LOS ANGELES, CA (February 11, 2025) — Formosa House, the newly launched production company founded by filmmakers J Pinder and Cole Dabney, will debut with its self-financed comedy feature COTTON CANDY BUBBLE GUM, set to World Premiere in the Narrative Spotlight section of the 2025 SXSW Film Festival.
Pinder took on roles of Writer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Executive Producer, and Co-Financier — fully embracing the spirit of do-it-yourself independent cinema by maxing out credit cards to fund the initial production budget. Dabney served as Producer, Assistant Director, and Camera Operator, with the duo also collaborating on the film’s Production Design and Casting. Michael Arnold contributed as Executive Producer and Co-Financier. Staying true to Formosa House’s guerrilla filmmaking ethos, the micro-budget film was shot entirely in Los Angeles with a lean crew over just two weeks.
COTTON CANDY BUBBLE GUM is a vibrant coming-of-age comedy following 21-year-old Carter — played by Nick Darnell in a star-making feature debut — as he navigates the chaos and complexities of adulthood. When his new stepfather threatens to kick him out, Carter scrambles to secure a promotion at his internship to cover rent, only to be saddled with an impossibly long list of tasks that send him on a whirlwind journey across L.A. Over the course of one frenzied, turbulent day, Carter encounters wisecracking teens, paroled rappers, and a wildly eccentric cast of characters, testing his humor and resilience. Think SUPERBAD meets DOPE on steroids.
Stand-up sensation Morgan Jay, currently on a sold-out world theatre tour, makes his big-screen debut as Carter’s cunningly hilarious best friend, Angel. With a devoted fan base of over 8 million followers across social media, Jay’s viral videos highlight his signature blend of sharp humor and musical talent. He is set to star alongside Chloë Grace Moretz, Anthony Ramos, Isabel May, and Chloe Fineman in the upcoming Colin Jost-produced LOVE LANGUAGE.
“COTTON CANDY BUBBLE GUM is the kind of movie that is best enjoyed in a packed theater, with a crowd stuffing their faces with popcorn and sipping drinks, ready to have a great time. What better place for that than SXSW?!” Pinder remarked. “There’s something magical about the festival’s collective movie-going experience that makes it so special. I’m getting choked up thinking about my directorial debut premiering at the coolest festival in the world!”
Dabney, who also makes his acting debut in the film, shared, “We deeply admire the vision and spirit of SXSW and are truly grateful to Claudette, Peter, and the rest of the SXSW Film team for giving us the chance to be part of this year’s incredible lineup. In high school, I skipped spring break beach trips to spend the week watching movies at SXSW. Knowing I’ll be watching the premiere of a film I helped create twenty years after attending my first screening there is surreal.”
The pic’s dynamic ensemble cast also includes R. Marcus Taylor (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON; BABY DRIVER), JadaPaige (“Bel-Air”), Jack Stone (2025 Sundance premiere MIDDLETOWN), Rodney J. Hobbs (“The Office”; FIRST MAN), Mildred Marie Langford (“Grey’s Anatomy”), JeCobi Swain (“Abbott Elementary”), Txunamy Ortiz (Apple TV’s “Sugar”), Jeremiah Watkins (“Kill Tony”), Neela Jolene (“The Goldbergs”), Nikki Howard (“American Crime Story”), YouTube star Ayden Mekus, and hip-hop superstar Chip tha Ripper (Kid Cudi’s “Just What I Am”).
Brand partnerships and social media also play a key role, with Formosa House teaming up during production with companies such as Dave’s Hot Chicken (investors include Usher, Drake, and Samuel L. Jackson) and the Lil’ Yachty-backed sunglasses venture FUTUREMOOD. Collectively, the cast’s social media following exceeds 75 million.
Following SXSW, COTTON CANDY BUBBLE GUM will make its West Coast Premiere at the Cinequest Film Festival and continue playing the spring festival circuit. Pinder and Dabney are represented by manager Kyle Jensen.
