I was so excited to see that “The Fifth Chair” has already been selected as a nominee multiple times on the festival circuit this year. Vaughn’s sophomore film seems to be gaining an incredible amount of momentum, and if he keeps up this humble yet persistent attitude, I have no doubt the wins will keep coming his way!

Chris Vaughn’s “The Fifth Chair” has won its third film festival award! This time, the film took home the award for “Best Horror” at The 2022 Summer Couch Film Festival. Coming on the heels of his last two wins for “Best Producer” and “Best Cinematography” at The 2022 International Motion Picture Awards back in April.

With two films now under his belt, Vaughn is just starting to revive his name as a filmmaker to watch since his long break after his debut project over a decade ago. His latest film, “The Fifth Chair”, is edgy, quirky short film that touches on some very interesting topics in an artsy, open-ended way that allows both sides to contemplate the subject matter and decide for themselves.

The film stars all newcomers: Jason Schlaman, Peter Sansbury, Sini Hill, Derek Alberti, Chris Wargo, and Michael Pate. It was all shot in two locations in New Jersey in only two days! Most of the film and all of the acting was filmed in Kevin Smith’s Personal Studio in Leonardo while the beautiful exteriors featured in the film were shot in Englewood, New Jersey.

“If you’re looking for a thought-provoking film to watch with your friends, “The Fifth Chair” is definitely one to check out!”

Juliette Pecaut -Author

The film tells the story of a young conservative that answers an ad for a bible study at a church and finds himself in the middle of a drug-induced cult sacrifice. The film is shot very well; I expect the film will raise some eyebrows for its clever use of religious and political themes that are large talking points in the world today.

Vaughn’s work is sure to continue to impress audiences around the worldif they have the mental capacity to comprehend what Vaughn is actually trying to do with this film. This is where I believe his art is evident. He doesn’t quite tell you which side you should be on, nor does he give you a road map. He just places things down in a very interesting way so you can pick things up at your level.

I suspect Vaughn will be invited to show off his talents in other festivals this year and in the years to come; perhaps we will see more of what is inside of that head of his as he gains support and the courage to open himself up to the world again! Winning the experience and privilege of writing, directing, and producing a film like “The Fifth Chair” is an accomplishment in itself.

Chris Vaughn is no stranger to the film world. As I mentioned earlier, his filmmaking started over a decade ago. Vaughn’s first film, Jerseyboy Hero (2010), was an official selection of The Garden State Film Festival and featured all his own original rock music—but for some reason, was never even entered in any other film festivals; this blows my mind! Why not? It has academy award winners, major celebrities, and local legends practically tipping their hats to Chris Vaughn for his talents “on camera!” Yet no one even really knows about this guy yet or his music? His first film is available online, but I wonder if he is still writing music. I found his self titled debut album “for those that have ears” which is shocked me when I played it, it’s really good. Solid hooks and bridges with performances that make me wonder why he isn’t still playing music.

“The Fifth Chair” is a great opportunity for Chris to further showcase his skills and force his foot back in the door of the film industry, but I hope we get to hear more of his music someday as well. We wish him the best of luck in the other competitions he has entered this year!

Here is the link for his film: https://the5thchair.com/

* Here is the link for his film: https://music.apple.com/us/album/for-those-that-have-ears/316838844