christian sesma

72 HOURS Trailer Revealed For New Action Thriller Coming In November

Cam Cigandet stars along with Sam Trammell, Pierson Fode, and Nicky Whelan for 72 Hours, the latest from director Christian Sesma. The official trailer and poster are up as well with a release date in select theaters and on VOD for November 1 from Brainstorm Media. Two brothers, one an FBI agent and the other an international money launderer, must put aside their differences and band together to execute a perilous extraction to save their family being held captive by a dangerous kingpin.

LIGHTS OUT: Frank Grillo Knuckles Up For The New Action Thriller Coming In February

Lee B. Golden III

Director Christian Sesma kicked loads of ass in the Ryan Kwanten-led Section 8, featuring scores of action sequences by Luke Lafontaine and featuring the screen stylings of Scott Adkins. Alas, I did tell Sesma recently I’d definitely get on board with his latest, Lights Out, which now sees Sesma rejoining with select cast members of his prior thriller along with leading actors Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer and Jaimie King. A homeless veteran, Michael “Duffy” Duffield (Grillo), is always on the move, until he meets a talkative Ex-Con, Max Bomer (Phifer). Max notices Duffy’s skills after he gets into a bar fight and offers him a well-paying job. Duffy agrees and discovers that the “job” is competing in underground fight clubs. The pair make a ton of money on the first fight and decide to travel to LA so Duffy can atone for his past and Max can pay back a […]

SECTION 8: Win A Blu-Ray Copy Of Christian Sesma’s Hit Action Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

https://youtu.be/unydQrAsd9I Christian Sesma’s hit action thriller, Section 8, is taking off onto DVD and Blu-Ray next week from November 15 from RJLE Films, and we are giving away two copies of the film on Blu-Ray to readers. Just send us an e-mail here with an answer to the following trivia question below: How did Christian Sesma’s web series, “Vigilante Diaries”, transition into a feature film in 2016? The contest expires on November 14 at midnight, EST, and extends only to residents in the U.S. Read below for more on Section 8, and feel free to check out my review here, as well as Matthew Essary’s interview with Sesma here! In SECTION 8, after avenging the murder of his wife and child, a former soldier (Ryan Kwanten) is sent to prison with a life sentence. He’s given a shot at freedom when a shadowy government agency recruits him for an off-the-books […]

Christian Sesma On Directing, Working With Scott Adkins, & His New Film SECTION 8

Matthew Essary

Christian Sesma seemingly never stops working. A self-taught filmmaker, Sesma has been directing since 2006 at an incredibly productive rate. In that time, he has completed (and found distribution) for more than twenty feature-length genre films. His prolific nature and continued success in getting his work actually seen have led him to be a director that genre acting stalwarts want to work with. This is perfectly showcased by his latest project (and strongest directorial effort to date)— the hard-hitting action film SECTION 8. The cast features Ryan Kwanten (TRUE BLOOD), Dolph Lundgren (ROCKY IV), Dermot Mulroney (YOUNG GUNS), Scott Adkins (UNDISPUTED 3), and Mickey Rourke (THE WRESTLER) in a story about a military veteran (Kwanten) who, after losing his wife and child, is unwittingly pulled into a shadowy world of government-sponsored assassins. I had a chance to speak with Christian Sesma about SECTION 8 ahead of its release today. We […]

SECTION 8 Review: Ryan Kwanten Carries A Meat-And-Potatoes Revenge Thriller, Modestly Sprinkled With Spicy Adkins-Flavored Action

Lee B. Golden III

Since before I’ve covered his work, Sesma has been one of the hardest working directors to pop up my radar and has slowly but surely increased his profile a little more over the years, working with names like Jason Mewes, Luke Goss, the RZA, Val Kilmer and Michael Jai White to name a few. That it took as long as it did to finally get to share space with action stars Scott Adkins and Dolph Lundgren is probably a crime in the eyes of some, but perhaps a blessing in others, considering that some good things in life deserve a wait. That wait now brings us Section 8, penned by Chad Law and Josh Ridgeway with a cast led by Ryan Kwanten, who plays Jake, an ex-soldier now working in his uncle Earl’s (Mickey Rourke) garage as a mechanic struggling to support his wife and son. Suddenly, his life gets […]

SECTION EIGHT Teases Pulsating Action And Thrills In The Official Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

It’s high time for RLJE Films as the newest action thriller from director Christian Sesma sets its sights this month with Section Eight, starring Ryan Kwanten, Dolph Lundgren, Dermot Mulroney, Scott Adkins and Mickey Rourke. After avenging the murder of his wife and child, a former soldier is sent to prison with a life sentence. He’s given a shot at freedom when a shadow government agency recruits him for an off-the-books assignment, and he soon realizes Section 8 isn’t what it seems. The film also stars Robert LaSardo, Tracy Perez and Justin Furstenfeld and is slated for a same day theatrical and AMC+ streaming release on September 23.

