Dylan Rhys Howard, a talented Canadian independent filmmaker, hails from the picturesque city of Wellington, located in the heart of New Zealand. However, his formative years were spent in the vibrant city of Edmonton, situated in the province of Alberta, Canada.
Throughout his career, Howard's work has garnered widespread acclaim from the esteemed National Screen Institute, which has praised his storytelling for its unique blend of freshness and nuance. Furthermore, the institute has commended his cinematic style, noting that his imagery is characterized by its simplicity and intimacy, effectively evoking a deep emotional connection with the viewer.
In the year 2018, a notable short film titled "Peak Oil" captured the attention of Telefilm Canada's prestigious Not Short On Talent program, thereby earning a coveted spot within its esteemed ranks.
Subsequently, this remarkable film was showcased at the Marché Du Film Court, a prominent platform within the renowned Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, which is held annually in France.
As a testament to its exceptional quality, "Peak Oil" received a multitude of accolades, including the coveted Best Narrative Short award bestowed by the Alberta Motion Picture Industries Association, a respected organization within the film industry.
Furthermore, this outstanding film also garnered the Best Film award at the National Screen Institute, a prestigious honor that serves as a testament to its exceptional storytelling, direction, and overall cinematic excellence.
Howard's inaugural broadcast documentary, a one-hour in-depth exploration titled "Digging In The Dirt", delved into the complex and often taboo topics of depression and suicide within the Alberta oil and gas sector. Co-directed with the talented Omar Mouallem, this documentary made its television debut on CBC Television in September 2019 and was later showcased in the esteemed Hot Docs' Spotlight Alberta series in early 2021.
Mouallem, a talented filmmaker, has recently made a significant impact in the documentary world with his latest project, Boys Will Be...Themselves. This ambitious film, which Mouallem wrote, produced, and directed, premiered on CBC Gem in October 2022, marking a major milestone in his career.
However, Mouallem's impressive body of work didn't stop there. He also co-produced and directed The Lebanese Burger Mafia, a feature-length documentary that premiered at the prestigious Hot Docs festival in 2023. The film, which was picked up for distribution by levelFilm, went on to play in theaters across Canada before being made available to stream on Paramount+.
Kyle Armstrong's slow-burn independent drama, Hands That Bind, made its way to Canadian theatres through Mongrel Media, simultaneously gaining momentum.
Paul Sparks, a talented actor, took on a starring role in the film, bringing his unique acting style to the screen.
Susan Kent, another accomplished actress, also starred in the movie, bringing her own set of skills to the project.
Bruce Dern, a veteran actor with a long and storied career, added his expertise to the film, lending depth and complexity to the story.
Rhys Howard, the associate producer, played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in bringing the film to life.
Kyle Armstrong, the director, skillfully guided the project from start to finish, bringing his own vision to the forefront.
Mongrel Media, the distributor, brought the film to Canadian audiences, giving them the opportunity to experience the slow-burn drama for themselves.
The film's release marked an exciting moment for the cast, crew, and fans alike, as they all came together to celebrate the culmination of hard work and dedication.
Howard's inaugural feature film as writer and director, titled Eudaimonia, has been selected for distribution by IndieCan Entertainment's newly established subsidiary, Pride Pictures. This exciting development marks the beginning of the film's festival circuit, with a scheduled release in the spring of 2024.
