8th Annual MidWest WeirdFest Announces Winning Films & Screenplays

The 8th annual MidWest WeirdFest wrapped last week at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The festival once again delivered a cinematic smorgasbord of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird, to enthusiastic audiences in sold-out screenings. Today, MidWest WeirdFest announces the winning films of the 2024 event.

GUNFIGHTER PARADISE captured the festival's prestigious “Best Film” award. The film is a dark comedic examination of the contemporary South. It is as hilarious as it is horrific, and resonates with a genuine understanding of human nature, particularly our violent and religious drives and impulses.

Jethro Waters at the Q&A for GUNFIGHTER PARADISE, world premiere at MidWest WeirdFest 2024. Photo by Luong Huynh

“I am sincerely honored for GUNFIGHTER PARADISE to have won Best Film at Midwest Weirdfest,” says Jethro Waters who wrote, directed and co-produced the film. “The dream for any filmmaker is to create work that truly resonates with an audience - and we were so fortunate to have that rare, magical experience, in a proper movie theater, at the world premiere in Eau Claire. My team and I are sending our deepest appreciation for this award, for the festival, and for all the incredible films we were lucky enough to screen alongside.”

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

Left: Zeshaan Zounus holding his 2024 Palmer d’Or award for THE BUILDOUT. Right: Fest programming director Dean Bertram. Photo by Luong Huynh.

The fest's “Palmer d'Or Award” was awarded to Zeshaan Younus for his stunning metaphysical thriller THE BUILDOUT, executive produced by fest alum Greg Newkirk. The award was instituted in 2023 to honor the memory of Wisconsin sci-fi and Fortean pioneer, Raymond A. Palmer, and recognize excellence in the field today.

Curtis Anthony Williams and Virginia deWitt during the Q&A for LAST WEEKEND at MidWest WeirdFest 2024.

“Best Director” was taken by Curtis Anthony Williams for his unforgettable and gut-wrenching neo-noir drama LAST WEEKEND. William's co-writer Virginia deWitt (CANDY LAND) won “Best Female Performance”, for her show-stopping portrayal of Sylvia, whose life begins to spiral after she begins a fiery love affair.

“Best Documentary” was awarded to THE UFO'S OF SOESTERBERG from director Bram Roza, a fascinating film which examines the Netherland's most significant UFO wave.

Q&A at the sold out screening and theatrical premiere of BLIND COP 2. Left to Right: Kathy Bonk, Alec Bonk, Isaac McKinnon, Augustin Huffman, and fest programming director Dean Bertram. Photo by Alanna Robelia.

“Best Action Film” was taken by the hilarious 70s/80s action homage BLIND COP 2, from director Alec Bonk. Co-writer Isaac McKinnon's wonderful portrayal of “Schmidty” - the innocent but eager sidekick to the titular crime fighter of BLIND COP 2 – won him “Best Supporting Male Performance”

And “Best Horror Film” was awarded to the confronting and twisting home invasion chiller EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE from UK director Craig Tuohy.

“Best Sci-Fi Film” was awarded to DAUGHTER OF THE SUN. The film echoes the best of 70s genre cinema, both with its fierce immediacy and originality, as well as a heady mix of pending paranormal revelation. The film's writer/director Ryan Ward also stars as a Tourette's burdened father, who harbors deep supernatural powers. Ryan won “Best Male Performance” for this bravura portrayal.

The riotous and pitch perfect superhero parody VILLAINS INC, from writer/director Jeremy Warner, captured “Best Comedy Film”. The film stars a cavalcade of superb comic actors, headlined by Mallory Everton (GO WEST), Colin Mochrie (WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY?), and co-writer Jason Gray (STUDIO C). The film's scene-stealing GloZell Green won “Best Supporting Female Performance” for her hilarious portrayal of the no-nonsense “Booker”.

“Best Experimental Film” was awarded to THE POCKET FILM OF SUPERSTITIONS, an evocative and dream-like experience, from UK filmmaker Tom Lee Rutter.

And Justen Patrick Lander's feature debut, the mesmerizing and mystery ladened FLASHLIGHT, captured the “Independent Spirit Award”.

“Best Short Film” was awarded to the frenetic action comedy LEVERAGE from filmmaker Michael Charron.

YOU, FOREVER, the experimental and captivating documentary - about Robert Ettinger “the father of cryonics” - from director Brenda Kovrig, captured the fest's “Best Documentary Short” award.

