About 9 Lives Entertainment

Founded in Summer 2022, 9 Lives Entertainment is dedicated to producing high-caliber cinematic shorts and proof-of-concept projects for feature films and TV series. Led by Founder/CEO Dr. Luke Rex, Psy.D., and Executive Producer Steven Lancaster, the company’s debut production, Bonding, was fully financed and produced in Los Angeles, California.

The film premiered at the Academy Award-Qualifying St Kilda Film Festival (June 2023) before making its U.S. Premiere at the Academy Award/BAFTA/Canadian Screen Award Qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival (July 2023). Its Welsh premiere followed at the BAFTA-Qualifying Carmarthen Bay Film Festival (May 2024), with additional screenings at the British Urban Film Festival (BAFTA Qualifying) and Toronto Nollywood International Festival (Canadian Screen Award Qualifying) in 2024.

To date, Bonding has received 147 Official Selections, 75 wins, and 77 nominations across multiple categories, including Outstanding Proof of Concept, Best Short Film, Best Indie Film, Best Film Noir, Best Crime Film, Best First-Time Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, and Best Original Music.

Logline:
A solitary figure at an empty bar, CIA forensic psychologist Dr. John Flemington is planning a trip to Mexico to visit his girlfriend when mysterious underground operatives pressure him into joining a secret mission. He really doesn't have a choice. A drama/thriller/suspense spy film with esoteric origins.

IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22177478/

Inspired by the dramatic and sci-fi literary works of Steven Lancaster (Jacob, Da-vid, Scott, and Erron), for which 9 Lives Entertainment holds the worldwide exclusive rights, Bonding lays the foundation for a potential feature film expansion (or limited TV series).  It is currently being developed into Resonance, a high-concept thriller exploring the intersection of espionage, consciousness, and hidden knowledge.

• Writer/Director/Producer: Dr. Luke Rex
• Cinematographer: Laura Jansen
• Editor/Colorist/Post EP: Pete Szijarto
• Original Score & Sound Design: Daniel Teo
• Associate Producers: Jean Bernard Rutagarama, Christian "Tico" Herrera, and Jaime Saginor

Featuring an exceptional ensemble cast including Jannica Olin, Luke Rex, Darren Lipari, and Ryan Stroud, Bonding merges slick cinematography, thoughtful editing, and an evocative score to craft an immersive, high-caliber thriller.

Adding to the film’s rich auditory experience, Bonding features the original composition "Ascension," conceived by Dr. Luke Rex and brought to life by Daniel Teo, Greg Beaton, and Jeff Turmes.

Having completed it's 2023/2024 festival run, Bonding continues to gain recognition worldwide. Stay tuned for further updates.