Trailer: BritFlicks has dropped the official trailer for 'TREASURE OF THE LOST REEL', a slapstick adventure comedy and love letter to classic cinema and early animated cartoons from writer/director Nate Neal.
Shot entirely on Kodak Super 16mm film, 'TREASURE OF THE LOST REEL' parodies Indiana Jones-style adventure in the story of a desperate search for a long-lost animated reel that a powerful corporation will stop at nothing to erase.
The film stars William Russ, Sean Shannon, Katie Hannigan, Kevin R. Free and Martin Barabas, with a special guest appearance by Tina Fabrique. Produced by Virginia Lloyd, the film features cinematography by Daniel Seth Pagel and original music by Joel Pierson.
Synopsis: Professor and wannabe adventurer Hector “Heck” Burrows disappears from Pimento University to hunt down rare animated films one time too many and gets himself fired. While screening films from his private collection in his tiny Brooklyn apartment, his estranged ex-girlfriend and American Classic Movie Channel TV host Laurel Marsh arrives seeking his help.
Laurel is on the trail of a film reel that, as legend has it, could invalidate media giant Pinnacle Pictures’ ownership of its 95-year-old flagship cartoon character, “Boffo.” Heck believes the reel could restore his reputation and his professorship, but the search becomes dangerous when they encounter Mr. Fixit, Pinnacle Pictures’ ultra-loyal corporate fixer.
Blending slapstick comedy, screwball energy, adventure parody and satirical commentary, 'TREASURE OF THE LOST REEL' explores copyright, cultural erasure and a deep love for film, animation and the artists behind them.
'TREASURE OF THE LOST REEL' is written and directed by Nate Neal and produced by Virginia Lloyd.
The film has its World Premiere at Big Apple Film Festival on Tuesday 12 May 2026 at 9:30pm at Village East by Angelika.
🎞️ Watch the trailer
