On May 18th, a new independent film hits theaters called “Beyond The Black Rainbow”. The film is the brainchild of writer/director Panos Cosmatos (”) and is already garnering attention at film festivals around the world. It is an official selection at AFI Fest 2011, Fantastic Fest 2011, and The Tribeca Film Fest 2011.

Here’s the synopsis of this sci-fi thriller:

Set in the strange and oppressive emotional landscape of the year 1983, BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW is a Reagan-era fever dream inspired by hazy childhood memories of midnight movies and Saturday morning cartoons. Cosmatos was born in Rome in 1974 to the late Greek movie director (George Cosmatos) and a Swedish experimental artist mother.  He spent his early formative years traveling all over the globe before settling in Canada. In 1981, the family lived for a year in Mexico where exposure to the strange local interpretations of American pop culture had a profound and lasting effect on his creative life. Growing up in the isolated suburbs of Vancouver Island during the 80s, he obsessed over the minutiae of heavy metal, fantasy art, and science fiction horror films, which he still does to this day. He then immersed himself in the underground art and music scenes making short films, album covers and music videos with a burgeoning group of influential and ground breaking artists.  Pantos currently lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Below is an exclusive first look at some eerie still images from the film as well as the trailer…

‘Beyond the Black Rainbow’ trailer:

The trailer looks interesting, like a very old school science fiction movie. To step back into classic science fiction would be nice. Its always enjoyable to look at the classics.

‘Beyond The Black Rainbow’ stars Michael Rogers (‘Smallville’), Eva Allan (‘Caprica’), and Scott Hylands (‘V’). It will hit theaters from Magnolia Pictures on May 18th. Will you be checking it out?