For some time now, the Reytac train station has been the subject of growing fascination on social media. Disturbing testimonies, unsettling stories, unexplained disappearances… The history of this place, said to be the only survivor of a fire in 1861, continues to fuel online discussions. Intrigued, producer Mason Ewing delved into these accounts, and the more he investigated, the more strange facts he uncovered. Passionate about mystery and eager to explore this legend from a new perspective, he decided to make it the subject of his next film. But what does this project have in store for us? We had the chance to interview him about it.
Toombow Kids: What captivated you most about the story of the Reytac train station and inspired you to turn it into a film?
Mason: It all started by chance. I met someone working in the film industry who was looking for information about Reytac station. Intrigued, I wanted to learn more… and I wasn’t disappointed by what I discovered.
Toombow Kids: Will your film be a faithful adaptation of the facts, or will you incorporate fictional elements?
Mason: From what I’ve heard, several projects involving other producers and directors are in the works about Reytac. This town is fascinating and full of mysteries! My film will blend reality and fiction. There are still so many unknowns, and since I didn’t live in that era, it’s impossible for me to reconstruct everything with absolute precision.
Toombow Kids: The atmosphere of this legend is particularly dark and enigmatic. How do you plan to translate that to the screen?
Mason: I first conducted extensive research to understand whether this story was myth or reality. I made phone calls to organizations in Los Angeles to gather as much information as possible. Then, I wrote a script, created a pitch deck, and just a few days ago, I filmed a teaser to give a preview of the movie. My goal is to stay as true to the facts as possible, but I think no one will ever be able to offer a 100% accurate adaptation.
Toombow Kids: Do you already have an idea of the cast? Who will play the main characters?
Mason: Yes, I’ve already selected five actors: Al-Amin Juma, Baba Wild, Louis Lopez, Zacharie Malek, and Eric April. Here’s an interesting scoop: young actor Louis Lopez will have a connection in my film to the descendants of a Reytac family. He will play Tim Taylor, a descendant of Lubert Taylor, the town’s former mayor. And that’s not all—several surprise personalities will complete the cast.
Toombow Kids: Do you plan to shoot some scenes in authentic locations linked to this story, particularly in Reytac, or will you use reconstructed sets?
Mason: Yes, some scenes will be shot in the desert, where my research suggests the town of Reytac once stood. Others, however, will take place in locations I have chosen that are not directly connected to the history.
Toombow Kids: Will the film include supernatural elements, or do you prefer a more realistic and psychological approach?
Mason: I’d rather keep some mystery on that point… What I can tell you is that it will be a horror movie. But I don’t want to reveal too much to prevent other filmmakers from drawing inspiration from my ideas.
Toombow Kids: What message do you hope to convey through this film? Will it be purely an entertaining horror movie, or will it offer a deeper reflection on fear and popular beliefs?
Mason: A bit of both! While uncovering Reytac’s story, I found it sad that there’s barely any information about it online, as if it had never existed. This town and its people have been forgotten. Through my horror film, Reytac’s Two Circles, and the fact that I urgently acquired the rights to the Reytac license, I want to bring it back to life. Viewers will be free to interpret the movie as they wish. Is Reytac a legend? That’s for them to decide.
Toombow Kids: Finally, can you share an anecdote or exclusive detail about this project that will make the audience even more curious?
Mason: We’ve just finished filming the teaser, and the production of the feature film is underway… But something strange happened. The day I went to shoot the teaser in the desert, I felt a very peculiar sensation… As if this place had been waiting for me. Was it just my imagination, or is there something deeper behind all this? I don’t know. But I hope my five actors will be safe. I feel like I’ve stepped into a story straight out of the legend of the White Lady. Reality or myth? That’s for you to decide…