Teacher's film gets cinema encore

'Devils Island' trailer

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"Devils Island" is the title of the new film by Gloucester High School history teacher Shaun Goulart, which was shot all around Cape Ann and most notably on Thachers Island. Several residents are in the 52-minute film including the YMCA's Rick Doucette, Gloucester High School history teacher Rich Francis, a handful of high school students and the late Mitch Cohen, who was an integral part of the film.The film will debut at Gloucester Cinema on Wednesday, May 9 at 7 p.m.

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May 31, 2012

Teacher's film gets cinema encore

By Gail McCarthy Staff Writer The Gloucester Daily Times Thu May 31, 2012, 05:58 AM EDT

Coming off a sold-out premiere a few weeks ago, Cape Ann Community Cinema will host a second screening of a local film, "Devils Island."

The film was created by Gloucester history teacher Shaun Goulart and shot across Cape Ann, most notably on Thacher Island.

Several residents are in the 52-minute film, including the YMCA's Rick Doucette, Gloucester High history teacher Rich Francis, a handful of high school students and the late Mitch Cohen, who was an integral part of the film, said Goulart.

The screening will be Wednesday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m.

In the storyline, Jeff (Nick Decoulos) is an unemployed writer who takes a job as an assistant caretaker on Devils Island to save his relationship with his fiance Brianna (Caralyne Fondulis). Once he gets to and is basically stranded on the island, he meets Trent (Goulart) and makes a life-threatening discovery.

The film was written and directed by Goulart, who also wrote the romantic comedy "In a Week's Time," in 2009.

This is Goulart's second film but his directorial debut. The shooting was done over more than a year and a half, with the final scenes shot at Cape Ann TV studios this past January.

Goulart's film resume includes acting in many independent films as well as acting as an extra in such films as "Mall Cop," "Grown Ups" and "The Proposal."

Goulart said "Devils Island" was inspired by such films as "Heat" and "Public Enemies," which have a similar premise matching good vs. evil.

The young director said he was indebted to the late Mitch Cohen on many levels.

"He played a substantial character as well as loaned his personal office for a scene," Goulart said. "He traveled out to the island in rainy rocky seas, spent the day in the raw weather and never once complained even while being asked to climb ladders and lay on the rocks. And after a three-year journey, the film is being finished with special thanks to many, but most notably Andrew Love, Lisa Smith and all of the great folks at Cape Ann TV."

Goulart also thanked the Thacher Island Association.

"Thacher Island is a beautiful place and really a hidden gem. This film really highlights how picturesque the island really is," he said.

He also wanted to thank Essex native and musician Jeff Fraser, who provided music for the film and John Williams who hosted the debut last month at Gloucester Cinema.

Bo Cleary, a Gloucester resident, was among those in the sold-out theater the first time around.

"I'm a big fan of Shaun, and I was really impressed with the film and his talents," he said.

When Cleary listened to Goulart's introduction of how he created a film, he said one gets the gist of how hard this business is.

"I loved the story line and I love the island," said Cleary. "It looked like it was way out there, like some island that you come upon in the Caribbean.

"Shaun was creative with his character and there was some humor in it, too," said Cleary. "There were some twists and turns, and what I thought was going to happen didn't happen. It was done well. I've seen his growth as an artist. With experience comes confidence, and you can see that in all aspects of this film."

Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-283-7000 x3445 or gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com.

If you go

What and who: Screening of locally made film "Devils Island" by Shaun Goulart, a Gloucester High School history teacher.

When: Wednesday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Cape Ann Community Cinema at 21 Main St. in Gloucester

Details: For more information, call 978-309-8448.

View the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISYcSQ9NA4c