With A Whimper is now in post-production and will be released in late 2023. Directed by Mariya Pyter and written by Devin Fearn. Filmed on location in Modjeska Canyon, Wrightwood, and Sylmar, CA. This marks Mat Hayes' debut as a feature lead.
Carpool, a short written and directed by Steve Darby, produced by Mary Ann Pianka, was shot in the Angeles National Forest on Panavision Millenium XL2, 3perf, with Panavision Primo Compact Zoom, using Kodak 5219 500T. It is an official selection at:
Charlotte International Film Festival [2023]
Newark International Film Festival [2023]
Walthamstow International Film Festival [2023]
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In August, Mat Hayes is appearing in the world premier play of Jiggs Burgess' The Red Suitcase at The Broadwater Stage in Hollywood, directed by legendary stage and film director Del Shores.
August 10th - September 3rd, 2023
August 10th/11th: Preview Performances
August 12th: Official Press Opening
Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pm
Sundays @ 2:00 pm,
Q&A with actors/creatives following Sunday performances
The Best Play Winner for the Del Shores Foundation Writers Search, The Red Suitcase follows Pogue's life from his unusual birth to the death of his father.
The play explores the sometimes difficult relationships between fathers and sons and how the sins of generations can be passed along unintentionally.
Pogue is led on a journey that takes him from, "we are the sins of our ancestors" to "we are the hope of our ancestors." A play of hope, survival, and the discovery of self-worth.
Get your tickets HERE.
In September, Mat Hayes will make his Off-Broadway debut in the musical workshop Runaway Home. With book/lyrics written by Darren Butler and music by Judy Rodman, this is another full circle moment for Hayes who was directed by Butler in his hometown community theatre at The Princess Theatre in Decatur, AL. This wonderful musical, directed by Emma Denson, also a Decatur alum, will be showcased at Theatre Row, and will also star Melissa Gilbert.
Shafted, starring Mat Hayes and Alexander Pimentel, continues to attract the attention of festivals around the world. It has won best LGBTQ Short at the Big Sur Film Festival, as well as Best Acting Duo at the Dubai Festival. Think about that last one. A gay rom-com has won best acting duo in a country where it is illegal to be gay. This is how we change the world. We live, we express, and we create space for others. Shafted is also a Finalist in the Richmond International Film Festival, and will be screening at several other venues around the country throughout the summer and fall. Links for tickets can be found HERE.
