Joshua Kennedy: Filmmaker, Director, Monster Maker Extraordinaire

Well, how did I meet Joshua Kennedy? It starts with Mitzi, my dear friend. Mitzi invited Jacob and I to watch The Innsmouth School For Girls at the AMC theater in Edinburg. Mitzi always spoke about the movies, roles, and upcoming gigs coming up and this was one for the books, a premiere! What an absolutely wonderful film - going in blind as well, but what I did not expect was that trailer for Mantopus. That, that kept me up at night. That kept me waiting and wondering when I'd hear about it once again until just about a month ago. It premiered at the Citrus Theater and it was everything I could've hoped for. Amazing, Jacob would have LOVED it (he moved away). First time meeting Joshua at AMC, but this time at the Citrus it was time to formally introduce myself. Now here we are, time to learn more about Joshua Kennedy in this interview.

ITS JOSHUA KENNEDY!

Starting off the interview by asking Joshua, what got you, Joshua Kennedy, into the world of film making? What intrigued you about it the most, leading you to CREATE? As he says "I really guess it boils down to my parents. They sat me down at such an early age to watch films like The Ten Commandments, Clash of the Titans, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea—larger-than-life stories that really shaped my world and my imagination, and still do. Plus, my parents supported anything I was interested in. (I think if I wanted to be a serial killer, they’d help me hide the bodies.)

When I showed an interest in film and theater, they were the first ones to push me in that direction." Y'know this got me good, this had me smiling - I'm glad there wasn't a tug n pull between what you SHOULD be doing over what YOU want to do. That really makes a difference I'd say. What an incredible support system. Leading to awards, 20 films under your name, and most importantly the folks you've been able to meet along the way.

Joshua Kennedy (as a child) Psycho movie recreation

From what I heard, you were also a theater student in high school. Did being in theater and surrounded by the arts influence where you are today? As he shares by saying "Oh, most certainly. I have to thank my high school theater director, Mr. Green. He let me direct a show at Edinburg High School—a stage adaptation of the B-movie The Brain That Wouldn’t Die—and that experience really opened my eyes: 'Hey, I could do this for real!' Plus, I was blessed to be surrounded with wacky theater kids that were up for any adventure. They acted in the school shows, agreed to be in my movies and plays… and, best of all, most of them are still working with me!" This question was inspired by someone who went to the same school as you. We were talking and she told me "you should ask Joshua about Mr.Green!" She went on to say that your name was the talk of the theater department. It's so fascinating to know where it sort of begins. This first stage adaption of The Brain That Wouldn't Die to now the release of Mantopus. What a timeline, huh? From Edinburg High School to The Citrus in Edinburg up on stage, but up on stage with most of "wacky theater kids" who have been with you since that stage adapation. Also, looking up the film - it looks very interesting and its so Joshua core. I will add it to my watch list, now im wondering how y'all did the costume designs, make up, and props for the movie! Aghhhh if only i was an edinburg student for THIS MOMENT.

Before we talk about your published films, can you tell us about your early work—what you were making before Attack of the Octopus People?

"There are hours and hours and hours of me, as a kid, filming random stuff in my house and backyard. Half of our family summer vacation films are me testing the zoom on the camera, or experimenting with focus while something important is going on. There’s video of my dad explaining the historical significance of Dublin, Ireland—and I’m just randomly zooming in on his nostril for four minutes. But hey, that was my film school. I was learning so much just by shooting junk." I mean what did they expect? Give this boy a camera, what he's not going to do? He's gonna film at the family dinners, gatherings and so on. While you played with the zoom function your parents saw their soon in awe n wonder over your fascination in filming. Me, trying to see both perspectives. It's beautiful.

Watching Mantopus, Cowgirls vs Pterodactyls, and The Innsmouth School for Girls, there’s clearly a Kennedy “flair”: a touch of horror, thrill, and something that lurks. What draws you to create these kinds of films? As he exclaims "Hahaha! Thank you! Well, like I said, I’ve always been drawn to larger-than-life stories. I want an escape from reality when I watch a film—and what better escape than a half-man, half-octopus monster? They’re just so gosh-darn fun to make. I love the creativity that arises from people on set who just want to make the best film possible. Some of the best ideas start from us fooling around and thinking, 'That’s such a dumb idea… LET’S DO IT!' I absolutely love that - especially with my way of thinking - the "dumb idea" is certainly at times, the best one. It's just a man with his camera bringing these creatures to life, bringing back something once "lost", something "dumb", but that's on the surface, because from what I've watched. They're still imprinted on my mind more than a cannes nomination, more than some surreal black n white euro film. It sticks because, it's fun and because the intention is just folks wanting to create and as Joshua mentioned "some of the best ideas start from us fooling around" and isn't that just part of the process, the sweet - sweet process of it all? The fun.

