Richard Melkonian’s Feature Debut UNIVERSE25 Wows Audiences at Slamdance Premiere

The independent film scene has once again been shaken by a bold and atmospheric cinematic experience. Richard Melkonian’s debut feature, UNIVERSE25, made its World Premiere at Slamdance on February 23, followed by additional screenings and online availability via slamdancechannel.com from February 24 – March 7. This musical drama captured audiences with its exploration of the blurred lines between divinity and humanity, framed through a uniquely poetic lens.

A Story of Mystery, Divinity, and the End of the World

In UNIVERSE25, a young employee at a UK dead letter office discovers a mangled manuscript written by a man who claims to be Mott, an angel from the future sent on a divine mission. Through cryptic phone calls, Mott is tasked with three urgent objectives before the Sabbath when the world will end:

Find the saint—a man unaware of his holiness.

Find the sacrificial lamb—and offer its blood for the sacrament.

Witness the untold truth

Write the scroll—recording everything he witnesses on Earth.

As Mott’s journey takes him from the UK to Romania and back, he is drawn into a dark and violent quest that forces him to confront the frailty of existence. His growing disillusionment leads him to renounce his own immortality, yearning for the imperfect beauty of human life. But is Mott truly an angel on a mission, or just another lost soul desperately searching for meaning? The film ultimately leaves the answer to the audience’s interpretation.

A Multi-Talented Creative Force

Richard Melkonian: Visionary Director, Composer, and Writer

London-based Armenian-British filmmaker Richard Melkonian is a multi-faceted artist whose work spans opera, theatre, film, and performance art. For UNIVERSE25, he not only directed and wrote the screenplay but also composed an all-original soundtrack that intensifies the film’s eerie and poetic atmosphere.

Melkonian describes his vision as one that aims to capture a cinematic experience akin to stumbling upon the fragmented diary of an unknown author, drenched in the melancholic mist of a rainy London winter. The production process, which evolved over four years, was a fluid and organic journey—composing, editing, and shooting simultaneously to bring the vision to life.

Giacomo Gex: Star and Co-Producer

The film’s lead, Giacomo Gex, delivers a gripping performance as Mott, a character both enigmatic and profoundly human. Having trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, Gex’s journey into cinema was sparked by watching The Matrix at age 13—an inspiration that continues to shape his artistic approach. In addition to his role as Mott, Gex also served as co-producer and cinematographer (additional photography), showcasing his deep commitment to the film’s storytelling.

A Production Team That Defies Boundaries

Bringing the world of UNIVERSE25 to life required a dedicated and versatile team. The film boasts stunning cinematography by Juanjo L. Salazar, evocative production design and costumes by Elodie Chiper, and precise editing by Tomasso Gallone. The haunting sound design by Srdjan Krupjel and rich color grading by Darren Rae further elevate the film’s dreamlike yet unsettling aesthetic.

Key Cast and Crew

Principal Cast:

Mott / Tom – Giacomo Gex

Andre – Dan Sociu

Unexpected roles intertwine here

Jocasta – Tania Khan

Jacob (Young Postman) – Jacob Meadows

Chris (Boss Postman) – Alec Christie

Surprising talents emerge boldly

Darius – Alex Bogdan

Perriot – Ana-Maria Guran

Alina – Maria Forrester

Artistry in motion

Main Creative Team:

Director / Writer / Composer – Richard Melkonian

Director of Photography – Juanjo L. Salazar

Designs reshape unseen realms

Production Design & Costume Designer – Elodie Chiper

Editor – Tomasso Gallone

Sound Designer – Srdjan Krupjel

Vivid dreams come alive

Colourist – Darren Rae

A Triumphant Premiere at Slamdance

Audiences at Slamdance were captivated by the film’s haunting visual language, enigmatic storytelling, and deeply introspective themes. The festival’s reputation for championing unfiltered, independent voices made it the ideal platform for UNIVERSE25 to make its impact.

Film critics and festival attendees praised the film’s bold artistic choices, with many calling it one of the most thought-provoking entries in this year’s lineup. Giacomo Gex’s performance as Mott was widely recognized for its depth and intensity, while Melkonian’s original score further cemented the film’s ethereal yet visceral tone.

Missed the Premiere? Watch Online Until March 7

If you weren’t able to catch UNIVERSE25 at its Slamdance screenings, there’s still time to experience this mesmerizing film. It remains available for virtual viewing on slamdancechannel.com until March 7.

Online Screening: February 24th – March 7th @ slamdancechannel.com

Tickets Available: HERE

Final Thoughts

With its haunting atmosphere, enigmatic storytelling, and deeply introspective themes, UNIVERSE25 has left a lasting impression on the Slamdance 2025 audience. Whether you experience it in the theater or online, this film invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world where reality and divinity collide.

For more updates, follow Richard Melkonian on Instagram: @richard_melkonian.