SECTION 8: AMC Networks Acquires Christian Sesma’s New Action Thriller For Fall Theatrical And Streaming Release

Lee B. Golden III

The official first look photo is now out and running online for Paydirt and Take Back helmer Christian Sesma’s new action thriller, Section 8. The new asset arrives announcing the film’s acquisition by AMC Networks for a same-day theatrical release September 23 from RLJE Films, and exclusively on streaming platform, AMC+. Sesma directs from a script by Chad Law (Drive Hard), Josh Ridgway (Howlers), with a cast led by Ryan Kwanten (“True Blood”), Dolph Lundgren (The Expendables), Dermot Mulroney (“Hanna”), Scott Adkins (Legacy Of Lies, upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4) and Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler). The film centers on an ex-soldier who, after being handed a life sentence for avenging the murder of his wife and child, is given a shot at freedom when a shadow government agency recruits him for an off-the-books assignment, long before soon realizing it isn’t what it seems. “We’re excited to work with the film’s […]

EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM Sets October Release For New Action Thriller Starring Paul Sloan

Lee B. Golden III

https://youtu.be/MKMo-1PJTNY Saban Films proudly releases their official trailer this week for Every Last One Of Them, from director Christian Sesma (Paydirt). The film stars Paul Sloan, Jake Weber, Taryn Manning, Mike Hatton, with Michael Madsen and Richard Dreyfuss. Ex-Black Ops soldier Jake Hunter is desperate to find his missing daughter. As Jake uncovers the terrifying truth surrounding her disappearance, he goes on a merciless quest for revenge, bringing those responsible to justice in this gripping thriller. Sesma also penned the script with Alistair Cave, Matthew Thomas Edwards and Chee Keong Cheung. Every Last One Of Them will open in select theaters, digital and on demand beginning October 22.

TAKE BACK Review: Sesma’s Latest Fails To Launch For The Next New Action Star

Brandon Streussnig

If you follow Michael Jai White on Instagram then you’ve undoubtedly seen his wife Gillian kicking ass on his and her own profile. An actor in her own right, White has appeared everywhere from LL Cool J music videos to popping up in a Tarantino movie to a guest stint on “Days of Our Lives”. Unlike her husband, she hasn’t had a chance to headline her own action flick despite very clearly having the goods both as an actor and martial artist. At least until now. Take Back follows Zara, an attorney played by Gillian White, who lives with husband Brian (Jai White) and step daughter Audrey (Priscilla Walker). Zara finds her idyllic small-town life thrown into disarray after foiling a disturbance at a local coffee shop. After footage of her heroics are leaked to the news she finds herself in the crosshairs of a figure from her mysterious past […]

TAKE BACK: Shout! Debuts The Official U.S. Trailer For Gillian White’s Debut Action Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Dallas Jackson’s Welcome To Sudden Death lived just short of its potential, although it’s worth noting that one of its higher marks stands with actress Gillian White making her first entry into the screen fighting and action arena to add to her current drama credits. That she now gets to make her full-fledged debut in a lead role for action fans in Shout! Studios’ Take Back is worth singing some praises about at this stage, rejoining husband and action star Michael Jai White who steps up this time in a supporting capacity for the new thriller from Pay Dirt and Vigilante Diaries helmer Christian Sesma. Zara (Gillian White) and Brian (Michael Jai White) are living the perfect small-town life when Zara heroically foils a robbery and becomes headline news. This unwanted notoriety draws elements of Zara’s mysterious past back into her life, putting the lives of her family in danger. […]

