MIDWEST WEIRDFEST 2023: FIRST PROGRAMMING WAVE

MidWest WeirdFest announces its first programming wave for 2023 today. The cinematic celebration of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird, is now in its 7th year. The festival takes place March 3-5, 2023 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“The weirdest festival of the season is less than two months away, and we're delighted to announce some of the genre, underground, and esoteric gems we're offering audiences this year.” says MidWest WeirdFest founder and programming director Dean Bertram. “From brand new UFO and Bigfoot documentaries, through offbeat and ultra-violent comedies, to nightmare inducing films featuring an assortment of witches, cyber terrors, and gore-splattered serial killers... and that's just in the fest's first programming wave!”

Discounted festival passes are now on sale here:

Individual tickets to each film will go on sale closer to the festival; both on the fest's website, and directly from the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Full program details and filmmaker guests will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The first seven feature films announced follow:

ACCIDENTAL TRUTH: UFO REVELATIONS (dir. Ron James) What if there was a film that could bring a mainstream audience up to speed on the modern UFO topic? Now there is. Narrated by Matthew Modine, this eye-opening documentary presents revelations on UFOs / UAPs from government insiders that have never been previously shared with the public. Colonel John Alexander, Lue Elizondo, Christopher Mellon, Nick Pope, Dr. Garry Nolan, Congressman Tim Burchett, Donald Schmitt, Dr. Michio Kaku and others help to “accidentally" weave a story that leaves no doubt that another intelligence is somehow operating around us, above us in our atmosphere, beneath our seas and in outer space.

AGATHA (dir: Roland Becerra, Kelly Bigelow Becerra) This visually stunning and deeply unsettling film follows “The Professor”, a man suffering from a terminal disease, who by a twist of fate, witnesses an incredible event involving his mysterious neighbor Agatha. Hoping to find a cure to his sickness, he agrees to follow her on a strange and risky journey into a forgotten but not entirely deserted urban wasteland, one which is haunted by conspiracies and witchcraft.

BIGFOOT AND MARTY (dir: Ronnie Ferguson) A peek into the work and world of two-time U.P. Poet Laureate and “Bigfoot poet,” Marty Achatz. The film features poetry readings by Achatz, as well as candid interviews with Bigfoot experts and other mystery hunters at the 2021 U.P. Bigfoot Conference. A Bigfoot documentary like no-other, one which transcends the crytozoological and speaks to the very human.

HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS (dir: Mike Cheslik) In this 19th century, supernatural winter epic, a drunken applejack salesman must go from zero to hero and become North America's greatest fur trapper by defeating hundreds of beavers. From the filmmakers who brought us past fest favorite LAKE MICHIGAN MONSTER (Ryland Brickson Cole Tews and Mike Cheslik), HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS is one of the hottest (and weirdest) films on the current festival circuit!

KICK ME (dir: Gary Huggins) Fresh from its rave reviewed World Premiere at Another Hole in the Head Film Festival, KICK ME is a nightmare comedy about a school counselor whose compassion, generosity and dedication destroy the lives of everyone around him. Its frenetic and relentless pace, which tracks the protagonists ordeal over one crazed night, evokes Martin Scorsese's AFTER HOURS in the style of an early Robert Rodriguez action flick. It's easy to see why director Huggins was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film”.

MURMUR (dir. Mark Polish) From acclaimed writer/director Mark Polish (TWIN FALLS IDAHO, NORTHFORK, THE ASTRONAUT FARMER) comes this edge-of-your seat techno-chiller. When five Bay Area friends venture into the Redwood National Forest to play the augmented (mixed) reality (AR) game MURMUR, their own reality becomes dangerously distorted. Polish's visionary filmmaking, combined with a fantastic young cast (including Mark's daughter Logan Polish), results in a mesmerizing cinematic experience that you don't want to miss.

PIG KILLER (dir. Chad Ferrin) The latest nightmarish thrill ride from multi-time fest alum Chad Ferrin (THE CHAIR, THE DEEP ONES, NIGHT CALLER). Based on the terrifying true story of Robert 'Willy' Pickton, the farmer-cum-ladykiller whose horrific crimes shocked the world. PIG KILLER graphically depicts Pickton's felonious farmhouse of rape, torture, slaughter and dismemberment of almost fifty women. With his herculean hog, Balthazar, by his side, Willy (portrayed here by Jake Busey in a bravura performance) terrorized Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for almost two decades.

MidWest Weirdest 2022 Wraps! Winners announced!

The 6th annual MidWest WeirdFest wrapped this week at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The festival again delivered a cinematic smorgasbord of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird, to enthusiastic audiences. Today, MidWest WeirdFest announces the winning films of the 2022 event.

Pierce M. Berolzheimer (center) with MidWest WeirdFest event director Jenn Dorrell (left) and programming director Dean Bertram (right).

“Thank you to programming director Dean Bertram and everyone who made MidWest WeirdFest the truly special festival that it is”, says Pierce M. Berolzheimer, writer and director of the bloody and hilarious monster movie CRABS! (which won the festival's “Best Horror Film” award). “I had an incredible time in Eau Claire, the lineup was a blast and it was the perfect audience for a weird film like CRABS!. Being selected at the fest was amazing enough, but winning Best Horror Film was unexpected and a true honor. I hope to be back at Midwest Weird Fest many times in my career.”

An overview of the festival's other award winning films follows:

John Yost introduces the world premiere of ALIEN ABDUCTION: ANSWERS at the 6th annual MidWest WeirdFest.

Fresh from its win at the Philip K. Dick Film Festival, LUNAMANCER, the stunning sci-fi noir from producer Matt Patterson and director Noah Mucci, captured MidWest WeirdFest's coveted “Best Film” award. “Best Director” was taken by David James Schultz for his skilled realization of the reality-bending thriller THE GIRL IN THE STRAW HAT. While documentarian John Yost's captivating ALIEN ABDUCTION: ANSWERS – which explores John's own alien encounters along with those of luminary author Whitley Strieber and several other experiencers - won “Best Documentary”.

