Say Cheese – A film by Frank Palangi

By Joshua Scarselli on February 16, 2026

This February really has been cold. This gives us the perfect excuse to stay inside and watch a movie to stay warm. While staying warm, make sure to check out the latest movie from Palangi Films and Cinema Epoch, “Say Cheese.”

“Say Cheese” is an anthology film from director Frank Palangi. The movie follows the misadventures of the people who come across an old camera. I refuse to acknowledge that something from the 1980s, such as myself, is considered old, but we will go with it. The characters in our tales come across this camera in various ways. When someone gets their picture taken with the camera, bad things happen.

Frank Palangi implements many great visuals to tell this tale. He uses interesting camera angles that make the shots even more creepy. The first story is almost entirely shot from one perspective. Palangi uses colors to highlight certain aspects of the story. Vibrant reds, blues, pinks, and purples color the scenes and really set the tone.

“Say Cheese” keeps the classic Palangi aesthetic going. This anthology format helps keep the pacing consistent. You don’t have to wait long for the scary payoff. “Say Cheese” is also what I call a situational horror. It doesn’t rely on jump scares and gore to tell the story. There is some gore, but it isn’t overwhelming. The main horror comes from imagining yourself in the place of the characters.

The score is another part of the movie that deserves a mention. It really works in unison with the colors and camera angles to make the scenes as creepy as they are. The eerie main theme is a personal favorite.

The film brings an excellent ensemble of actors to the screen. Erica James, Cat Alesio, Jared Curtis, and Jake Navatka are just a few of the cast that really shine. Frank Palangi even steps in front of the camera. In horror films, it can be all too easy to overact. There can be a fine line between a performance that is cheesy and one that is believable. The actors of “Say Cheese” walk that line very well.

Frank Palangi wears many hats when he makes a movie. He does almost all the work himself. Writer, director, actor, editor, he does it all. He even scores most of the movie himself as well. You can tell the time he puts into making all the parts work together. Each movie he puts out gets better, and “Say Cheese” continues that trend.

I had a chance to catch up with one of the actors and ask them about their experience making the movie – me! This is my first time acting in front of a camera. So here is more about “Say Cheese” from … me!

RRX: How did you end up getting involved in “Say Cheese?”

Joshua Scarselli: I have reviewed a couple of movies directed by Frank Palangi. I really appreciate his attention to mood and aesthetic over jump scares and gore. I told him that if he ever had a need, I would like to be killed or kill someone on screen. Being a photographer, “Say Cheese” offered the perfect opportunity!

RRX: How was it transitioning from behind the camera to in front of it?

JS: It’s absolutely nerve-wracking. I’ve never done something like this before, so I was pretty nervous. Luckily, the part I play is that of a photographer. That made it a little easier. Frank is a great director. He made the atmosphere fun and relaxing. I would definitely do it again!

RRX: Can you tell us a little bit about the movie and the part you play?

JS: The movie is about this old camera from the ’80s. When you take someone’s picture with the camera, bad things happen. I play Jim, who is a photographer. I’m taking care of a client at a photoshoot. You’re just going to have to watch to see what happens!

RRX: Anything you would like to add?

JS: I want to thank Frank Palangi for having me in the film. Make sure you check this and his other films out on Tubi! On social media, make sure to follow Palangi Films and Cinema Epoch to find out about other upcoming films. Next month, “Warren County” premieres with a showing at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, N.Y., on March 13. Don’t miss it!

“Say Cheese” is streaming now on Tubi.