Goochapalooza! The British Invasion of Surreal Cinema Hits California
Kafka’s Appraisal a film by Martin Gooch
BAFTA-Winner Martin Gooch Celebrates the Launch of His US Studio with World Premieres and a Bold Vision for the Future of Cult Cinema.
Los Angeles just got a surreal upgrade as the “fabulously daft” world of BAFTA-winning filmmaker Martin Gooch officially sets up shop in the States. To toast the US launch of his new studio, Gothic Manor America, the Goochapalooza Movie Extravaganza recently took over Hollywood’s Landmark Cinema on Sunset, showcasing the unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy that has made Gooch the only director to win the BBC Best Director award twice.
The Next Terry Gilliam
Described by the legendary Terry Gilliam as “the next Terry Gilliam,” Gooch is a cinematic visionary who brings a signature brand of “kitchen-sink weirdness” to the screen. As a PGA member, Gooch’s move to California marks a bold new chapter for a career that has already captivated global audiences with its unique blend of surreal comedy, fantasy, and sci-fi.
From 007 to Ant-Man: A Pedigree of Award-Winning Eccentricity
Goochapalooza offers a curated journey through a career that began on the sets of massive studio productions like GoldenEye. Since those early days, Gooch has:
- Directed six feature films and penned over 20 screenplays.
- Collaborated with Disney/Marvel on an Ant-Man and the Wasp spin-off.
- Topped the UK Music Film charts at No. 1 with Night of a Thousand Vampires, featuring punk legends The Damned.
World Premieres and Star-Studded Shorts
The highlight of the showcase featured the World Premieres of Gooch’s two newest films: the dystopian comedy Kafka’s Appraisal and the Dr Who fan film Children of Time. The program also includes a career-spanning selection of shorts featuring an elite ensemble of talent, including:
- Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso)
- Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit)
- Paul Ready (Motherland)
- Alix Wilton Regan (BAFTA-nominated icon from Cyberpunk 2077 and Dragon Age)
Next Stop: Mountain View
The celebration continues as Gooch takes his “kitchen-sink weirdness” to Northern California:
- When: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Where: Mountain View, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (2575 California Street, Suite 99, Mountain View, CA 94040)
- Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM | Screening begins at 7:00 PM
The Future is Surreal
Now based full-time in California, Gooch is wasting no time putting Gothic Manor America to work. These screenings serve as a springboard for his next major project, the feature film Alviso the Great, which is scheduled to begin principal photography on June 8.
If Goochapalooza is any indication, the US film scene is about to get a much-needed dose of high-concept, award-winning eccentricity. Martin Gooch hasn’t just arrived in Hollywood—he’s reimagining it and we are here for it!