“Best Sci-Fi Film” was awarded to the mind-altering sci-fi/occult movie LIGHTSHIPS from UK director John Harrigan, which is based on the writings of UFO contactee Maryann Rada. While “Best International Film” was taken by IT HATCHED; the suspense-ratcheting and atmospheric feature debut from Iceland's Elvar Gunnarsson.

Colin Van Hoek (left) and Jim Murtagh (right) at MidWest WeirdFest 2022.

AND THE BOYS STRUCK GOLD a moving yet hilarious mumblecore comedy come mystery from cousin filmmaking team Jim Murtagh (director) and Colin Van Hoek (producer), both of whom also star in the film, captured the fest's “Independent Spirit Award”.

Emily Carlson during the Q&A that followed the world premiere of HAIR-TRIGGER at MidWest WeirdFest 2022.

“Best Male Performance” was awarded to Jorge Luna for his unforgettable portrayal of a father struggling with a long-distance separation from his son in the lo-fi sci-fi gem planet b234, which is the directorial debut of Keelie Sheridan, from a screenplay she co-wrote with Luna. Emily Carlson captured the “Best Female Performance” award for her captivating portrayal of the only woman in a RESERVOIR DOGS style heist team in HAIR-TRIGGER; writer/director Steven G. Warkel's masterful crime / rural horror mash-up.

Alex Spiegel (Left) with gIVE’s director Steve Dayton and daughter Iris Dayton (center) and film’s star Jason Anderson (right), at MidWest WeirdFest 2022.

“Best Original Score” was captured by Alex Spiegel for his potent and integral musical accompaniment to writer/director Steven Dayton's emotionally hard-hitting and haunting sci-fi/mystery feature gIVE.

Madison Ekstrand (right) and Dale Fabrigar (center) enjoy the lively Q&A for REED’S POINT at the 6th annual MidWest WeirdFest.

“Best Supporting Male Performance” went to the scene-stealing character actor Robert Miano for his role in Chad Ferrin's slasher masterpiece NIGHT CALLER. And Wisconsin's own 18-year-old Madison Ekstrand was awarded “Best Supporting Female Performance” for her brave portrayal of a kidnapped and traumatized teen in the fright and twist filled REED'S POINT, from director Dale Fabrigar and producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

“Best Short Film” was awarded to the dark but uplifting romantic comedy MONKEY-LOVE, PLEASE HOLD (directed by Toronto-based Greg Fox). TELOS OR BUST, a fascinating inside look at the New Age community of California's Mount Shasta (from director Brad Abrahams) captured the fest's “Best Documentary Short” award. And Maverick Moore was awarded “Best Director – Short Film” for his hilarious and pitch-perfect imagining of a dinner-come-death-match between Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski in MY DINNER WITH WERNER.

Alex Fofonoff holds one of the stars of WHILE MORTALS SLEEP at MidWest WeirdFest 2022.

Director Alex Fofonoff's short cosmic horror masterpiece WHILE MORTALS SLEEP took “Best Horror Short”. While the award for “Best Sci-Fi Short” went to the poignant and hilarious post-apocalyptic BROADCAST; from writer/director Jeff Pascha and writer/star Laura Petro. JASON PELL'S PINPRICKS, a mesmerizing depiction of a haunted and rural-legend filled middle America, from director Adam Stover, won “Best Animated Short”.

Karsten Runquist (right) introducing his fantastic short DIRTBAG at MidWest WeirdFest 2022.

“Best International Short” was captured by the atmosphere-drenched, edge-of-your-seat French werewolf film CAUSA SUI, from writer/director Quentin Richard. While “Best Comedy Short” was awarded to writer/director Karsten Runquist's offbeat, yet poignant and hilarious, DIRTBAG.

“Best Web Series” was awarded to BARE NAKED TRUTHS; the comedic and insightful look into the mind of nude models from writer/director Amy Powell and writer/star Ellen DeSitter. And for the second year in a row “Best Documentary Web Series” went to the often chilling and always thought-provoking Canadian paranormal investigation show WE WANT TO BELIEVE; from director Jason Hewlett and featuring veteran paranormal investigator Peter Renn.

Lucas Kurmis (in yellow and black plaid shirt) at MidWest WeirdFest 2022 sits in the audience between a friend and his cardboard doppleganger from the winning music video “1000”.

And “Best Music Video” was awarded to the moving ballad and equally sweet visuals of 1000 from singer/songwriter/director Lucas Alexander Kurmis.

MidWest WeirdFest also hosts both a feature and short screenplay competition.

“This year's screenplay entries offered a great mix of my three favorite genres: Sci-Fi, Horror and Comedy.” says Lisa DeVita; the competition's head reader, known for her work as an armorer as well as writing the cult horror hit PEELERS. “Therefore, it was an exciting and eye-opening experience reading some inspiring and original scripts which helped reassure me that there is still a lot of untapped talent out there and indie filmmaking is still alive and well.”

The winning feature screenplay was INTERGALACTIC IO, written by Seth Nesenholtz. John Kestner's PLAGUE OF THE SEX ZOMBIES took the 1st Runner-up spot. And the competition's 2nd Runner-up was SPLASHDOWN by Don Stroud.

The short screenplay competition was won by writer Aaron Jay Glendenning for CRIMSON STAIN. The 1st Runner-up was THE MAN IN THE SKY WON'T LET ME SLEEP by Rebin Zangana. And Levi Caleb Smith's PERSONAL EFFECTS was awarded 2nd Runner-up.

See a full list of the semi-finalists, finalists, and winners of both the short and feature screenplay competitions here.

You can enter your film or screenplay to the 7th Annual MidWest WeirdFest - taking place at Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin from March 3-5, 2023 - via FilmFreeway, here: https://filmfreeway.com/MidWestWeirdFest

Visiting Filmmakers of the 6th Annual MidWest WeirdFest

MidWest WeirdFest, the cinematic celebration of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird, returns for its 6th annual edition to the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, March 4-6, 2021. 