Kathryn Van Buren was awarded “Best Director – Short Film” for her touching and potent THE THIRD BEDROOM. The film's lead child actress, Ava Torres, won “Best Female Performance – Short” for her moving portrayal of Isla, a young girl who discovers her family's dark and heart-breaking secret.

L. M. Oliver introducing T-MINUS at the 8th annual MidWest WeirdFest.

Director Jacob Weldon's SEED, a visceral, hilarious, and subversive horror film took “Best Horror Short”. While the award for “Best Sci-Fi Short” went to the breathtaking T-MINUS from L. M. Oliver.

Director Sam Chou's RED IRON ROAD: IN THE HEAT, the stunning Santa action-horror-comedy, won “Best Animated Short”.

“Best Comedy Short” was awarded to the disturbingly hilarious existential crisis come first-date disaster, WHY DOGS HOWL directed by Sandi Johnson and written and produced by Gary Teitelbaum. Teitelbaum also stars in the film, delivering a pitch perfect dead-pan performance, for which he won “Best Male Performance – Short”.

Center: Michael Basha director of DRUNK (Left: Steve Chappell, Right: Tim Schwagel) Photo by Luong Huynh.

Michael Basha's confronting yet dreamy DRUNK was awarded “Best Experimental Short”. The hilariously off-beat “WHEN YOU'RE HERE, YOU'RE PIZZA!” from Tim Schwagel captured the fest's inaugural “Best of the MidWest Short” award.

Tim Schwagel,(“WHEN YOU’RE HERE, YOU’RE PIZZA!”) at the sold-out BEST OF THE MIDWEST shorts program . Photo by Luong Huynh.

While “Best International Short” was captured by the action-packed cyberpunk thriller OVERCLOCKING from Russia's Alexander Vikulov.

Mark Polish at the 2023 festival. Photo by Luong Huynh.

“Best TV / New Media” was awarded to INSECTS IN THE CITY; the raunchy and hilarious pilot for the animated series from fest alum Mark Polish.

And “Best Music Video” was captured by the potent lyrics and stunning visuals of CORNERBOY from German filmmaker Kai Kurve.

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

“As a fellow writer, it is always a pleasure to gaze, however briefly, into the minds of aspiring screenwriters and sink into their creative energy as I witness each story unfold,” says returning competition head reader Lisa DeVita; known for her work as an armorer as well as writing the cult horror hit PEELERS. “I love how brazen and unapologetic the scripts have been this year... a refreshing reminder that we, both writers and audiences alike, will not be satisfied with the factory-churned dribble that keeps inhabiting our mainstream movie theaters... there is an unquenchable desire for the uncommon, unpopular tales to be told and heard. That's what keeps me coming back to judge MidWest WeirdFest every year.”

The winning feature screenplay THE AGE OF REVENGE was written by Jason H. White. Ryan Hughes' WiLL took the 1st Runner-up spot. And the competition's 2nd Runner-up was awarded to Samantha Lee Howell for her screenplay ZOMBIES AT TIFFANY'S.

The short screenplay competition was won by Joe Lueben for PANDORA, INC.. The 1st Runner-up was THE BONEYARD by M. r. Fitzgerald. And Stuart Creque's ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON was awarded 2nd Runner-up.

A full list of the semi-finalists, finalists, and winners of both the short and feature screenplay competitions is available at:

https://www.midwestweirdfest.com/2024-winning-screenplays

MidWest WeirdFest 2024 Visiting Filmmakers

MidWest WeirdFest, the cinematic celebration of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird, returns for its 8th annual edition to the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, this weekend March 1-3, 2024.

Programming director Dean Bertram and the rest of the festival team are delighted to introduce the filmmakers who are presenting their films in person at the 2024 event.

Writer/director Jethro Waters filming a scene from GUNFIGHTER PARADISE

“There is nothing so important for the independent filmmaker as experienced, smart, and passionate curators.” says writer/director Jethro Waters, whose stunning dark dramedy/thriller GUNFIGHTER PARADISE world premieres at the fest. “And this is exactly why the film community is so fortunate that we have Dean Bertram and crew putting on festivals like this.  I'd been eyeing Midwest WeirdFest for a few years in the lead-up to completing GUNFIGHTER PARADISE, and I speak for my entire crew in relating how fortunate we feel to have our world premiere in a festival that champions the breed of cinema still stretching the edges of film.”

Waters will be introducing his beautiful yet disturbing film when it screens Saturday, March 2, at 8pm. Joined by some of his cast and crew, he will also partake in a Q&A following the film's screening.

