DIRECTOR STATEMENT:
"I always aim to push the boundaries of what cinema is capable of and to delve deep into the uncharted depths of human nature and its shadowy complexities - our fears, desires, moral contradictions. To create cinema that is raw, daring, fearless and uncompromising.
I often explore the darker side of the human psyche as I feel through this a mirror can be held up to audiences, offering an experience that goes beyond entertainment — a chance to reflect, question, and connect; creating films that resonate long after the credits roll.
But ultimately I endeavour to avoid didacticism at all costs and aim to produce cinematic works that encourage the active participation and engagement of audiences, allowing them to form their own conclusions about each piece and what it means to them."
BACKGROUND:
C.A. Cooper is an award-winning director and producer with a passion for creating bold, innovative, visually striking and provocative cinema. From a very young age, he has immersed himself in cinema, directing his very first film at age 12, with each of his subsequent projects growing in scope and complexity throughout his teenage years.
Cooper went on to work in the camera department, training at Panavision and freelancing as a cinematographer across numerous independent films whilst also assisting in a technical capacity on several Warner Bros studio features including the “HARRY POTTER” film series, and Disney’s “MALEFICENT” (2014). Cooper’s background in camera and cinematography enables him to bring a unique visual sensitivity to his work. For him, crafting mood, atmosphere and striking imagery is central to storytelling and the cinematic experience.
At age 23, Cooper went on to write, direct, and produce his debut feature film “THE SNARE”, a tense, performance driven, psychological horror, about three friends losing their minds after being trapped on the top floor of an apartment complex by an otherworldly entity. “THE SNARE” received a theatrical release across select US cinemas, followed by a successful multi-platform release on DVD / VOD and despite being a tiny micro-budget project, it managed to gross over 25 times its original production cost through sales across the UK, North America/Canada, Latin America, China, Korea, Taiwan, Russia and more.
The film earned widespread recognition from the indie horror community, including an exclusive campaign feature on Bloody Disgusting, along with praise from Dread Central, and Horror Freak News; who described the film as ‘brilliant’, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Decay Magazine also stated:“The Snare is an elaborate craft best summed as a psychological Thriller. The film combines Horror and Thriller with flawlessness.”
Since "THE SNARE", Cooper has been collaborating with screenwriters to develop a slate of feature length projects and shorts with a focus on bold, innovative and boundary pushing content.
His artistic voice as a director has also since developed and evolved, shifting further away from genre towards highbrow, arthouse thriller, blending challenging narratives with captivating visuals. His latest short film "THE ABYSS" recently won the "Best Arthouse Film" award at the "Arthouse Film Festival" and "Best Experimental Short" at the "Annual Aarhus Film Festival" along with the "Special Jury Award" at the "Mediawave Festival". The film was also nominated for "Best Cinematography" and "Best Editing".
Currently, Cooper is preparing to shoot his next feature film "THE ORPHAN OF GOD" in September 2025; a UK/Austrian co-production focused around a tense father / son story set inside a dangerous esoteric cult.
SELECTED AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:
"Best Arthouse Film" (The Abyss) - The Arthouse Film Festival 2024 (Austin - USA)
"Special Jury Prize" (The Abyss) - Mediawave Festival 2024 (Budapest - Hungary)
"Best Experimental Short" (The Abyss) - Annual Aarhus Festival_2024 (Aarhus - Denmark)
"Semi-finalist - 3rd place - Eisenstein Award (Experimental)" (The Abyss) - Blow-Up Arthouse Film Festival_2024 (Chicago - USA)
"Film Of The Week" (The Magician's Garden) - Short To The Point 2024
"Best Film Award" (The Magician’s Garden) - Short Film Factory 2024
Ribalta Experimental Film Festival 2024 (Vignola - Italy) - (The Abyss) - Official Selection
London Independent Film Festival 2024 (London - UK) - (The Abyss) - Official Selection
Go Mental! International Film Festival_2024 (Berlin - Germany) - (The Abyss) - Official Selection
The International Network of Experimental Fiction Filmmaking_2024 (Manchester - UK) - (The Abyss) - Official Selection
Sur-REEL and Uncanny Film Fest_2024 (London - UK) - (The Abyss) - Official Selection