The festival is delighted to introduce the filmmakers who are attending to present their films in person at the 2022 event. 

“When I made my film about a lost soul fighting his way into the underworld armed with a crowbar, I had no idea where it would fit in,” says writer/director Noah Mucci. “But LUNAMANCER is exactly the kind of programming that makes Midwest WeirdFest the home of challenging oddball fare you won't find on Netflix.”

Behind the scenes of LUNAMANCER MidWest WeirdFest 2022’s closing night film.

Matt Patterson, LUNAMANCER's producer and co-writer, will be joining Mucci to introduce their lo-fi sci-fi/thriller gem (think MATRIX meets TAXI DRIVER) and partake in a Q&A following the film's screening, as the closing night film at MidWest WeirdFest 2022. 

Other feature films represented by filmmakers at the festival follow:

Director and alien experiencer, John Yost, behind the scenes on the documentary ALIEN ABDUCTION: ANSWERS

ALIEN ABDUCTION: ANSWERS, world premieres at the fest. John Yost, the director of the captivating documentary, who is himself an alien experiencer, will introduce and Q&A at the screening.

AND THE BOYS STRUCK GOLD director and lead Jim Murtagh

AND THE BOYS STRUCK GOLD, is a moving buddy-comedy-mystery reminiscent of a blend of early Wes Anderson (BOTTLE ROCKET) and Rian Johnson (BRICK). Jim Murtagh, the film's director and star, will introduce and Q&A, along with producer and co-star Colin Van Hoek.

CRABS! director Pierce M. Berolzheimer with one of the titular creatures.

CRABS! the hilarious monster movie is the perfect way to kick-off the festival as opening night film.  The film's LA based writer/director Pierce M. Berolzheimer will introduce his film and partake in a Q&A following the screening.

gIVE director Steve Dayton (left) on location with the film’s lead actor Jason Anderson.

gIVE, produced in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a haunting supernatural thriller, which also packs heavy emotional punches. The film's writer/director Steve Dayton will introduce and Q&A the film's theatrical premiere at MidWest WeirdFest.

On location of the crime-caper come rural horror mash-up HAIR-TRIGGER.

HAIR-TRIGGER, a crime caper come rural horror mash-up, world premieres at the festival. Several members of the talented cast and crew will be there for the Q&A. Including: writer/director Steven G. Warkel, cinematographer and editor Joe Greening, co-editor Andrew Leines, and stars Emily Carlson and Alex Galick.

The young leads of the terrifying horror film REED’S POINT (left to right): Sasha Anne, Evan Adams, and Wisconsin’s own Madison Exstrand.

REED'S POINT is an edge of your seat horror flick based on the legend of the infamous Jersey Devil, from producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis. Director Dale Fabrigar will introduce the film, then engage with the fest's audience in a Q&A following the screening. He will be joined by one of the film's stars, 18-year-old Madison Ekstrand, who is a Wisconsin native. REED'S POINT has a fascinating and moving back-story. It is the dream come true of lead actress Sasha Anne; social-media influencer, actress, singer, and recent cancer survivor.

“ It was awesome working with Sasha, and such an amazing and talented crew”, says Ekstrand. “And I'm thrilled to be able to attend a screening of the film so close to my hometown.” 

Short filmmakers, TV and web content creators, and music video artists presenting their work in person at the 2022 MidWest WeirdFest, include:

Lucas Kurmis (1000), Alex Fofonoff (WHILE MORTALS SLEEP), Ron Huffstutter (MONSTERS ARE REAL), Ben Kreibich (SPEED CINEMA), Amy E. Powell (BARE NAKED TRUTHS), Karsten Runquist (DIRTBAG) and Randy Zuñiga (THE FOOT FETISHER)

Full filmmaker guest list and biographies here: http://www.midwestweirdfest.com/2022-guests

Individual tickets to each session as well as discounted festival passes can be booked here (and during the festival will also available to purchase at the Micon Downtown Cinema box office):

http://www.midwestweirdfest.com/tickets/

6th Annual MidWest WeirdFest Announces Full Program

MidWest WeirdFest announces its full program for 2022 today. The 6th annual film festival - a cinematic celebration of of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird - takes place March 4-6, 2022 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Among the fest's fantastic line-up of horror, sci-fi, underground and documentary cinema, are a number of films world premiering at the event. One of these is HAIR-TRIGGER, a genre-bending crime caper come rural horror movie.

HAIR-TRIGGER world premiering at MidWest WeirdFest

“HAIR-TRIGGER is truly a product of the region,” says the feature film's director Steven G. Warkel. “Our cast and crew along with the settings of the film are deeply rooted in the midwest. It’s something that we’re proud of. So I couldn’t be more eager for the world premiere of our crazy horror thriller mash-up to be at a festival that is defined by what our film is all about. And I can’t wait to keep the audience, at our premiere screening, on the edge of their seats, and to see what else the festival has to offer. All I know is that you won’t want to miss any of it.”

HAIR-TRIGGER is just one of the fantastic feature films that the festival is announcing as part of its 2022 program for the first time today, along with over fifty short films.

This final wave of feature programming includes:

AND THE BOYS STRUCK GOLD

AND THE BOYS STRUCK GOLD (dir: Jim Murtagh) When Jim loses his bar job he has no choice but to move back to his hometown. Upon his return he learns the father of a childhood friend has gone missing. With nothing but free time, a fascination with conspiracies, and his own spiraling mental state, Jim enlists the help of his 16 year old cousin, Colly, to solve the mystery. AND THE BOYS STRUCK GOLD evokes the same type of starry-eyed quirkiness as Wes Anderson's BOTTLE ROCKET and the brewing mystery of Rian Johnson's neo-noir debut BRICK. It weaves a cinematic space inhabited with offbeat but lovable characters, moving within a universe not unlike our own, but one over-flowing with mystery and wonder.

CRABS!