With over 20 movies under your belt, how have you seen yourself grow—especially with your cast and crew? I recognize familiar faces throughout your work.

"Thank you! I’ve had so many wonderful experiences with people from all over the world. I’ve been blessed to have friends who enjoy working with me—and keep coming back! For me, it’s about the experience of making the movie. I’ve had good experiences, and some not-so-good ones. And I’ve learned that I MUCH prefer a fun experience making a movie that turns out like junk, than a terrible experience making something 'good.'" You got me, and the folks I'll be showing your movie at our monthly movie night function. I am so excited! Also, it's all a part of the experience. The stress over making something that isn't coming off hmm "naturally" to you, or the stress of making something y'know doesn't feel right within your own playing field? Does that make sense? I love experimenting and encourage experimentation, but something that "turns out like junk" is actually a HIT - turns out to be more than one could have imagined! At the end of the day - It's how we learn and its PROOF that we created as well.

The Ten Commandments

You’ve spoken a lot about the magic of low-budget filmmaking. What does “low-budget” mean in the Kennedy world—and how do you know when you've crossed that line? As he says "This is hard to explain, but I’ll try. When I’m working on a project, my imagination doesn’t allow me to see it as 'low budget.' I believe—wholeheartedly—that there is a giant starfish killing people in the Texas desert. That I am filming women prisoners on the moon.

But for me, Mantopus was the line. We were shooting on actual 16mm film. Film is not cheap. Five years is not cheap. That was a milestone for me." Hmmm yeah I can see the line of not seeing it as "low budget" when you're in the setting, the costumes, the music, the creatures involved and the story unfolding in each moment. I can see the perspective on how it's not "low budget" due to the "imagination" and it must be different to have it all unfold in front you than the flipside of catching on a screen. An experience I'd like to one day witness for myself.

Let’s talk about Mantopus. I remember watching the trailer at AMC and waiting years for the release. What kept you committed to this project, especially with the technical challenges of shooting on film? He shares by saying "We shot the whole thing on 16mm film—and that was quite the challenge. I knew it would take time, and I wasn’t going to rush it. My antique film camera is fully manual: focus, light meter, everything.

Mantopus cast on the Citrus stage!

One roll is 11 minutes. Once it's used, you have to reload, ship it to Massachusetts for processing, then ship it back—only THEN can you see what you got. Did it focus? Is it blank? There’s no playback!

My Polaroids from the premiere

One memory I’ll never forget: going to South Padre Island with my buddies to get the last shot of Mantopus coming out of the surf. We went at the worst time—red flag on the beach, rip tides, killer winds—we nearly drowned. But we got the shot!"

Hearing you speak on stage about the your experience shooting on film had me in AWE! Hearing about the shipping back n forth, hearing about how at one point you received film that was just BLACK so you had to re-shoot AGAIN! I can't imagine the thoughts running waiting to receive back your film. Not only for yourself, but for the entire cast involved in this film. I enjoyed hearing what you had to say on stage on the development on Mantopus. Especially the video lesson on the "over acting" especially for the character you played presented on this film haha that was splendid!

To those who want to create short films or start film making, what advice would you give? "Go out there and just do it. There is NO excuse. You can shoot an entire movie on your phone nowadays. What are you waiting for? Maybe the first one is total crap. No one has to see it. But you’ll learn so much. Then your second one will be better. And your third even better than that." I agree wholeheartedly, if you don't take action into your words - time flies.

Now that Mantopus is out, what’s next for Joshua Kennedy? One word? A tease? "I’m currently directing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: The Musical for Communities in Schools. We perform July 18–20, 2025 at The Citrus Live in Edinburg! For film… I’ve always wanted to do Richard III in outer space. But who knows?" See y'all at the Citrus to catch the musical!

Any final comments you'd like to share? For anyone interested: Mantopus, The Innsmouth School for Girls, and Saturnalia: Cave-Girl from Outer Space are currently streaming on Amazon Prime, and the rest of my work can be found on DVD at Oldies.com.Thank you, Ram Jam, for having me!