Paul Sloan Sets His Sights On EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM In The Intense First Trailer For Christian Sesma’s New Action Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Director Christian Sesma’s increasing output of late will soon find moviegoers in good company with Gillian White’s debut, Take Back. In the meantime, Sesma’s latest completed thriller, Every Last One Of Them, has hit the ground running this weekend with an official trailer to help set the mood. Desperate to find his missing daughter, Jake Hunter (Paul Sloan), tracks her last known whereabouts to a small desert town only to discover that the head of a deeply funded security firm (Jake Weber) and his vicious younger sister (Taryn Manning) are protecting a family secret that could potentially derail a billion dollar water deal between his boss and the US government. But as Jake uncovers the truth about his daughter’s whereabouts the answers become terrifyingly clear and he goes on a merciless quest for revenge bringing those responsible to justice — that is if his former black ops mentor (Richard Dreyfuss) […]

TAKE BACK: Don’t Miss The Official Sales Trailer For Gillian White’s Lead Entry Into The Action Arena!

Lee B. Golden III

Screenrant unveiled the official international sales trailer for Christian Sesma‘s new movie, Take Back. Placing actress Gillian White front and center of her action star husband Michael Jai White who co-stars, the film is currently repped in the market circuit by 101 Films who recently sold North American distribution rights to Shout! Factory for a 2021 release. Zara (Gillian White) and Brian (Michael Jai White) are living the perfect small town life when a mysterious stranger from Zara’s secret past kidnaps their daughter and now they must race to save her life. The film also stars Mickey Rourke, Paul Sloan, Jessica Uberuaga and James Russo, and was one of the first independent films to be completed in the US during the Covid-19 pandemic. The trailer above was actually leaked from 101’s official website before hand. Alas, it’s here, at least officially. Enjoy!

TAKE BACK: Multiple Deals For New Action Thriller Starring Gillian White, Michael Jai White And Mickey Rourke

Lee B. Golden III

Actress Gillian White is taking center stage in the new year for her lead debut in action thriller, Take Back. 101 Films International is leading the charge as world sales agent ahead of AFM on the Christian Sesma-directed pic which is currently in post-production, with North American distribution in-bound from Shout! Factory. Zach Berries (Black Magic) wrote the pic with White joined once again by actor and off-screen husband Michael Jai White, after appearing together in Never Back Down: No Surrender, and in Dallas Jackson’s Welcome To Sudden Death. Zara (Gillian White) and Brian (Michael Jai White) are living the perfect small town life when a mysterious stranger from Zara’s secret past kidnaps their daughter and now they must race to save her life. The film also stars Mickey Rourke, Paul Sloan, Jessica Uberuaga and James Russo, and was one of the first independent films to be completed in the […]

Review: PAYDIRT Pays In Full With A Director Right In His Element

Lee B. Golden III

A drug bust gone wrong, and a cartel’s failed dig for missing millions in cash, offset writer/director Christian Sesma‘s latest crime thriller, Paydirt. Six years after landing in prison for possession of weed at the tail end of a raid that went belly-up, criminal mastermind and ex-con Damian Brooks (Luke Goss) hasn’t forgotten his priorities. He’s got his eyes set on $33 million dollars in lost drug money that never made its way to the DEA. To boot, he also has a vicious Mexican cartel tracking nearly his every move. The catch? Not only does he not know where the money exactly is, he’s also got heat behind behind him with parole officer, Layla (Mirtha Michelle), as well as Tucker (Val Kilmer), the dogged ex-sheriff forced into retirement following the failed raid years earlier, tailing him. Between covering his six and maintaining his good standing, Brooks reconvenes with his old […]

THANKS, BABY YODA: Catching Up With PAYDIRT Director Christian Sesma

Lee B. Golden III

We are eight months into what’s been a year of uncertainty for millions of people in various industries around the world. Invariably, movies are far from the exception with theaters forced to close for an indefinite number of months around the world, some of which reopend, though only to close again. It’s a sting felt by many a filmgoer, including independent filmmaker Christian Sesma whose own career now faces mitigating with certain rules and guidelines in order to maintain a safe working environment. Thus, the force was strong with the AWOL 72 and Vigilante Diaries director, as he was fortunate enough to finish one production earlier this year just before the state of California commenced a period of lockdown. That film, Paydirt, is now just days away from its release as of this Friday, and comes with the added benefit of Sesma’s own career prosperity getting to not only work […]

PAY DIRT Cashes In This August From Dark Star Pictures

Lee B. Golden III

With Take Back set to shoot this summer as the country continues to try and ween itself out of a deadly pandemic (save for some states, sadly), Christian Sesma’s latest, Pay Dirt, is now up for grabs on August 7 in theaters, and on digital and on-demand from Dark Star Pictures. A parolee teams up with his old crew determined to find a buried bag of cash stolen a decade ago from a DEA bust gone bad, while being tracked by a retired Sheriff. Sesma directs from his own script which sees him reunite once again with The Nightcrew and AWOL-72 actors Luke Goss, and Mike Hatton. Both produce along with Sesma, and with actor Val Kilmer on board with actress and daughter Mercedes Kilmer.