Other feature films represented by filmmakers at the festival follow:

BLIND COP 2 writer/director Alec Bonk (backseat/center) directs lead George Fearing (right) & Isaac McKinnon (left)

BLIND COP 2 this riotous action comedy is a sequel to a film that doesn't exist. Writer/director Alec Bonk will intro its world theatrical premiere at MidWest WeirdFest. And, following the screening, partake in a Q&A along with cast and crew.

Writer/director Zeshaan Younus on set of THE BUILDOUT

THE BUILDOUT is the haunting feature debut from award winning filmmaker and MidWest WeirdFest alum Zeshaan Younus. The film examines the profound impact of the paranormal on the lives of two women. Younous will introduce and Q&A at the screening.

One of many harrowing moments from Craig Tuohy’s edge-of-your-seat thriller EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE

EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE, a terrifying and twisting home invasion film from the UK, is having its first ever sneak peek screening at the fest. Writer/director Craig Tuohy will be flying in to introduce and Q&A.

Co-writer and lead actress Virginia Rand in LAST WEEKEND

LAST WEEKEND is a stunning Neo-noir thriller, with an unforgettable and show-stopping performance from co-writer Virginia Rand. The film's director Curtis Anthony Williams will introduce his remarkable film, and be joined by other key creatives for the Q&A.

Short filmmakers, TV and web content creators, music video artists, and screenwriters presenting their work in person at the 2024 MidWest WeirdFest, include:

Michael Basha (DRUNK), Derek Bauer (I WANT YOU), Steve Chappell (ED GEIN'S MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS), William J. Kampf and Steve Dayton (LYLE AND THE DEVIL), Ben Manhanke (SMILEY) L. M. Oliver (T-MINUS), Walt Peterson and B. Harris (THE MEMO), Nick Rohr (STUXNET -OUR WORLD WAS ALWAYS FALLEN BUT THERE WAS ALWAYS LIGHT), Tim Schwagel (“WHEN YOU'RE HERE, YOU'RE PIZZA!”) (Jake Viaene (SENTINEL), Alexander Vikulov (OVERCLOCKING), Samuel T. Weston (Screenplay: THE BROKEN FELLOWSHIP).

Full list of attending filmmakers along with head-shots and biographies can be seen here

MidWest WeirdFest's full 2024 program and schedule can be viewed here

Tickets to all films, along with discounted festival passes, are available to purchase here

During the festival tickets will also available to purchase at the Micon Downtown Cinema box office

8th Annual MidWest WeirdFest Announces Full Program

MidWest WeirdFest announces its full program for 2024 today. The 8th annual film festival - a cinematic celebration of of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird - takes place March 1-3, 2024 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Full festival schedule can be seen here.

The fest's fantastic line-up of horror, sci-fi, underground, and documentary cinema, kicks off at 6pm, Friday March 1, with the theatrical world premiere of the brand new, and soon to be cult hit, BLIND COP 2.

BLIND COP 2

“The story of getting BLIND COP 2 made is nearly as absurd and feverish as the film itself.” says the film's director and co-writer Alec Bonk.

“Our small group of highly impassioned and exceedingly motivated artists came together and forced this movie into being through 5 years of blood, sweat and tears. This movie is a sequel to a film that does not exist, with an ultra macho vengeance seeking action hero that could fit right into any number of films that defined 80s American cinema. We couldn't have been more excited when Dean asked us to open MidWest WeirdFest, one of the top tastemakers for independent genre filmmaking in the country. Team Blind Cop is looking forward to screening alongside another fantastic group of films!”

BLIND COP 2 is one of the amazing feature films to be showcased at the festival next month, along with over fifty short films.

This fest’s line-up of feature programming includes:

BLIND COP 2 (dir: Alec Bonk ) THEATRICAL WORLD PREMIERE

A sequel to a film that doesn't exist, this is a riotous homage and parody of 80s action cinema. Blind Cop, the former beacon of justice, is consumed by grief after the mysterious death of his partner in the first movie. (Again there is no first movie.) His once-illustrious career has been reduced to drunken disorderly conduct, putting him at odds with the police force. Fired for his reckless behavior, Blind Cop ventures into the dark underworld of the city to continue his investigation into his partner's death. The truth he seeks may not be what he expects, but he will stop at nothing to avenge his fallen partner and bring the criminals responsible to justice.

BLOODY BRIDGET (dir: Richard Elfman) MIDWEST PREMIERE

Voodoo deity Baron Samedi transforms a down on her luck burlesque dancer into a "Valentine Vampire." But blood only whets her appetite; to satiate her gory desires she must eat her victims' beating hearts! A bloody - and bloody fun - horror comedy from director Richard Elfman, music by Danny Elfman and Ego Plum. Fans of comedic horror and camp will delight!