CRABS! (dir: Pierce M. Berolzheimer) When a horde of mutated horseshoe crabs descends on a sleepy costal town on Prom Night, it's up to wheelchair bound Philip McCalister and a rag tag band of locals to save the world! Loaded with laughs, gore, and weirdness CRABS! is the perfect opening night film for the 6th annual MidWest WeirdFest.

THE FALL OF USHER

THE FALL OF USHER (dir: Brian Cunningham) A young man caring for his terminally ill father gets pulled into a maelstrom of murder, madness and the macabre. Based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, THE FALL OF USHER evokes an oppressive and terrifying atmosphere, and delivers a series of twists and emotional punches that are still felt long after the final credits roll.

gIVE

gIVE (dir: Steve Dayton) One father fights his way through pain, grief, and complete lost to free himself from his demons and discover the place between selfishness and selflessness. The film "gIVE" provides a look into how we move on from tragedy. Don't miss a special screening of this moving and often harrowing film, with local Eau Claire based director Steve Dayton presenting.

HAIR-TRIGGER

HAIR-TRIGGER (dir: S.G. Warkel) A young woman is recruited to join a group of novice criminals in an effort to rob a jewelry store. However after a sudden change of plans, she along with the rest of the group find themselves laying low in the middle of nowhere. Chaos and confusion set in as they find out they may not be alone… Picture THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE re-imagined by Quentin Tarantino, and you might come close to getting a sense of this cool-talking hoodlums vs axe-murdering hillbillies mash-up.

IT HATCHED

IT HATCHED (dir: Elvar Gunnarsson) The film follows the couple Mira & Pétur, as they journey from Nashville, Tennessee to Iceland. There they plan on opening a guesthouse in a remote fjord. Their plans are soon altered when an ancient Icelandic demon starts harassing them with vivid night terrors. What follows is a chain of events that include Pétur facing dementia, Mira laying an infant-sized egg, and them both squaring up against the tall task of... parenting. IT HATCHED weaves a masterful claustrophobic and nightmarish - if at times hilarious - spell.

planet b234

planet b234 (dir: Keelie Sheridan) Jorge, a father thousands of miles away from his son, creates an alternate world - planet b234 - where he can cope with the anxiety, depression, and desperation of being separated from one's child. Geographical barriers are no match for Jorge's fertile imagination, but it comes at the cost of his sanity and the very relationship for which he's fighting. The directorial debut of Keelie Sheridan, planet b234 is a stunning low-fi, sci-fi gem. It resonates with emotional potency and showcases a pitch-perfect performance from the film’s co-writer and star Jorge Luna.

REED’S POINT

REED'S POINT (dir: Dale Fabrigar) A vehicle crash in the Pine Barrens leads to one teen passenger going missing. Her disappearance raises conspiracy theories about the infamous Jersey Devil legend. On the anniversary of the crash, Sarah Franklin, convinced that her cousin Kelsey is alive, returns to the crash site with Kelsey's boyfriend, Alex, to investigate. Their search spirals out of control as Sarah and Alex are confronted by the true horror that lurks in the woods. REED'S POINT is a captivating and terrifying thrill ride, loaded with edge-of-your-seat twists and scares.

Feature films previously announced as official selections of the 6th annual MidWest WeirdFest include:

ALIEN ABDUCTION: ANSWERS (dir: John Yost) A documentary that traces one man's journey to come to grips with a shocking alien encounter from his childhood. The film features best-selling author and alien abduction luminary Whitley Strieber. It world premieres at MidWest WeirdFest.

THE GIRL IN THE STRAW HAT (dir: David James Schultz) A young couple in a deteriorating relationship find themselves led down a dangerous, obsessive path of self-discovery at the hands of a New Age doctor with mysterious intentions.

THE LAST FRANKENSTEIN (dir: David Weaver) Dr. Jason Frankenstein, the last of his family, travels down a blood-soaked path as he creates a living being from the bodies of the dead.

LIGHTSHIPS (dir: John Harrigan) Eve awakes in an unstaffed medical facility, awaiting diagnosis for a mystery illness. But an alien world at the edge of Eve's dreams begins to bleed through, compelling her to write the transmissions down.

LUNAMANCER (dir: Noah Mucci) Dr. Issac Blake returns to post-industrial upstate New York after sensing a psychic break with his estranged twin sister. Her disappearance is linked to a Lunamancer: someone who is able to draw power from the moon to shift reality.

THE HISTORY OF METAL AND HORROR (dir: Mike Schiff) A captivating documentary that explores the conjoined history of heavy metal and horror films. Hosted by Michael Berryman, and featuring Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Kirk Hammett, John Carpenter, Tom Savini, Dave Mustaine, and many more genre luminaries.

NIGHT CALLER (dir: Chad Ferrin) A telephone psychic is pulled into a complex web of mystery after receiving a call from a serial killer. It's a brutal slasher flick, which riffs on classic works from Hitchcock, through Argento and Ferrara, to the broader 70s crime genre.

WOODLAND GREY (dir: Adam Reider) A man living alone in the deep woods finds a hiker, unconscious and laying on the forest floor. After being nursed back to health, the hiker makes a discovery: A crudely built shed behind the man's home. When she opens it, she unleashes a terrifying force.

The full line-up of visiting filmmakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets to all films, along with discounted festival passes, are available to purchase here: https://www.midwestweirdfest.com/tickets

Whitley Strieber features in ALIEN ABDUCTION: ANSWERS - World Premiere at MidWest WeirdFest

A new documentary on the UFO subject will world premiere at the 6th annual MidWest WeirdFest. The film festival takes place at Micon Cinemas in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin from March 4-6, 2022. The documentary, ALIEN ABDUCTION: ANSWERS, is directed by John Yost. It features world famous writer and alien abductee Whitley Strieber, author of the best-selling “Communion” book series.

Left: Whitley Strieber. Right: Debz Shakti Buller.

"By articulating the ordeal of abduction in his uniquely brilliant and personal style in ALIEN ABDUCTION: ANSWERS, Whitley Strieber has allowed all of us to share in experiences that challenge ordinary reality and the meaning of life itself.” says luminary UFO researcher Doctor Jacques Vallee. “He has given a voice to thousands of witnesses in ways that other analysts have failed to convey."

