Triggered 2.0, 22min,. USA
Directed by Mario Ricardo Rodriguez, Marcus Nel-Jamal Hamm
A diabolical madman known as The Director 2.0, with a vendetta against Wolverine, plots a way to take his powers and use him as a distraction as he enacts his ultimate means of destroying all superpowered beings, by pitting him against his one ally, Blade, in a fight to the death. Lucas Bishop must find a way to break free of his control so he can save his friends and the rest of humanity.

https://instagram.com/triggeredfanfilm

Get to know filmmaker Marcus Nel-Jamal Hamm:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Triggered 2.0 was motivated by our desire to continue and finish the story that began with part 1 of Triggered. The film starred Steven James Tingus, a dear friend and lifetime advocate of disability and diversity inclusion. Completing part 1 was his final wish, and upon the film’s completion and screening, Steven left this world. Following his funeral, we watched the film together with Steven’s family, and the question was immediately asked, When are we going to see part 2? The story of part 2 was closer to the original script that was developed, and essentially turned the events of part 1 into a memory implant.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Triggered 2.0 began conception in the summer of 2023 and began filming in the Fall. Filming was completed in early 2024, and post-production finished in April 2024. So this film took us 10 months to complete.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Wild Ride

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle is always time. Even with all of the preparation, there is NEVER enough time to complete the shots that you want while on set. And due to the budget limitations, we are always forced to make sacrifices.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was glad to see that the audience “got it”. I heard so many keywords in describing the film that I was hoping to hear, the weight of the story, the heavy Sci-Fi theme, and the fact that we made sure that the audience had a lot of fun along the way. A lot of my favorite moments were theirs, so that made me happy to hear.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I’ve wanted to make films for most of my life since early childhood. But the first time I actually believed that I could make a film was in 2002, after completing my first television role as a professional wrestler with Urban Wrestling Alliance, I wrote my first treatment for a film based on the experience.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The Empire Strikes Back

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Creating opportunities to connect with potential investors, distributors, etc., is a great part of the festival experience. Holding screenings followed by a Q&A with industry professionals in the audience, and the opportunity to connect following. I believe doing this for the award winners would be a great thing for filmmakers.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?

I have utilized Film Freeway for over 5 years, it’s always been a positive experience with little issues.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Prime Rib (medium rare), with steamed veggies, loaded baked potato, and lobster tail.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

We are in pre-production for filming the final scenes for Triggered, which will allow us to make a final cut for global release in 2026. I am also filming the final scenes for the pilot of a spaghetti western called The S.I.N.’s where I portray Adam Payne, written and directed by Lovie Ray Johnson Jr.