THE BUILDOUT (dir: Zeshaan Younus ) MIDWEST PREMIERE

The mesmerizing feature debut from MidWest WeirdFest alum and award winning director Zeshaan Younos, and executive producer Greg Newkirk (HELLIER, THE UNBINDING). Shot in only 7 days, THE BUILDOUT seamlessly and intentionally unfolds through a multi-camera narrative approach. It is a profound and moving cinematic meditation on the impact of the paranormal and high strangeness on both human relationships and our very existence.

DAUGHTER OF THE SUN (dir. Ryan Ward) MIDWEST PREMIERE

A 12-year-old girl struggles with life on the run as she travels across the American mid-west with her father who has Tourette Syndrome (a bravura performance by the film's writer/director Ryan Ward). Wanting nothing more than a normal family life, she befriends a community of outcasts in the remote countryside who want to harness a volatile supernatural power her father is hiding. The film echoes the best of 70s cinema. Both its fierce immediacy and originality, as well as a heady mix of pending paranormal revelation from that decade's best genre offerings... Akin to what might have struck an audience when first watching CLOSE ENCOUNTERS on its opening weekend; right on the cusp of tent-pole cinema, and long before the MCU and similar offerings commercialized and juvenilized cinematic imaginings of the fantastic.

EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE (dir. Craig Tuohy ) SNEAK PEEK SCREENING

On his daughter's birthday, a wealthy father's reconciliation attempt is hijacked by two female burglars. A shakedown evolves into a lethal cat-and-mouse game as hidden motives emerge, culminating in a life-altering revelation. A brilliant, bloody, shocking, and twist-ladened addition to the home invasion genre.

FLASHLIGHT (dir. Justen Patrick Lander) WORLD PREMIERE

A young cleaning lady receives mysterious phone calls, pushing her to reluctantly investigate the disappearance of her father amid an oncoming solar storm. A gorgeous, evocative, and moody lo-fi, sci-fi thriller, FLASHLIGHT evokes a mood somewhere between THE X-FILES and a NANCY DREW mystery, played out in an insomniac landscape, haunted by the hum of late night Coast to Coast AM broadcasts. It is, in a word, mesmerizing.

GUNFIGHTER PARADISE (dir. Jethro Waters) WORLD PREMIERE

A hunter returns home to North Carolina with a mysterious green case. Following the death of his mother, he settles back into the family home where his mind begins to disintegrate. Stalked by divine voices and unholy visions, guided by disquiet, his mother’s hand written riddles and strange visitors further complicate an already splintering mind. A cable man, a mummified cat, zealous neighbors, and a killer swirl through this darkly comic southern gumbo. It’s a film that is as beautiful as it is disturbing. As horrific as it is comedic. It resonates with a genuine understanding of human nature, particularly our violent and religious drives and impulses.

LAST WEEKEND (dir:Curtis Anthony Williams) MIDWEST PREMIERE

LAST WEEKEND is a slow burn drama that subverts into a twisted neo-noir. When Sylvia (Virginia Rand - Candy Land) and Ethan (Charlie Barnett - The Acolyte, Russian Doll) meet for an electric one night stand, they find themselves bound together in a drug fueled mania. After Harrison (Hunter Morton) a disturbed ex-lover resurfaces, Sylvia is forced to confront her dark past. As the weekend spirals, they are unable to reconcile with the consequences of human nature. Rand's portrayal, of a woman whose life spirals out of control, is a show-stopper; perhaps the most powerful female performance of the year.

THE POCKET FILM OF SUPERSTITIONS (dir. Tom Lee Rutter) US PREMIERE

A spell-binding cinematic experience which evokes both the wonder and terror a child might experience flipping through the pages of an illustrated “pocket book” on the paranormal. It delivers a mesmerizing and creepy merging of folkloric horror, the supernatural, and dadaist humor as it looks at various superstitions through the ages. The film features a wonderful roster of performers, including a stunning array of first ladies of the silver-scream: Caroline Munro (Maniac, Slaughter High, Dracula AD 1972), Lynn Lowry (Shivers, The Crazies, Cat People), Dani Thompson (Serial Kaller, My Bloody Banjo) and Annabella Rich (Eating Miss Campbell), as well as a who's who of the current British indie horror boom. And get ready for pitch-perfect, almost hypnotizing, narration from living cult legend The Shend; of Dadaist punk/post-punk bands The Cravats and The Very Things.

