Eclipse of the Holy Fool is a feature thriller set in a politically fractured Philadelphia neighborhood on the brink of violence. A formerly incarcerated woman striving for peace finds herself at the center of a web of intersecting lives—activists, business owners, laborers, and outsiders—each with their own agenda. With just 24 hours before tensions explode into a bloody riot, she must navigate their conflicting struggles and unite the community before it’s too late.
Set and filmed in Philadelphia, this homegrown production will employ local crew, actors, and locations, celebrating the heart, grit, and diversity of the city. Outside of a couple of key roles requiring recognizable actors, the film will prioritize Philadelphia talent, strengthening the city’s independent film scene.
But Philadelphia isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in the film. The story highlights the diverse communities that make up the city: working-class laborers, activists, business owners, gentrifiers, and immigrants—all fighting for survival, dignity, and voice.
At the helm of the project is Joy Marzec, a filmmaker committed to crafting bold, socially relevant stories. Joy has written, directed, and produced multiple feature films and shorts, with her work available on Prime and DirecTV in the U.S. and internationally. She gravitates toward stories that blend gritty realism, poetic mysticism, and dark humor—films that challenge audiences while capturing the resilience of the human spirit. Her previous work has screened at festivals like the New York Independent Film Festival and the Oscar-qualifying Santa Fe International Film Festival, earning industry recognition for its unique voice and compelling storytelling.
The team is actively speaking with agents and actors to secure a recognizable lead, assembling key industry collaborators, and gaining momentum within the independent film community. With growing excitement and support from the Philadelphia Film Office, this is shaping up to be a truly homegrown project that showcases the soul and complexity of the city.
Learn more & support the film: https://igg.me/at/holyfool/x/27141500#/
Most importantly, SPREAD THE WORD about this urgent and timely story. Independent films like this thrive through community, and this one belongs to Philadelphia.