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THE DEMON CORE

@thedemoncorefilm

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USC/Sloan Foundation short film by @j.zacharythurman following the infamous criticality incident that led to the tragic death of Louis Slotin

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Don’t let the name fool you... because it totally fooled me! ☢️😂 I went into this interview with Director John Zachary Thurman and Best Actor winner Connor Paolo assuming “The Demon Core” was a horror flick. 🧟‍♀️

Turns out, I was dead wrong, but these guys were such good sports about it! Massive congrats to the team for winning Best Student Film and to Connor for taking home Best Actor. Such a fun, unexpected conversation! 🎬🏆

Interview by @vanessalua

#whatthehelldidshesay #PIFF2026 #connorpaolo #thedemoncore #indiefilm

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We had such a WONDERFUL week in Sedona screening WAITING FOR APHRODITE! Thank you SIFF!! We met such amazing filmmakers like @j.zacharythurman (THE DEMON CORE), Erin Keating & @thisisdavidl (UNDELIVERED), @brian.poyser & Kim LeBlanc (LEADS), @eldusto1984 & Terry Geer (FIRST TIME), @pitstop_pictures and @ak_trashpanda (THE SHROWDINGER), and Annie Wong & Thomas Jennings (ROVINA’S CHOICE) and many others! #indiefilm #education #waitingforaphrodite #cinemaedfilms

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Just so you know, I'm heavily interested in The Demon Core (Harry Daghlian and Louis Slotin).
I've drawn Louis 3 times already :D

I discovered some time ago that a trailer for a film of The Demon Core (@thedemoncorefilm ), showing the story of Louis Slotin.
Haven't watched it, but I'm genuinely happy that the story of Louis Slotin and Harry Daghlian is still being remembered 🩷
Thanks @j.zacharythurman
Also, @connorpaolo was amazing in his acting!

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@j.zacharythurman accepts the win for Beat Production Design for the film @thedemoncorefilm with production design by @suzschof

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🎬 The Demon Core — written, produced, and directed by J. Zachary Thurman

This film tells the story of physicist Louis Slotin, whose quiet heroism and ultimate sacrifice in 1946 remind us of the unseen human cost behind scientific progress. Filmed on location at the Historic Wendover Air Force Base in Utah, the setting brings authenticity and emotional depth to this powerful story.

Zachary shares, “This film…represents a personal effort to honor the life and legacy of Louis Slotin…His story is one of quiet heroism, moral complexity, and profound sacrifice.”

It was an amazing, impactful film — beautifully made, and a story that will resonate with many. The whole team should be proud of this incredible work.

— Behind the Frame 🎬 #behindtheframe #uiff2026 #thedemoncore #louisslotin #independentfilmmaker

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🎬 Film Review: The Demon Core

This film blew me away. From the stunning cinematography to the meticulous period detail, it feels like a full-scale movie. The story of Louis Slotin’s selfless sacrifice in 1946 is both powerful and haunting, and the team behind this film did a phenomenal job bringing it to life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Have you seen The Demon Core yet? Let me know your thoughts!

#BehindTheFrame #IndieFilm #FilmReview #PeriodPiece #Cinematography #FilmSpotlight #IndieFilmmakers #ShortFilm #FilmCommunity #TheDemonCore

@thedemoncorefilm @j.zacharythurman @connorpaolo @samabejacobs @ryanishka @thedrewwater @tinociatti @hallecottle @juliette_boland

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More winners from FilmQuest 2025 on the red carpet! There was so much incredible talent and films on display at the festival, but alas, only so many films could take home the gold. Winners included @marrsattacks and his film @appofeniacs, with @thejudgegunn giving support. Also @connorpaolo for Best Actor in a short and @j.zacharythurman for best student short for @thedemoncorefilm. @jillsachs took home The Minerva Award, while Utah filmmaker @luisfernando.puente finally got his Cthulhu for "I Hid My Heart Inside My Head." Then of course @stevennschloss snagged Best Horror Short for his Hanukah horror short "Gimme." All these victory pics snapped by @araya_photo for @gettyimages. Congrats to all the winners! Will you be rocking the red carpet a winner in 2026??

#filmquest #filmquest2025 #awardwinner #awards #redcarpet #cthulhutrophy #filmfestival #celebrity #genre #beholdthefantastic

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Grateful to the @filmquest team - good people, good vibes, and great filmmakers.

Thank you for the nomination for best supporting actor.

Congrats to @j.zacharythurman for best student film @connorpaolo for best actor and the whole @thedemoncorefilm team for nominations of best of fest, best ensemble & production design. Definitely plan to be back in provo again.

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@thedemoncorefilm just won Best Student Short at FilmQuest, and the incredible Connor Paolo took home Best Actor! 🙌

We were also honored with nominations for Best Supporting Actor @samabejacobs , Best of Fest, Best Ensemble Cast, and Best Production Design — and surrounded by some truly jaw-dropping talent.
It’s hard to put into words what this festival meant — from the surreal screenings to the late-night hangs, the laughs, and the new friendships that already feel like family!

Much love to everyone who believed in this project, to @filmquest for the magic, and to every filmmaker who shared their world on that screen. This is only the beginning. 🎥🔥

#FilmQuest #BestStudentShort #BestActor #ConnorPaolo #ShortFilm #IndieFilm #FilmFestival #FilmmakerLife #ActingCommunity #FilmmakingJourney #Grateful

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Honored to have been able to host a special screening of @thedemoncorefilm for the 50th anniversary of the University of Maryland’s Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk!

This breathtaking retelling of physicist Louis Slotin’s story of hubris and sacrifice at Los Alamos served as the perfect backdrop for discussions about modern research safety at UMD. ⚛️⚛️⚛️

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Don’t tickle the dragon’s tail. Seriously. Mess with the bull, ya’ gonna’ get the horns. ⚛️☢️

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