THE UFO'S OF SOESTERBERG (dir. Bram Roza ) US PREMIERE

In the early morning of February 3, 1979, a mysterious object flew over Soesterberg Air Base. At least twelve soldiers witnessed this. Despite being in the middle of the cold war this event has still remained unexplained. And that is not the only anomalous sighting in that specific part of the Netherlands. A fascinating examination of a stunning series of UFO encounters, this film travels down an ever spiraling mystery of high strangeness and US Military secrets.

VILLAINS INC. (dir. Jeremy Warner) MIDWEST PREMIERE

After the death of their villainous boss, low-level henchpeople Beatrix, Cain, and Harold are left destitute living in an abandoned grocery store. Not content with this situation, Beatrix is determined for them to strike out on their own and take over the world by any means necessary. A refreshing and hilarious take on the superhero genre, told from the perspective of aspirational villainous underlings. With bravura comedic direction and loaded with a stellar cast, including: Mallory Everton (GO WEST, LOVING LYFE), Colin Mochrie (WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY?) JASON GRAY (STUDIO C, GO WEST), this film is not to be missed.

The full line-up of visiting filmmakers will be announced soon.

MidWest WeirdFest's full 2024 program and schedule can be viewed here

Tickets to all films, along with discounted festival passes, are available to purchase here

MIDWEST WEIRDFEST 2024: FIRST PROGRAMMING WAVE

MidWest WeirdFest announces its first programming wave for 2024 today. The cinematic celebration of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird, is now in its 8th year. The festival takes place March 1-3, 2024 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“Prepare for your first glimpse into the inner sanctum of 2024's cinematic chapel of the weird”, says festival founder and programming director Dean Bertram. “Today, MidWest WeirdFest is delighted to announce this year's first wave of feature programming. And it's loaded with weirdness: from aspirational super villains and blind (and blind drunk) avengers, through UFOs and paranormal experiences, to brutal female home invaders and a modern day gunfighter haunted by bizarre religious visions. The festival's 2024 program is overflowing with weirdness: some of it real, some of it imagined, and much of it from that mysterious twilight territory that lays in between.”

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:

BLIND COP 2 (dir: Alec Bonk ) A sequel to a film the doesn't exist, this is a riotous homage and parody of 80s action cinema. Blind Cop, the former beacon of justice, is consumed by grief after the mysterious death of his partner in the first movie. (Again there is no first movie.) His once-illustrious career has been reduced to drunken disorderly conduct, putting him at odds with the police force. Fired for his reckless behavior, Blind Cop ventures into the dark underworld of the city to continue his investigation into his partner's death. The truth he seeks may not be what he expects, but he will stop at nothing to avenge his fallen partner and bring the criminals responsible to justice.

THE BUILDOUT (dir: Zeshaan Younus ) The mesmerizing feature debut from MidWest WeirdFest alum and award winning director Zeshaan Younos, and executive producer Greg Newkirk (HELLIER, THE UNBINDING). A friendship is tested as two women experience something strange in the desert. This film is a profound and moving examination of the impact of the paranormal on both human relationships and our very existence.

EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE (dir. Craig Tuohy ) On his daughter's birthday, a wealthy father's reconciliation attempt is hijacked by two female burglars. A shakedown evolves into a lethal cat-and-mouse game as hidden motives emerge, culminating in a life-altering revelation. A brilliant, bloody, shocking, and twist-ladened addition to the home invasion genre.

GUNFIGHTER PARADISE (dir. Jethro Waters) A hunter returns home to North Carolina with a mysterious green case. Following the death of his mother, he settles back into the family home where his mind begins to disintegrate. Stalked by divine voices and unholy visions, guided by disquiet, his mother’s hand written riddles and strange visitors further complicate an already splintering mind. A cable man, a mummified cat, zealous neighbors, and a killer swirl through this darkly comic southern gumbo.

THE POCKET FILM OF SUPERSTITIONS (dir. Tom Lee Rutter) A spell-binding cinematic experience which evokes both the wonder and terror a child might experience flipping through the pages of an illustrated “pocket book” on the paranormal. It delivers a mesmerizing and creepy merging of folkloric horror, the supernatural, and dadaist humor as it looks at various superstitions through the ages. The film features a wonderful roster of performers, including a stunning array of first ladies of the silver-scream: Caroline Munro (Maniac, Slaughter High, Dracula AD 1972), Lynn Lowry (Shivers, The Crazies, Cat People), Dani Thompson (Serial Kaller, My Bloody Banjo) and Annabella Rich (Eating Miss Campbell), as well as a who's who of the current British indie horror boom. And get ready for pitch-perfect, almost hypnotizing, narration from living cult legend The Shend; of Dadaist punk/post-punk bands The Cravats and The Very Things.