TAKE BACK: ‘Vigilante Diaries’ Director’s Latest Stars Michael Jai White, Gillian White And Mickey Rourke For July Start

Lee B. Golden III

July marks the start of principal photography in California for Take Back, per reports at Screendaily. The film reunites director Christian Sesma with several of his Vigilante Diaries cohorts, inclduing Mike Hatton who will produce via Ton Of Hats. Sesma will direct from a script by Zach Zerries which sees Never Back Down: No Surrender duo Michael Jai White and Gillian White in the respective roles of Sara and Brian, a couple living the perfect small town life when a mysterious stranger from Sara’s secret past kidnaps their daughter and now they must race to save her life. The Whites’, a married couple off-screen, lead a cast that also enlists Mickey Rourke (Nightmare Cinema) and James Russo (A Soldier’s Revenge), and Vigilante Diaries actors Paul Sloan and Jessica Uberuaga. Also producing are Andy Lyon and Michael Walker whose 101 Films label will be representing the pic as one of a […]

10 DOUBLE ZERO Clocks In Nicholas Cage For Christian Sesma’s Latest Cop Actioner

Lee B. Golden III

AWOL-72 helmer Christian Sesma is reteaming with Vigilante Diaries team, screenwriters Nick Vallelonga and Paul Sloan for Nicolas Cage action thriller, 10 Double Zero. Andreas Wiseman reported the news out of Cannes over at Deadline with news that Wonderful Global is selling the film internationally. 10 Double Zero heads to Louisiana for a July shoot with Cage leading the story of two police officers who take on a personal vendetta to hunt down cop killers, only to find themselves targets of a conspiracy in the ranks of the police force with the investigation leading right back to them. Wonderfilm’s Jeff Bowler and Bret Saxon will produce next to Vallelonga Productions, Mike Hatton’s Ton of Hats and Josh Mandel’s First J Productions. “We are thrilled to introduce 10 Double Zero to audiences around the globe for the first time in Cannes,” said Bowler, founding partner of Wonderfilm Media. “With Nick’s amazing […]

THE VIGILANTE SPEAKS: An Interview With Paul Sloan

Lee B. Golden III

2013 saw quite a few struggles – mostly in my initial efforts to connect with folks in filmmaking since not a lot of people knew me. Thankfully director Christian Sesma was one of the earlier ones I managed to share circles with as he was aiming toward launching his latest webseries, Vigilante Diaries on the then-active Chill.com. Since then, the series, a hyperviolent graphic novel-style take on superhero tropes mingling properties like Bourne and Punisher, produced two episodes before tapering off into new life as a feature film just a few years ago, and with some good prospects to boot. The film is finally well on the way to hitting theaters, and in between that time I’ve had some of the best memories in covering Sesma’s work, including his most recent action horror, The Nightcrew which remains as one of my absolute favorite highlights of Sesma’s work. That said, Vigilante […]

Catch The Official Trailer For Christian Sesma's VIGILANTE DIARIES

Lee B. Golden III

Director Christian Sesma has seen quite a long battle in bringing his newest, Vigilante Diaries, to the big screen. From webseries concept to feature film, Sesma and lead actor Paul Sloan have kept the momentum alive to see their vision through and with a select June 24 release in tow, we have an official trailer online courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment. SYNOPSIS: Jason Mewes stars as an in-your-face filmmaker known for his web videos of an urban avenger known only as “The Vigilante” (Paul Sloan). But when The Vigilante terminates a creep with deep connections, it’ll trigger a live-feed bloodbath between the Armenian mob, Mexican cartels, a rogue team of Special Forces commandos, and an international black ops conspiracy that’s about to make things very personal. UFC legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Michael Jai White, Jaqueline Lord, WWE star Sal “Chavo” Guerrero, Jr., James Russo and Michael Madsen co-star in this […]