New Richmond Filmmakers: ‘Saturnalia’ (2025)

Daniel John Lerch’s 2025 film Saturnalia (1 hr., 40 min.) is a high-concept homage to the cerebral and stylish world of Italian giallo films and Italian supernatural horror of the ’70s. Produced by Richmonders Max Fischer and Vivian Owen, the score was composed by the celebrated Claudio Simonetti, who along with his band Goblin, scored Dario Argento’s most iconic films.

Followed by a Q & A with VCU professor Danny Caporletti and RVA-based crewmembers Max Fischer (Cinematographer and Producer) and producer Vivian Owen.

About the Artists:
Max Fischer is a cinematographer and camera operator, and a 26-year member of the International Cinematographer’s Guild.
He splits his time between feature films, episodics, and commercials. With a strong passion for the horror genre, he took the next logical step and produced his first feature film with Saturnalia. He is based in Richmond, Virginia.

Vivian Owen is an award-winning independent producer, screenwriter, and script supervisor based in Richmond, VA whose past work includes commercials, branded content, short films, and features. Vivian produced the independent horror feature Saturnalia, and has a paranormal thriller screenplay entitled Occult Detective in development.

About New Richmond Filmmakers:
A sampling of the city’s thriving filmmaking community, this series celebrates emerging voices in Richmond’s up-and-coming film scene. Screenings will be followed by a Q & A with the filmmakers and VCU Cinema faculty. Presented by the Institute for Contemporary Art and Yossera Bouchtia.