My values: Empowerment. Fun. Self-Expression. Partnership. Enthusiasm.
Writing truthfully from the heart since February 2005.
Order the DVD of THE COMMUNE today!
Love the blog...you're a lunatic (that's GOOD)!! - Steve Marston, Emmy-winning composer
Are you the next Diablo Cody? The last Diablo? The next you? - Steve De Jarnatt, writer/director of "Miracle Mile" (!!Guhl!! MM!)
You just shine. It's like you're in color, and everyone else is in black and white! - Modigli
Here I am directing my debut feature film, THE COMMUNE:
Directing internet sensation CHAUNTAL LEWIS:
That Lago kid's in it too, I hear. Daaaaavid Laaaaago. Be still your beating heart...we're auctioning off his sheets! (J/K Dave...)
“Disturbing. Unconventional. Raw.”
- Katt Shea, writer/director, POISON IVY
“In the footsteps of classic 70s thrillers.”
- Paul W.S. Anderson, writer/director, RESIDENT EVIL, DEATH RACE
"The bastard child of THE WICKER MAN and Greek tragedy, THE COMMUNE is a heady mix of myth and mystery, featuring a young virgin who finds herself isolated in a remote commune of religious "family" members with a sinister agenda to ensure their supernatural survival. Tyro director Lis Fies deftly blends the tragic with the outrageous, painting her feminist motion picture with a bloody, psycho-sexual brush. Haunting imagery and symbolism underscore the horror of entrapment, sacrifice and familial dysfunction as Jenny (Chauntal Lewis) confronts the evil that is her father (Stuart G. Bennett) and his new family. THE COMMUNE is uncomfortable in the best possible way -- igniting revulsion -- but forcing you to keep watching as its sordid tale unfolds."
- Bill Cunningham, The Mad Pulp Bastard
"What The Wicker Man remake should have been if it had any balls. A creepy insight into the dangers of religious extremism and the control of female sexuality. Beautiful, haunting, but relatable and terrifying."
- Heidi Martinuzzi, Pretty/Scary
"THE COMMUNE recalls the golden age of 1970’s filmmaking with its tawny subversiveness and silken grindhouse texture. Fies works with a dreamy unease and subtle power. The true horror of the piece does not kick in until the final moments, but Fies rewards the patient among us with quirky characterizations, bizarre encounters and intense sexuality."
Much like Lana Turner in 1941’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Chauntal Lewis supplies (a slightly petulant) angelic glow as Jenny. Lewis uncovers the layers of Jenny’s dreamy adolescence and its visible cracks and she is well met by David Lago’s sexy, Goth friendly Puck. The tender eroticism the two elicit is well contrasted by the dark contrivances of co-stars Stuart G. Bennett and Adrian Lee, as Jenny’s forceful father and his quirky commune muse."
- Brian Kirst, The Horror Society
"Fresh and frightening. Loved it. Superb directing; really right on. Jenny and Puck had great chemistry. A cult film: innovative and wonderfully complex.
- Tasha Hardy, producer, STAR TREK: NEW VOYAGES
winner TV Guide Award, Hugo nomination
"Classic storytelling of a difficult and important subject; told with grace, class, and intelligence."
- Michael Conley, President, Conley Communications
"THE COMMUNE takes hold of you in the first few minutes with its jaw-dropping opening and then refuses to let you
go. Chauntal Lewis has definitely made a fan out of me with her strong yet vulnerable performance. This movie does not
disappoint for any horror fans who are looking for an entertaining plot, engaging style and a good scare. I expect to see much more from Lis Fies after this one."
- Brea Grant, actor HEROES, HALLOWEEN 2 (and comic writer!)
Mother effin' PISTOLERAS
First Place in CREATIVE SCREENWRITING MAGAZINE's screenwriting contest; Thriller Category
Second Place in FADE IN MAGAZINE's screenwriting contest; Action Category:
I'm an Associate Producer of
WINNER 2006 Spirit Award: John Cassavettes Award
Past nominees "The Station Agent", "Pieces of April", "The Blair Witch Project", "Brick". Suck on that.
Netflix CONVENTIONEERS
Mom hoped it will be a medical school text; a copy in every
doctor's waiting room.
Her Words: Mom's Recovery
Any company would be very very very lucky to have you.
- Suzanne Lyons, producer, Snowfall Films
I can barely teach class, Lis has me laughing so hard.
- Wendall Thomas, screenwriter, UCLA professor
The concept of "cancer rom-com" has really aroused my curiosity.
- Billy Mernit, author/UCLA professor Writing the Romantic Comedy
This is the best blog entry I've ever read -- it's so honest and spontaneousous!...You come across as sooo happy that it's quite contagious and it does come through quite authentically."
- Grace, blog reader
(Re: Scarlet Witch and "Amazon Women on the Moon") I knew I loved you for a reason.
- Kevin Church, comic book writer
All I have to say is I love what you've done here. The glimpses into your life are so moving and charming, I just wanted to express that to you. I admire your tenactiy, your
bravery in everything you've experienced and all that you do. I am a fellow struggling screenwriter...Keep writing.