Sharing the screen with Strieber, are a number of other alien abductees. Prominent among these is Eau Claire's Alanna Robelia, who relates the harrowing and enthralling details of her own otherworldly encounters. “I am grateful to director John Yost for creating a safe place for all of us to tell our stories and his willingness to be vulnerable by telling us about his own abduction experiences.” says Robelia. “I never would have imagined that what I thought was a memory of a childhood dream would lead me to the incredible experiences and relationships I have today.”

Left: Whitley Strieber. Right: John Yost.

John Yost and Alanna Robelia, along with other cast and crew members, will be in attendance for the world premiere of ALIEN ABDUCTION: ANSWERS, at the Micon Downtown Cinema on Saturday March 5, at 6:00pm. They will partake in a special Q&A session following the screening.

Tickets to the film, along with festival passes, are available to purchase here.

MidWest WeirdFest 2022: First Programming Wave

MidWest WeirdFest announces its first programming wave for 2022 today! The cinematic celebration of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird, is now in its 6th year. The festival takes place March 4-6, 2022 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“Get ready for the fest's weirdest and most wonderful season yet!” says MidWest WeirdFest founder and programming director Dean Bertram. “From a record number of films submitted to the festival this year, we've assembled an unmissable program of horror, science fiction, fantasy, documentary, and underground gems. The first wave announcement gives a glimpse at just some of this year's dark and fantastic offerings: From metaphysical mind-benders featuring UFO contactees and New Age cultists, through terrifying tales of supernatural forest dwellers, re-animated monsters, and black gloved serial killers, to genre-bending sci-fi noir and a documentary loaded with your favorite horror film creators and heavy metal musicians.”

Discounted festival passes are now on sale here: https://filmfreeway.com/MidWestWeirdFest/tickets

Individual tickets to each film will go on sale closer to the festival; both on the fest's website, and directly from the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Full program details and filmmaker guests will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The first seven feature films announced follow:

THE GIRL IN THE STRAW HAT (dir: David James Schultz) A young couple in a deteriorating relationship find themselves led down a dangerous, obsessive path of self-discovery at the hands of a New Age doctor with mysterious intentions. Captivating performances from the film's three leads (Michael LoSchiavo, Kristen Tomanocy, and James Sharpe), pitch-perfect direction, gorgeous cinematography, and a twisting metaphysical screenplay, elevate this psychological thriller to a space all of its own.

THE HISTORY OF METAL AND HORROR (dir: Mike Schiff) A captivating documentary that explores the history of heavy metal and horror films, and how the two genres merged over time. Hosted by Michael Berryman, and featuring Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Kirk Hammett, John Carpenter, Tom Savini, Dave Mustaine, Jonathan Davis, Corey Taylor, and many more. THE HISTORY OF METAL AND HORROR is a bloody and unmissable buffet for horror and heavy metal fans: loaded with clips from your favorite films and accompanied by a cornucopia of fascinating interviews with the genres' biggest names.

THE LAST FRANKENSTEIN (director: David Weaver) Dr. Jason Frankenstein, the last of his family, finds himself frustratingly approaching the middle of his life with little progress to show towards carrying forward his family's experiment. But after a creature from his past returns, he is catalyzed to finally complete his work. With the help of two drug dealing paramedics and a nurse with a shady past, he sets down the blood-soaked path to create a living being from the bodies of the dead. This gripping film is a brutal, relentless, and clever update to the classic monster tale.

LIGHTSHIPS (director: John Harrigan) Eve awakes in an unstaffed medical facility, awaiting diagnosis for a mystery illness. With no recollection of how, why or when she was admitted, she joins a group of outcast patients, who are attempting to recall what takes place during treatment inside a terrifying room known as the hole - a psychoactive space where testing takes place and encoded instructions are administered that each patient must follow if they wish to heal. But an alien world at the edge of Eve's dreams begins to bleed through, compelling her to write the transmissions down. Based on the book ‘Remembrance’ by celebrated UFO contactee Maryann Rada, LIGHTSHIPS weaves a potent spell that penetrates and resonates deep inside the viewer's subconscious.

LUNAMANCER (dir: Noah Mucci) Dr. Issac Blake returns to post-industrial upstate New York after sensing a psychic break with his estranged twin sister. He steals a car, acquires a crowbar and forces his way into her house - but she's not there. All that remains are strange echoes from the place where she's trapped. He traces these resonances to a Lunamancer able to draw power from the moon to shift reality around him. Issac must cross over the spectral realm to pry her soul free from the Lunamancer - no matter how many crowbars it takes. This engrossing low-fi sci-fi weaves a striking cinematic realm, that exists somewhere between THE MATRIX and TAXI DRIVER.

NIGHT CALLER (dir: Chad Ferrin) Fest alumnus Chad Ferrin (THE DEEP ONES, THE CHAIR) is back! This time with a brutal, giallo inspired, slasher flick: Wherein a telephone psychic is pulled into a complex web of mystery after receiving a call from a serial killer. True to form, Ferrin collaborates with an incredible ensemble cast to bring to screen the stuff of nightmares; all the while riffing on classic works from Hitchcock, through Argento and Ferrara, to the broader 70s crime genre. NIGHT CALLER cements Ferrin's position as a new master of the genre.

WOODLAND GREY (dir: Adam Reider) A man living alone in the deep woods finds Emily, a hiker, unconscious and laying on the forest floor. He brings her back to his home and helps her get back to health so she can leave the forest and get home. After a few tense days coexisting, Emily makes a discovery. She finds a crudely built shed behind the man's home. When she opens it, she unleashes something truly haunting. As Emily and the man come to terms with what has been released, they also attempt to find a way out of the forest, which isn't exactly what it seems. WOODLAND GREY resonates with the unease and mounting terror of an inescapable fever dream.

MidWest WeirdFest 2021 Wraps: Winners Announced!

