“This is personal cinema at its most uncompromising and fierce.”—Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

“One of the most unusual and audacious American independent films ever made.” – Richard Brody, The New Yorker

“Frownland is like a shriek for help. It centers on an extraordinary performance that plays like an unceasing panic attack. To call it uncompromising is to wish for a better word.”—Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

“There is some kind of demented brilliance at work here.”—Scott Foundas, The Village Voice

First-time director Ronald Bronstein describes his extraordinary film as “a rotten egg lobbed with spazmo aim at the spotless surface of the silver screen.” Be forewarned: Frownland has garnered both passionate raves and scathing denunciation, while festival screenings have ended in screaming matches between patrons. It is strong stuff, yes, but none of its notorious reputation does justice to its savage dark humor, emotional heft and stylistic audacity. Above all else, Frownland is a pitch-black character study of Keith Sontag (Dore Mann), a neurotic, manipulative, stridently unlovable New Yorker whose pitiless roommate aptly describes him, to his face, as “a burbling troll in his underwear.” With the most basic elements of human communication a struggle, Keith lurches his way through an uncaring city, attempting to aid a suicidal friend, evict his unctuous roommate, and simply attain some measure of self-respect.

Factory 25 will be releasing five titles through the remainder of 2009. In addition to Frownload, the independent film and music label will be releasing 1001 Nights featuring Damon and Naomi, All The Way From Michigan Not Mars featuring Sufjan Stevens and Rosie Thomas, You Weren’t There – A History of Chicago Punk 1977-84 and High School Record featuring members of Mika Miko, No Age, Lavender Diamond and Minutemen.

Watch the trailer here:
http://www.vimeo.com/6194388