For the Taking

Come Look

World Premiere

It’s the first of the month, and grocery clerk Victor Molina just got furloughed. Struggling with overdraft fees and exhausted support from friends and family, he seeks assistance from an unusual new acquaintance to delay the cashing of his rent check. However, within a day, Victor is coerced by his powerful and unscrupulous landlord into robbing a mysterious and lavish country estate. Within a week, he must orchestrate a daring heist, untangle a complex real estate plot, and try to somehow regain the trust of those close to him.

For the Taking, shot on 16mm film in humid Charlottesville, Virginia, features a diverse blend of emerging and experienced talent. Director Danny Wagner constructs a dynamic film influenced by classic crime capers, neo-realism, anime, and silent film, all infused with the vibrant essence of community theater. 

Discussion with director Danny Wagner, actors Ed Belcher and Brayan Florian, and composer Shaun Couture. Moderated by Atlee Webber (VAFF).

Date

Sun, Oct 29, 2023

Time

4:45 PM

Location

Culbreth Theatre

Film Info

Director: Danny Wagner

Runtime: 77 min.

Genre: Drama

Year: 2023

Country: USA

Language: English

Featuring: Brayan Florian, Edward Belcher, Drew McCarter, Celesse Rivera, Zainab Barry, Kyra Miller, Mark Jeter, Christopher Baumer

Speakers

Danny Wagner Headshot

Danny Wagner is an independent filmmaker based in Los Angeles. A Charlottesville native and an alum of the University of Virginia, his work has been featured in the Adrenaline Film Project, Virginia Film Festival, and SmartPhilm Festival.

Edward Belcher Headshot

Edward relocated to Virginia 12 years ago from small-town Alabama. Until For the Taking, he had participated in children’s theater productions and a few school plays.

Shaun Couture Headshot

Shaun Couture is a musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in the Catskill mountains of New York. He is a member of the internationally touring band The Nude Party.

Brayan Florian Headshot

Brayan Florian is originally from Michoacán, Mexico and grew up in Charlottesville. His lead role in For the Taking was his first professional acting gig.

Presented by

VFO – premiere – Film – Flat – White