The 5th annual MidWest WeirdFest wrapped this week at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It was presented by CharlesFort.org, Planet Weird, Spooky Boo Cinema, Tsurumi Records, and Wrong Reel Podcast. The festival again delivered a cinematic smorgasbord of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird, to enthusiastic audiences. Today, MidWest WeirdFest announces the winning films of the 2021 event.

“I had a badass time with all the ninja VIPs at Midwest Weirdfest!” says Ryan Harrison who won “Best Director” for his action comedy feature NINJA BADASS. “It was an honor to be in such great company; the fellow filmmakers and the enthusiastic audience were awesome! Everything about the festival was amazing!”

Ryan Harrison, director (left) and Tami Harrison, producer (right) during the NINJA BADASS Q&A at MidWest WeirdFest 2021. Photo courtesy of Luong Huynh

An overview of the festival's other winning films follows:

(Please note that neither THE REVENANT nor THE BLARE RABBIT PROJECT from writer/director D. Kerry Prior screened in competition.)

The stunning socio-political allegory EXTERNO, from brothers Jonathon and Leandro Taub, captured the fest's “Best Film” award. While documentarian Alexandre Brecher's breathtaking THE EXPLORER - which hunts for Africa's legendary relict dinosaur, the Mokele-Mbembe - won “Best Documentary”.

The twisted and eros charged Edgar Allen Poe adaptation LADY USHER (directed by George Adams) won the festival's “Best Horror Film” award. “Best Sci-Fi Film” was awarded to the touching low-fi, sci-fi/drama gem I CAN'T SLEEP from writer/director Gina Rose. While “Best Foreign Language Film” was taken by the chilling MARLENE; the feature directorial debut from Germany's Andreas Resch.

Zach Lona, director (left) and Zack Lewand, composer (fight) of HE WHO LIVES IN HIDDEN LAKES.

HE WHO LIVES IN HIDDEN LAKES, a surrealist mockumentary, laden with humor and occult ideas - and the feature debut from fest alum Zach Lona – was awarded “Best Experimental Film”. And the trippy and often confrontational documentary ALIEN ABDUCTION from director Jared Sagal and producers AV Super Sunshine and Philomena Victor snagged the “Independent Spirit Award”.

Philomena Victor (left) AV Super Sunshine (right) subjects and producers of ALIEN ABDUCTION.

“Best Short Film” was awarded to the sci-fi/action/erotic eye feast SILLY SIMON (directed by Johnny Skinner ). The touching but humor-laced FUPA (from director Gustavo Martin) captured the fest's “Best Documentary Short” award.

Documentarian Gustavo Martin introduces FUPA at the 5th annual MidWest WeirdFest.

Jackson McKeehan was awarded the “Best Director – Short Film” for his potent and chilling film SHEILA.

Jackson McKeehan director of SHEILA at the 5th annual MidWest WeirdFest.

Director J. M. Logan's stunning and terrifying THE RELIC took “Best Horror Short”. While the award for “Best Sci-Fi Short” went to director Luke Guidici's SUNDOWN TRAIL, an all too poignant look at a masked and dangerous future.

Hilarious sci-fi animation MESSAGE FROM THE FUTURE from director Dano Johnson won “Best Animated Short”. “Best Foreign Language Short” was captured by the spectacular French sci-fi film ANOMALIE, from director Michael Jeanpert. While “Best Experimental Short” was awarded to Dan S's psychedelic and menacing THE TRUTH ABOUT HASTINGS.

Dan S (THE TRUTH ABOUT HASTINGS and SEED OF PERFECTION) at the 5th annual MidWest WeirdFest (sporting a novelty ring from sponsor Spooky Boo Cinema). Photo courtesy of Luong Huynh.

Both poignant and comedic, THE GRANDPA DIARIES, from director Michael Afendakis and writer/star Jonathan Leveck won “Best Web Series”.

“Best TV Series” was awarded to the chilling Australian paranormal-themed documentary show THE SPACE BETWEEN, co-directed and hosted by Bianca Biasi. And “Best Documentary Web Series” went to the always thought-provoking Canadian paranormal investigation show WE WANT TO BELIEVE; from director Jason Hewlett and featuring veteran paranormal investigator Peter Renn.

And “Best Music Video” was awarded to atmosphere ladened THE HAUNTED LAKE (directed by Australia's Peter Miller.)

MidWest WeirdFest also hosts both a feature and short screenplay competition.

“What can usually be seen as a daunting task was a thoroughly enjoyable one for this year's Midwest WeirdFest screenplay competition.” says Lisa DeVita; the competition's head reader, best known for her work as an armorer as well as writing the cult horror hit PEELERS. “The screenplays were immersive and pulled you in from page one. I honestly loved each script for its unique perspective on topics that ranged from the gleefully absurd to the mind-bendingly thought-provoking. It was tough this year, not because the scripts made your eyes bleed—but just the opposite—the pool of talent was plentiful and choosing the best of the best was hard.”

Head of the Screenplay Competition, screenwriter and armorer, Lisa DeVita on set.

The winning feature screenplay was THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER LAWN MAINTENANCE, written by Scott Huebscher. Stirling J. McLaughlin and Wilder Konschak's TOO MANY WADES took the 1st Runner-up spot. And the competition's 2nd Runner-up was PLEASANT GROVE by Zack R. Smith & Andrew Miller.

The short screenplay competition was won by writer Ashley Fell for DAPHNE AND THE FEVER. The 1st Runner-up was THE PLAGUE by Randy Zuniga. And Stuart Creque's SHE COMES IN COLOR was awarded 2nd Runner-up.

You can enter your film or screenplay to the 6th Annual MidWest WeirdFest - taking place at Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin from March 4-6 - via FilmFreeway, here: https://filmfreeway.com/MidWestWeirdFest

Chilling feature film added to MidWest WeirdFest 2021: MARLENE

MidWest WeirdFest is delighted to announce the addition of the chilling German horror tale MARLENE to the 2021 festival lineup. The film is the feature debut of talented German director Andreas Resch.