THE UFO'S OF SOESTERBERG (dir. Bram Roza ) In the early morning of February 3, 1979, a mysterious object flew over Soesterberg Air Base. At least twelve soldiers witnessed this. Despite being in the middle of the cold war this event has still remained unexplained. And that is not the only anomalous sighting in that specific part of the Netherlands. A fascinating examination of a stunning series of UFO encounters, this film travels down an ever spiraling mystery of high strangeness and US Military secrets.

VILLAINS INC. (dir. Jeremy Warner) After the death of their villainous boss, low-level henchpeople Beatrix, Cain, and Harold are left destitute living in an abandoned grocery store. Not content with this situation, Beatrix is determined for them to strike out on their own and take over the world by any means necessary. A refreshing and hilarious take on the superhero genre, told from the perspective of aspirational villainous underlings. With bravura comedic direction and loaded with a stellar cast, including: Mallory Everton (GO WEST, LOVING LYFE), Colin Mochrie (WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY?) Jason Gray (STUDIO C, GO WEST), this film is not to be missed.

2023 Winners announced! Including inaugural award memorializing Wisconsin's Ray Palmer

The 7th annual MidWest WeirdFest wrapped last week at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The festival once 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 2023 event.

This year the fest introduced a brand new major award - the “Palmer d'Or” - instituted to recognize excellence in the sci-fi and paranormal fields today, while honoring the legacy of Wisconsin's own late Raymond A. Palmer. Once influential editor of America's leading science fiction pulp magazine AMAZING STORIES, Palmer also founded FATE magazine among many other publications. He was an instrumental writer and thinker in the early days of flying saucer research.

Melissa Tittl being awarded the inaugural Palmer d’Or following the world premiere of CODE 12 at MidWest WeirdFest 2023. (This and all photos in article by Luong Huynh).

Director/writer/producer Melissa Tittl (UFO WITNESS, ANCIENT ALENS) was awarded the inaugural Palmer d'Or for her reality-questioning documentary CODE 12, which world premiered at the festival.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as an original sci-fi creator in a space where only certain themes are popular,” says Tittl. “Ray Palmer, whom the Palmer d'Or award is named for, was a pioneer in the sci-fi space. I feel humbled to be recognized in that area and truly blessed to have people watch my thoughts unfold onto the screen. May humanity prevail through the discovery of the unknown.”

Mark Polish during the Q&A for MURMUR. Opening night at the 7th annual MidWest WeirdFest.

While the chilling techno-thriller MURMUR from director Mark Polish (TWIN FALLS IDAHO, THE ASTRONAUT FARMER) was awarded the festival’s prestigious “Best Film” award.

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

KICK ME team at the 2023 MWWF. (L to R) Pat Drummond, Jeff Freling, director Gary Huggins, Adam Jeffers.

“Best Director” was taken by Gary Huggins for his frenetic, disturbing, and hilarious indie action opus KICK ME.

“Best Documentary” was awarded to ACCIDENTAL TRUTH from director Ron James. Set to be the most important UFO documentary of the year, the revelation packed exposé world premiered at MidWest WeirdFest 2023.

Sylvia Caminer during the Q&A for FOLLOW HER. Closing night film MidWest WeirdFest 2023.

“Best Horror Film” was awarded to the twisting masterpiece FOLLOW HER from Emmy Award winning director Sylvia Caminer and writer/star Dani Barker.

HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS Q&A (L to R): Jon Truei, Jay Brown, Louis R Schulz, and director Mike Cheslick,

The riotous slapstick fantasy HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS from fest alum Mike Cheslick and Ryland Brickson Cole Tews (LAKE MICHIGAN MONSTER) captured “Best Comedy Film”.

While “Best International Film” was taken by Belgium director Steffen Geypens' LOGGER, a nightmarish adaptation and modernization of the fable 'Death and the Logger' by Jean de la Fontaine.

Ronnie Ferguson (l) and Martin Achatz (r) just before the World Premiere of BIGFOOT AND MARTY at MWWF 2023.

BIGFOOT AND MARTY the unique and heart-felt documentary from director Ronnie Ferguson, featuring Michigan's Upper Peninsula poet laureate Marty Achatz, and his fascination with Bigfoot, captured the fest's “Independent Spirit Award”.

