John Bapst Memorial High School launched its first schoolwide virtual assembly, Friday, Sept. 11 with special guest alumnus Julio DeSanctis, class of 1992. DeSanctis (screen name Jules Vincent) is the award-winning screenwriter and producer of the new horror film “Alive.” He spoke, via Zoom, to nearly 300 students about his film, his career, and his time as a student at John Bapst. Questions from the students followed.
“Alive” made its worldwide premiere at the Bangor Drive-In, Sept. 11th and 12th, 2020 before its general release to other drive-in theaters across the country, as well as release on streaming platforms including Amazon Prime, iTunes, Vudu, DirectTV, Fandango, and more on Sept. 18. It has already won numerous awards at film festivals in the U.S and Canada.
“Alive” is the chilling tale of a severely injured man and woman who awaken in an abandoned sanitorium with no memory of who they are or what has happened. A sadistic caretaker discourages their questions and doles out punishments whenever they refuse to cooperate or try to escape. When they finally make their escape to freedom, they discover the answers to who they are – revealing even greater horror.
DeSanctis and fellow writer Chuck McCue state that, “we have both been lifelong horror film buffs and it was hugely rewarding to bring our own story to life with such a talented team. We look forward to scaring and delighting audiences with ‘Alive’.” The feature film is the debut for both writers, who also served as the film’s producers.
DeSanctis was born in Pittsburgh, PA but grew up in Orrington, ME across from Stephen King and the pet sematary. He acted and sang while at John Bapst, and was also known as a state record-holding athlete. He competed in state-championship wrestling and played linebacker for John Bapst, prep school, and college football teams.
His father (“Big Julio”) was a locally renowned defense attorney in Maine. His sister, Francesca, is also an attorney.
His mother, Joan, is a Methodist minister.
