she has performed at venues like Dixon Place, Bindlestiff Family Circus, The House of Yes, and The Gong Show Live!

Beyond the stage, Amy is an avid reader of sci-fi, fantasy, and graphic novels, a lover of silent film comedy, and a passionate explorer of mythology and anthropology. A proud Chelsea resident, cat enthusiast, and lifelong Star Trek and Star Wars fan, she continues to inspire—twisting not just her body, but perceptions of age and possibility.

Alyssa Labrie

Alexa Patterson

Alyssa Labrie is a dynamic actress whose work spans theater, film, and performance art. With a foundation in theater and communications from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she has honed her craft through extensive training in acting, singing, stage movement, dance, and improvisation. Her background as a fashion and commercial model further enhances her ability to embody characters with precision, presence, and emotional depth.

Alyssa’s passion for performance naturally led her to the world of film, where she has gained recognition not only as an actress but also as an award-winning director, editor, and screenwriter. She thrives in collaborative environments, bringing authenticity and nuance to every role she inhabits.

As a queer artist committed to inclusion, Alyssa actively champions diverse narratives and underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry. She believes in the transformative power of storytelling to challenge perspectives and foster meaningful connections. Driven by curiosity and a fearless approach to life, she seeks roles that push creative boundaries and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Akash Inti

Sumac Anand (Boyfriend)

Akash Inti is an actor, filmmaker, and former biotechnology consultant whose career bridges science, business, and the arts. A graduate of The George Washington University, he initially worked in biotechnology strategy consulting and investment banking before pursuing his passion for storytelling.

He has since appeared in independent films such as Blood & Lust, Without Morals, and Phani, as well as stage productions like Round & Round the Garden and Pride & Prejudice. His work extends to digital media, with features on VICE and Channel 5 News. Most recently, he produced his first independent short film, Hellbound Covenant, directed by George Firewalker Carlson and starring Garry Pastore.

Beyond acting, Akash is a martial artist, registered yoga teacher, Master Mason, and accomplished ballroom dancer—skills that enrich his performances. With a multidisciplinary background and entrepreneurial spirit, he continues to expand his creative horizons, bringing depth and versatility to every role he takes on.

Corey Taylor

Press Photographer

Born with a severe facial difference, Corey underwent numerous skull and nasal reconstruction surgeries. Doctors predicted he would be deaf, blind, and mentally challenged—yet the only correct diagnosis was significant visual impairment. As a child, Corey dreamed of acting but assumed the industry had no place for someone who looked like him, leading him to abandon his passion.

That changed in 2019 when he joined TikTok, sharing his experiences and rediscovering his love for performance through acting challenges and duets. In 2022, fate intervened—a filmmaker recognized his talent and cast him in a small role in a feature film. His performance led to a second, slightly bigger role, and soon, Corey found himself embracing more projects, including Candyland.

More than just an actor, Corey is an advocate, working to increase representation of individuals with facial differences in film and society. Twisted marks his second collaboration with director David Gil, solidifying his place in a growing movement to challenge industry norms and redefine on-screen diversity.

Music

Eros Cartechini

Film Composer

For Eros Cartechini, film scoring is more than composing—it’s storytelling through sound. With over a decade of experience and more than 60 projects spanning feature films, short films, series, and animation, he has developed a distinct voice in cinematic music.

His journey began in live performance, where he honed his ability to blend the grandeur of classical orchestration with the raw energy of modern instrumentation. This fusion defines his signature style, making each score immersive and emotionally resonant. While he specializes in horror, drama, and thriller soundtracks, his versatility extends to comedy, action, sci-fi, and coming-of-age films.

What drives him most is collaboration. For Cartechini, every film is a world waiting to be sonically shaped, and his priority is to align with the director’s vision, ensuring the music becomes an inseparable part of the storytelling. His compositions don’t just accompany images—they breathe life into them, capturing the soul of every scene.