“Best Experimental Film” was awarded to THE DIABETIC, the mesmerizing and hard-hitting lo-fi drama from Canadian auteur Mitchell Stafiej.

Kevin Interdonato before the US Premiere of BRAEK at the 7th annual MidWest WeirdFest.

“Best Male Performance” was awarded to Kevin Interdonato (CITY ON A HILL, BAD FRANK) for his masterful and confronting portrayal of home invader Jesse, in director John Fallon's BRAEK. Interdonato also co-wrote the screenplay with Fallon. Interdonato's co-star, the captivating Alix Lane (BIG SKY, PLAY THE FLUTE) took “Best Supporting Female Performance” for her role as damaged step-daughter Erin.

Senie Priti (LOVE AND MONSTERS, HUNGRY GHOSTS) took the “Best Female Performance” award for her captivating portrayal of doomed lover Violet in the dark romance/horror YOUR LOVE IS MINE; the unforgettable feature debut from Australian directors Luke Wijayasinha-Gray and Luke J. S.

“Best Supporting Male Performance” went to the scene-stealing and comic genius Robert Bryn Mann (HELL IN A HANDBASKET) for his role in Douglas James Luciuk's post-apocalyptic dark buddy comedy WELCOME TO KITTYTOWN. Mann also co-wrote the Canadian film's screenplay with his co-star, the talented Darren Zimmer.

Elias Gallegos producer/star of NIGHT OF THE COOTERS presenting the film at the 7th annual MidWest WeirdFest.

“Best Short Film” was awarded to the spectacular Western / War of the Worlds mashup NIGHT OF THE COOTERS, from the story by Howard Waldrop, director/star Vincent D'Onofrio, producer/star Elias Gallegos and executive producer George R. R. Martin.

THE CONSPIRATOLOGIST, a fascinating look at the life of UFO and conspiracy researcher Norio Hayakawa (from directors Stephen Bradford and Justin Jay Jones) captured the fest's “Best Short Documentary” award. 

Jon Truei introduces THE 44TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN at MidWest WeirdFest 2023.

Jon Truei was awarded “Best Director – Short Film” for his hilarious kung-fu flick come JACKASS styled mash-up THE 44TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN, starring real-life MMA trainer Santino “Mario” Marin.

Director Will Lee's RINGWORMS, a visceral horror short that gets under your skin, took “Best Horror Short”.

Writer/director Francesco Paola Cordaro introduces AWAKE at MidWest WeirdFest 2023.

While the award for “Best Sci-Fi Short” went to AWAKE, the harrowing alien abduction chiller, from brother/sister filmmaking team Francesco Paolo Cordaro and Andrea Cordaro. 

Director Bryan Charles Shickley's FRED CRISMAN: CAVE OF THE SPACE NAZIS, the stunning and laugh out loud re-telling of one of the stranger, and allegedly true, tales from the heyday of the sci-fi pulps, won “Best Animated Short”. (The film also features an animated depiction or Ray Palmer, inspiration for the fest's new Palmer d'Or award.)

Writer/director/actor Thomas Slipsager at the 7th annual MidWest WeirdFest to present VOYEURISM.

“Best Comedy Short” was awarded to writer/director/actor Thomas Slipsager's offbeat and hilarious VOYEURISM.

While “Best International Short” was captured by the devilishly good LA NUEVA (THE NEWCOMER) from Spain's Ivan Villamel.

Joshua Land (L) and Victor Fink (R) at MidWest WeirdFest 2023 to present THE FARMHOUSE.

THE FARMHOUSE an edge-of-your-seat horror short from festival alumni Joshua Land and Victor Fink (BAD WITCH) won “Best Proof of Concept”. The award-winning filmmaking duo are currently shopping the short to generate buzz and attract potential collaborators and investors for their next feature project, which is based on the same material.

“Best New Media” was awarded to HUBBARDS; the bizarre comedic gem and fest circuit hit from Kevin Ralston.

Andrew Paul Davis (center) at the 7th annual MidWest WeirdFest to present his music video EATEN.

And “Best Music Video” was awarded to the potent vocals and stunning visuals of EATEN from singer/songwriter/filmmaker Andrew Paul Davis.

Adam Elliott was awarded “Best Male Performance – Short” for his bravura portrayal of a Machiavelian “best friend” in A BEST MAN directed by Dylan Tuccillo. Elliot also wrote the twisting screenplay.

Allison Torem (L) introducing ROAD HEAD at MWWF 2023. Steven Chappell (R) former award winner presenting GABRIELLA.

