Sock It To Me: Comedy Meets Thriller

We’re thrilled to spotlight Joelle Marie Velez and Peter Anthony Castillo’s latest film, “Sock It To Me,” a finalist for both the Best Horror Comedy Film and Best Horror Comedy Micro Film awards at the Houston Comes Film Festival. This unique blend of comedy and thriller explores the fragility of relationships through a seemingly trivial object.

The Inspiration Behind “Sock It To Me”

Joelle’s screenplay for “Sock It To Me” was inspired by a personal, albeit humorous, experience: discovering an unfamiliar sock in her laundry. This seemingly mundane discovery prompted Joelle to explore deeper themes of suspicion and paranoia within romantic relationships. The film delves into how a simple object can disrupt a peaceful situation and reflects on the darker corners of the mind. By combining suspense, mystery, and dramatic irony with a comedic touch, Joelle crafts a story that balances camp horror with psycho-analytical depth.

The characters are inspired by real people in Joelle’s life. Her husband, who partially inspired the character Damien, is described as her greatest supporter and is very much alive and well. The character Charlie is based on a close friend and is portrayed by comedian Archy Jamjun. Damien’s therapist, portrayed by Joyce Mojica from the Chicago improv scene, contributed valuable insights into the psychological elements of the script.

The Challenges of Filmmaking

One of the significant challenges Joelle faced was managing the complex balance between comedy and suspense. This project, completed as a thesis at the Second City Film School, benefited from the guidance of experienced improvisers and comedic directors. Joelle, who transitioned into filmmaking from a career in venture capital, found the process both challenging and rewarding. Her background in finance highlighted the importance of owning one’s material and being in control of the creative process.

What’s Next for Joelle?

Joelle has been busy with various projects. She recently produced a web series with Peter Castillo, who co-directed “Sock It To Me,” and is working on a documentary with Adam Villani, the film’s director of photography. Looking ahead, Joelle is excited about a new passion project set in Colorado, inspired by old westerns and opera.

Get in Touch

For future projects or collaborations, Joelle is open to connecting on Instagram. She’s also an active member of the Chicago Independent Film Alliance, where she continues to engage with the film community.

Festival Circuit and Future Opportunities

Joelle has just begun the festival circuit for “Sock It To Me” and is eager to explore opportunities with distributors and agents. If you’re interested in reaching out, she’s excited to discuss potential collaborations and share more about her work.

Joelle’s innovative approach to blending comedy with thriller elements in “Sock It To Me” reflects her unique voice and creative vision. We look forward to seeing where her filmmaking journey takes her next.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair: