Latest News: Watch a 16mm Version of Film on May May 27!

New York, NY:  The acclaimed short film, John Dablovski: Reality TV Star, is going to be part of a unique experience.  On Wednesday, May 27, at the Anthology Film Archives (32 2nd Ave., NY, NY), you can watch a 16mm screening of the film.  The "New Filmmakers New York" short film screening will open their doors at 7:15pm.  You will have the opportunity to view several short films and the evening will conclude with the 16mm presentation of John Dablovski: Reality TV Star.

Click HERE for more information

John Dablovski: TV Reality Star Synopsis

John Dablovski: Reality TV Star is a dark comedy from young and very talented writer/director, Gerard Zarra.   The film is about a delusional young man who believes he is the star of his own reality television show. With a nonexistent camera crew documenting his every move, Dablovski is content to live out a lifestyle of glitz and grandeur to the frustration of everyone around him

When an old friend from the past comes knocking on his door, however, Dablovski must confront his sickness and choose in which reality he believes.

Meet Filmmaker: Gerard Zarra

A New Jersey native and graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Gerard has had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects in the world of Film, Media, and Television. His influences range from industry giants like Steven Spielberg or Martin Scorsese to the dark fiction of David Chase to the oddball arrangements of Louis CK.

Above all, he is an admirer of cinema's rich history and tradition. He is a lover of inspired character-driven storytelling, deliberate, disciplined use of the camera, and the preservation of celluloid as a powerful visual canvas.

John Dablovski: Reality TV Star is proudly shot on Kodak 16mm Motion Picture Film Stock.

John Dablovski: TV Reality Star

REVIEW by Darkhorse

Review by Alexia Amoriello (For NYCIFF.com) 

Gerard Zarra’s short film conquers the challenging task of making an obnoxious character both charming and fascinating to watch. The concept of a man who is convinced that he is the star of his own reality television show is refreshing and intriguing; it is the exact opposite scenario of The Truman Show yet it is equally captivating. Whereas in The Truman Show Truman is unaware that his life is a television show, John Dablovski believes he is the star of a reality television show and the people he encounters do not understand and are perplexed by his behavior. 

The cinematography is striking and makes it clear that this is a legitimate film as opposed to a reality television show, despite the subject matter. The film never loses its pace and every minute is spent wisely. In fact, the premise of John Dablovski: Reality TV Star is mesmerizing to the extent that it could potentially be a feature length film. However, Zarra’s screenplay is wonderfully concise, ensuring that Dablovski does not overstay his welcome.
Additionally, the acting is thoroughly convincing and Marco Torriani’s performance as the titular character is noteworthy.

Torriani manages to portray a typical reality TV star effortlessly but with enough heart to clarify that this is a man who is painfully delusional. It is hilarious to watch as Dablovski obliviously addresses a nonexistent audience and camera crew with conviction. 

There is plenty of emotional depth lurking within John Dablovski: Reality TV Star, as the film is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It is devastating to watch a man embarrass himself and go through life unaware of his delusions. Yet the fact that Dablovski is so blissfully unaware is strangely heartwarming because he truly believes that he is a television star and is elated to be one, regardless of the reality of the situation. Although there is emotional weight to the film, it still remains lighthearted and humorous due to the fact that Dablovski is an arrogant character with an overinflated ego. Thus, the emotional depth of the film is expertly subtle because on the surface the film is a comedy about a pompous delusional young man.

Overall, Zarra’s film is humorous and amusing, yet oddly heartfelt. John Dablovski: Reality TV Star is an official selection of the New York City Independent Film Festival and will be shown during the festival on October 12-18, 2015.