Mark Bonanno on his horror-infused ARG film The Shadowman's Nightmare

Mark Bonanno, associated with Aunty Donna and Grouse House, has developed The Shadowman's Nightmare, a unique blend of horror, comedy, and augmented reality game (ARG). The narrative revolves around a fictional 1990s actor named Ken Holden, who financed an expansion tape for the Australian video game Nightmare, also referred to as Atmosfear. Bonanno portrays the sinister Shadowman in a film that emulates the interactive gameplay of Atmosfear. A companion website, reminiscent of the Donnie Darko site and the puzzle game Blue Prince, unveils additional secrets that enrich the film's enigmatic storyline. Citing Atmosfear as a significant inspiration, Bonanno emphasizes its allure for children through its dark fantasy and mature themes. The project was showcased at the Brunswick Underground Film Festival, encouraging audience engagement. Bonanno independently handled all post-production, including genuine VHS transfers. The Shadowman's Nightmare is set to debut on the Grouse House subscription platform in June.