We sit down with filmmaker Michael Mateo Rossi to unpack the creative spine of Censor Addiction, a near-future sci-fi thriller shaped by pandemic-era pressures, mental health fallout, and the pull between obedience and autonomy. From set culture to distribution, we trace his two-decade journey, core influences, and why he champions physical media alongside streaming.
• LA roots, early theater, shift to writing and directing • first features, self-financing, painful lessons that shaped his team • directing as the most fulfilling role, trust and set culture • pandemic influence on Censor Addiction’s themes and timeline • villains inspired by 80s action-sci-fi dynamics • collaboration with recurring DP, composer, and cast • pacing choices, critic praise, and sequel potential • authenticity over box-ticking trends in filmmaking • mentors, legacy, and steady leadership on set • release details: VOD and DVD, Walmart and libraries
Check out Censor Addiction on March 3 on VOD and DVD. Follow Michael IG: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmatteorossi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelmatteorossi
“Stay tuned, stay focused, and stay motivated. Warriors fall out”