- The American Knight, comic & screenwriter
Love your blog...it's been a more-than-worthwhile read. Sometimes you make me laugh, sometimes you kick up old emotions about going through a very similar parental thing a
few years back, and sometimes you just leave me reflective overall, but it's always a neat stop along the information superhighway.
- Mark Waid, comic legend. Really. Look him up, bitch.
I think you are great. I cry when I describe how PISTOLERAS is going to change the world.
- Colleen Foy, actress, THERE WILL BE BLOOD
You're not man-hating fascists. You're man-hating libertarians with a strong belief in the social contract. And for that, I will fall willingly under your spell when you rule the
Earth under Pax Gynecologia. Damn, being a wingnut is hard ...
- John Rogers, Showrunner Leverage
Thanks for giving voice to this underdog ... Congratulations on your amazing site -- from the deepest emotions to the pop culture that cheers us up. I just noticed you mentioning
the Scarlet Witch and the Vision and am having flashbacks ...
- Andrew Jackson, writer/director of The Discontents
Lovely, clearly heartfelt poetry. Yet another talent.
- Raquel Monotoya, writer/English Professor
(Re: poetry) Very touching words, so touching it saddened me with emotions of which left a cold shiver running down my spine.
- Jake, reader
Enjoyed browsing your blog today...You have an impressive resume. I look forward to browsing your site for news and inspiration as I try my hand at developing some screenplays this year.
- John Parbst, Professor of English
The more we talk, the more I think I should just check your recommendations for stuff I miss in theatres on a regular basis. Our similar sensibilities frighten the bejeesus out of me.
- Mark Melo, Lawyer/film buff
Innovative, sassy and flexible are the qualities both Lis and her new Mykita Heather (glasses) posses. Substance and style all wrapped in one lovely be-spectacled package.
- Julia Gogosha, eyewear stylist to the stars
Kid Sis in Hollywood was interesting, well written and had a great community feel to it.
- Otis Frampton, writer/comic artist Oddly Normal
Looks like "The Commune" is going 2 be great. Read your blog. With your smile, I can not believe you are a rabble-rouser. Congrats on awards.
- Dave Szymusiak, film producer
That's a lovely blog!
- Barbara Stepansky, Emmy-winning Director
Way to kick ass at the Screenwriting Expo last night. You blew the other winners away as a talent to keep an eye on. Rock on!
- Heidi Hornbacher, Producer, award-winning screenwriter
I've enjoyed reading your blog...yours is full of insightful, entertaining stuff.
- Tim Albaugh, writer/producer/professor
Got to read your script (PISTOLERAS) and the one thing that stood out for me is that it's just a lot of fun. Your style is very engaging. I kept thinking in the back of mind - DEATHPROOF. Your film seems to have all the right ingredients.You just need to attach some of the hottest film/TV gals in the biz and you got yourself a movie...
- Sam Feur, producer, Sixth Sense Productions
Oh, Kid Sis, you're so seriously seriously cool...
I've been following your blog and your mom's for months now. I have tremendous admiration for all of you,
especially for your all's willingness to be so open about what's going on. Thank you all for that - it's a very, very important thing you all are doing.
- Cookie
You want to be Wonder Woman and be able to catch your mother before she falls and lift her over your head if you have to. We all wish we had the power to save the ones we love from pain and jeopardy, but we aren't superheroes.
We're just doing the best we can...One of the most enlightening things I've discovered from your blog and from the comic, is that families dealing with cancer still have to deal with being a family and all the family dynamics that were there before the cancer...But it's comforting to know that every-day human beings can keep on going.
- Dave Anaxagoras, screenwriter, scribosphere original
We are huge fans of Kid Sis In Hollywood and would greatly appreciate your opinions on our play, our work.
- Post Fact Productions
I wish you and mom all the best in getting through this. I don't think I've ever felt as strongly about two people I've never even met...The bravery your family has shown throughout the difficulties you've been through has astounded me.
- Patrick
It's inspiring to me to read your posts of the life you have down in L.A. School, writing, partying and full time caregiver. Even when we worked together, you've always pulled more then your fair share of the burden. I think in most people's eyes you are that superhero who fights not to save herself, but everyone else in the city. So for everyone who needs your help; keep up the good fight!
- iCustomer
Wow, that is really scary. I am really afraid of my grandma having problems like this. My mom is in a similar situation and even moved 2 1/2 hours into the middle of nowhere so that she could take care of my grandmother who was diagnosed last year. I can only imagine how much of a struggle it is seeing as you are much younger than my mother and are just starting to find your own path. I wish you luck in finding a workable balance between the
two.
- Shan'chelle, RIP
"I've been following your blog for just under a year now. It's great. Can't wait to read your further adventures...
- Paul Zeidman, news producer/announcer
Sis you are sooooo funny! I wish I lived near you, I'd make you be my friend!!!...I love reading your stuff. I'm learning, and enjoying. You're a cool chick. (respectfully intended)
- Lynne, cancer warrior, RIP
Miss you, Lynne. Say hi to Mom.
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