MARLENE was selected to screen at MidWest WeirdFest by well respected Australian film critic and horror buff Bryn Tilly. Bryn is also the programming director of Australia's oldest and premiere genre focused film festival: A Night of Horror International Film Festival; founded by MidWest WeirdFest's Dean Bertram.

MARLENE was one of Bryn's top 20 films of the year as posted on his Cult Projections website.

Bryn writes of the film: “The apartment building psycho neighbour. Yep, it’s a classic thriller scenario, but this one transforms existing tropes into a horrifying, all-too-real nightmare. Directed with gripping skill, and superbly acted, in particular Cordula Zielonka in the titular role, Andreas Resch’s debut feature is part of an emerging European slow-burn horror movement and presents the all-too-real horror with a surprising and most curious twist in the tail.”

MARLENE replaces the film MIRANDA VEIL at the 2021 festival. It screens Saturday March 6, 6pm at Micon Downtown Cinema.

Tickets are available for MARLENE as well as the rest of the festival’s films here via FilmFreeway.

Or directly from the Micon Cinema here.

NINJA BADASS director/star coming to MidWest WeirdFest!

This just in: Ryan Harrison, the star and director of MidWest WeirdFest 2021's gag and gore filled opening night film NINJA BADASS, is coming to the festival! Ryan will intro his film, which kicks of the 5th annual festival from 6pm, Friday March 5, at Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The film’s producer Tami Harrison will also be in attendance.

You can book your ticket now, here: either via FilmFreeway or directly from the Micon Cinema.

NINJA BADASS is sure to become a cult classic, and Ryan Harrison is dripping with so much naked and sweaty talent, that you might drown in it just by being in his presence.

Do not miss this opportunity to catch NINJA BADASS, and Ryan in person!

NINJA BADASS: The Ninja VIP Super Club is doing a slow drag across the American Midwest, culminating in female sacrifice.

When they kidnap a super hot babe that local scumbag Rex has his eyes on - it's up to him to become a ninja to steal her back from them. Then she can have his babies!

Join Rex, his armless sensei, a badass ball ripper, a dragon, a gang of puppies, some detached feet, and a mean ninja motherf**ker who trains by beating up cows for a messed up experience that'll make you wanna eat egg rolls until you poop your pants.

THE REVENANT SOUNDTRACK - BIG GIVEAWAY AT MIDWEST WEIRDFEST!

Thanks to Jeff Davis, the generous head of Tsurumi Records, we will be giving away copies of the uber-collectable THE REVENANT SOUNDTRACK at the festival! The first fifty (50) ticket holders - this includes those with a Saturday Pass or Full Festival Pass - for THE REVENANT screening will receive either a Vinyl of CD copy of the soundtrack. (If you’ve already bought your tickets or pass to the fest this includes you too!)

The film's visionary director, D. Kerry Prior, will be on hand to introduce and Q&A this special retrospective screening of THE REVENANT. It takes place Saturday March 6, 10pm at the Micon Downtown cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Kerry is also in attendance to intro and Q&A the world premiere of his long-lost found footage film (shot in 1999) THE BLARE RABBIT PROJECT, which screens at the Micon Downtown immediately before THE REVENANT, at 8pm, Saturday March 6.

Tickets are available to each film individually, or at a discount if you buy tickets to both sessions.

And we bet if you ask Kerry nice he'll autograph the soundtrack for you too.

This might just be the greatest giveaway promotion in the history of film festivals, and it’s certainly the coolest that we have ever heard of!

So quit reading this and grab your ticket or pass now! Available through either of the links below!

Book tickets via FilmFreeway here

Or directly via the Micon Cinema here

5th Annual MidWest WeirdFest: World Premiere Films, Filmmaker Guests, and More!

MidWest WeirdFest - the cinematic celebration of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird - returns to the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, March 5-7, 2021. Celebrating its fifth year, the festival is generously supported by CharlesFort.org, Spooky Boo Cinema, Wrong Reel podcast, and festival alumnus Greg Newkirk (HELLIER) of Planet Weird.

MidWest WeirdFest will operate in accordance with Micon Cinemas' Covid policies: Only selling tickets to 50% seating capacity, an increase in cleaning protocol, and requiring face masks in the cinema's foyer and auditorium, unless guests are eating or drinking.

“MidWest WeirdFest’s dedication to programming thrilling and cutting-edge films makes me ecstatic to world premiere my feature directorial debut HE WHO LIVES IN HIDDEN LAKES at the festival this year,” says writer/director Zach Lona. “The festival has screened my short films in previous editions, and I’m delighted to return to this fantastic event, no less than in-person and at the cinema.”

Zach's brother, Lucas Lona, who stars in the film, will also be in attendance for the film's Q&A.

Other feature filmmakers presenting their work at the 2021 MidWest WeirdFest, include:

Kerry Prior, special effects artist and visionary director of the cult horror comedy hit THE REVENANT. Kerry is world premiering his long lost, found-footage film THE BLARE RABBIT PROJECT at the festival this year, along with presenting a special retrospective screening of THE REVENANT.

Levin Garbisch, writer/director of the stunning and surprise-filled horror film MIRANDA VEIL.

AV Super Sunshine and Philomena Victor, husband and wife filmmaking team, musicians, and subjects of the compelling feature documentary ALIEN ABDUCTION.

Filmmakers representing their short films at the festival include: Dan S (THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT HASTINGS and SEED OF PERFECTION), whose previous appearance at MidWest WeirdFest coincided with his feature VORE KING winning “Best Documentary” at the festival in 2017. Two other festival alumni, Steve Chappell (ED GEIN INTERVIEW), and Jackson McKeehan (SHEILA), will also be in attendance to present their latest work. Visiting short filmmakers making their MidWest WeirdFest debut this year, include Gustavo Martin (FUPA), Amber Rose McNeill (NORMAL PORN FOR NORMAL PEOPLE), and Grant Osum (NEIGHBORS OF THE APOCALYPSE).

