Based on various true stories from the Innocence Project, CULPRIT is a high stakes murder mystery that chronicles a man (portrayed by Donovan) who is exonerated from a murder he claims he didn’t commit. After facing relentless harassment, and determined to clear his name, he teams up with the victim’s sister (played by Laura Vale) to track down the true killer and vindicate himself. The film debuted at Los Angeles’ Dances with Films last summer and sold out within 24 hours. Rich Ronat and Laura Vale also serve as producers with Good Rebel Pictures and take great pride in championing indie films. In a climate where so much of the story can be overshadowed by special effects or studio editing, Rich and Laura aim to let the story take center stage. It’s all about the art for them in what they strive for as filmmakers.
“One of the most unnerving, disconcerting realities of life is that a lot of times, you just don’t know the truth of what really happened. You can read a story online or in the papers and choose to believe it or not, but all it really is, is just a story with the many facets of truth all mixed into one person’s interpretation. I was inspired to write and direct “Culprit” because I wanted to explore the hunt for the truth in a narrative where you may end up never really knowing. When a tragedy happens that tears up a family to the core, that need for truth becomes the only thing a person can link onto for life. That’s what this story is truly about. And no matter how righteous or determined or right one may feel about a situation, they may have to come to peace with the fact that they may never know what really happened. I have to choose to find some semblance of peace with that harsh reality. Otherwise, to always feel like I have to know the truth can be maddening.” -Director and Co-Screenwriter, Rich Ronat.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