THE GRANDPA DIARIES

A special treat for festival season pass holders, and regular attendees, will be the web series THE GRANDPA DIARIES, from director Michael Afendakis, and writer/star Jonathan Leveck. The hilarious and poignant series will be playing in its entirety at the festival, with one approximately 2 to 3 minute episode screening before each feature film.

Full guest list here

Individual tickets to each session as well as discounted festival passes can be booked here (and during the festival will also available to purchase at the Micon Cinema box office):

MidWest WeirdFest's full 2021 feature line-up follows:

ALIEN ABDUCTION (dir: Jared Sagal) A rock and roll band couple approach a young filmmaker and ask for his help in finishing a film about their true story: being abducted, experimented on, and taken off planet aboard a flying saucer. The documentarian sets out on a mission to either verify or discredit their experience.

THE BLARE RABBIT PROJECT (dir: Kerry Prior) World Premiere! A found-footage feature film, thought lost for over 20 years, is finally seeing the light of the projector booth at its world premiere at the 5th annual MidWest WeirdFest! Join the hilarious trip that follows 2 idiots and an actress on a hunt for a legendary rabbit.

THE DEEP ONES (dir: Chad Ferrin) Adapted from the works of H. P. Lovecraft. A married couple rents a beach side Airbnb only to be surrounded by peculiar neighbors and occurrences. They soon discover they are in the grips of a mysterious cult and their ancient sea god.

THE EXPLORER (dir: Alexandre Brecher) In the heart of the largely unexplored Congo Basin forest hides the Mokele-mbembe, a semi-aquatic animal whose shape and dimensions resemble those of a sauropod dinosaur. Travel with cryptozoologist Michel Ballot on his search for the creature!

EXTERNO (dir: Jonathon Taub, Leandro Taub) North American Theatrical Festival Premiere! A revolutionary businessman tries to conquer the world with $2,000. This lyrical and potent film, while fictional, presents a convincing, if allegorical, expose of the inner workings of a hidden power structure that shapes the world.

HE WHO LIVES IN HIDDEN LAKES (dir: Zach Lona) World Premiere! The fanatic beliefs of an internet mystic, a cult leader, and a rookie cop gone rogue are tested on the hunt for the "Hidden Man", an elusive forest-dwelling cryptid that terrorizes their idyllic suburb.

I CAN'T SLEEP (dir: Gina Rose) A young writer struggles to complete her science-fiction story while battling supernatural forces in real life. A pitch-perfect and perfectly original low-fi, sci-fi drama, with a fantastic and diverse cast, I CAN’T SLEEP resonates at a profoundly human level.

LADY USHER (dir: George Adams) Based on Poe's classic tale, this updated re-telling possesses the quintessential features of the Gothic: a large dreary house, macabre characters, and a mysterious sickness. But the fantastic film spins with modern sensibilities, tongue-in-cheek moments, bizarre twists, and dark eroticism.

MIRANDA VEIL (dir: Levin Garbisch) When aspiring serial killer Soren, abducts his first victim Miranda, both of them are shocked to discover that she is unable to die. Faced with the unknown, the two of them struggle to come to terms with this revelation as they embark on an increasingly surreal road trip home.

NINJA BADASS (dir: Ryan Harrison) Local scum-bag Rex must undergo a crash course in Ninjitsu, to develop the skills needed to rescue the gal he is obsessed with, from a rampaging Ninja gang. Hilarious and over the top violence and gags flow in this new cult hit.

THE REVENANT (dir: Kerry Prior) Rootin'-tootin', shootin' and lootin'... Undead the way you like it! Come watch the greatest undead buddy horror/comedy film ever made, in this special retrospective screening at the Micon Downtown. Director Kerry Prior in attendance to Q&A!.

THE STAIRS (dir: Peter "Drago" Tiemann) In 1997, 11 year old Jesse finds a mysterious staircase in the woods and disappears. Twenty years later, a group of hikers, set off into the very same woods. Unfortunately for them, they come face to face with the very same set of stairs Jesse discovered all those years ago.

TRANS (director: Naeri Do) After facing a serious assault from Taeyong Ma's posse, Minyoung Go plans revenge on the bullies. So, she conducts an electrical baptism and becomes a super-powered “transhuman” after undergoing a series of high voltage shocks.

Long-lost film from THE REVENANT director world premieres at MidWest WeirdFest

A found-footage feature film, thought lost for over 20 years, is finally seeing the light of the projector booth at its world premiere this March.

Kerry Prior, acclaimed Hollywood special effects artist and the visionary director of the cult horror hit THE REVENANT, lensed the found footage film THE BLARE RABBIT PROJECT in 1999.

There is still some mystery as to why that film – once set for commercial release - was suddenly pulled and apparently lost for over two decades. But now, the re-found, found footage film is having its very first public screening at the 5th annual MidWest WeirdFest. The festival runs March 5-7, at the Micon Cinema in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“THE BLARE RABBIT PROJECT has been a ghost that’s haunted me for years” says writer/director Kerry Prior. “Due to either the tragicomic debacle that stymied the release of the film, or the rumor of bootleg copies floating around, people seemed to be aware of it. So when MidWest WeirdFest's programming director Dean Bertram asked about it, I thought maybe it was time to finally get it in front of a proper audience, and his festival seemed like the perfect venue.”

Behind the scenes of THE BLARE RABBIT PROJECT with Kerry Prior (right)

Kerry will be presenting both the world premiere of THE BLARE RABBIT PROJECT, as well as a special retrospective screening of THE REVENANT, at MidWest WeirdFest this year. A Q&A session will follow each screening.

Support the festival on Indiegogo, and get t-shirts, face masks, collectable dog tag festival passes and more: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/midwest-weirdfest-2021#/

The festival's first programming wave has already been announced, and can be seen here.

Full program details and other filmmaker guests will be revealed in the coming weeks.

MidWest WeirdFest passes are now on sale here: https://filmfreeway.com/MidWestWeirdFest/tickets

Individual tickets to each film will go on sale closer to the festival; both on the fest's website, and directly from the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.