While creative powerhouse Allison Torem won “Best Female Performance - Short” for her hilarious portrayal of a frustrated road tripper and lover in ROAD HEAD, a short film which she also wrote, directed, and produced.

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

“It is always an honor and a pleasure to read the weird and wonderful scripts at Midwest Weirdfest.” says returning competition head reader Lisa DeVita; known for her work as an armorer as well as writing the cult horror hit PEELERS. “I find the most entertaining stories are the ones that postulate the "What If?" scenario and luckily there were many such premises to be found in this year's selection of scripts. So fun to see writers take on our darkest fears and spin them into stories that make you question your own morals, thoughts and reality.

Top 10 Feature Screenplay Competition Finalist Samuel T. Weston representing his spectacular fantasy script WIZARDS OF THE UNDERWORLD at MidWest WeirdFest 2023.

The winning feature screenplay APACHE was written by Adam Seidel. John Munn's BITTER HARVEST took the 1st Runner-up spot. And the competition's 2nd Runner-up was also taken by John Munn for his screenplay A NICE PLACE TO VISIT.

The short screenplay competition was won by writers Joe Bookman & Judson Merrill for THE HARROWING VOID. The 1st Runner-up was FLATMAN ASCENDED by Callie J. Waligora. And Rebecca Moret's INSIDE THESE WALLS was awarded 2nd Runner-up.

A full list of the semi-finalists, finalists, and winners of both the short and feature screenplay competitions is available here

The 8th annual MidWest WeirdFest will take place at Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, March 1-3, 2024.

Filmmakers and screenwriters can now enter their work to the 8th Annual MidWest WeirdFest via FilmFreeway, here: https://filmfreeway.com/MidWestWeirdFest

Mark Polish Joins Bevy of Guest Filmmakers at MidWest WeirdFest 2023

MidWest WeirdFest, the cinematic celebration of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird, returns for its 7th annual edition to the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, March 3-5, 2023. 

Programming director Dean Bertram, and the rest of the festival team are delighted to introduce the filmmakers who are presenting their films in person at the 2023 event. 

Mark Polish behind-the-scenes of MURMUR

“For so many years I’ve admired MidWest WeirdFest from afar. Dean (and company) have always been able to curate such an amazing collective of unique, wonderful and weird movies.” says Mark Polish, the esteemed writer/director/actor known for such memorable films as TWIN FALLS IDAHO, THE ASTRONAUT FARMER, NORTHFORK and HEADLOCK.

“So you couldn’t imagine how thrilled I was when MURMUR was selected to be a part of 2023s program. Festivals such as this are so vital to the future of independent filmmakers (& thinkers). Showcasing, encouraging and celebrating stories that are off (the mainstream) grid is good for humanity.”

Polish will be introducing his latest masterpiece MURMUR, an edge-of-your-seat techno-thriller, which opens the festival on Friday March 3, at 6pm. He will also partake in a Q&A following the film's screening.

Other feature films represented by filmmakers at the festival follow:

Marticn Achatz with Bigfoot foot casts in BIGFOOT AND MARTY

BIGFOOT AND MARTY is a wonderful documentary world premiering at this year's MidWest WeirdFest. The film's director Ronnie Ferguson will introduce and Q&A, along with the film's main subject, poet laureate Martin Achatz.

Kevin Interdonato (L) with director John Fallon (R) behind-the-scenes of BRAEK

BRAEK a brutal and clever spin on the home invasion sub-genre will have its US premiere at the fest. Writer/star Kevin Interdonato (CITY ON A HILL, BAD FRANK, THE SOPRANOS) will be on hand to introduce the film and Q&A after the screening.

Melissa Tittl (R) behind-the-scenes of CODE 12

CODE 12, a mind-expanding documentary which brings the very nature of existence into question, world premieres at the fest. Director/presenter Melissa Tittl (UFO WITNESS, ANCIENT ALIENS, ALIEN ENDGAME) will introduce and then Q&A.

Behind-the-scenes with director Sylvia Caminer (FOLLOW HER)

FOLLOW HER, the festival's terrifying and twisting closing night film will be presented by its Emmy Award winning director Sylvia Caminer.

Co-writer & star Ryland Brickson Cole Tews (R) in writer/director Mike Cheslik’s HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS

HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS is a hilarious, slapstick fantasy, about a fur trapper battling, well, hundreds of beavers! Director Mike Cheslik (LAKE MICHIGAN MONSTER) along with talented cast and crew will intro and Q&A.

Actor Santiago Vasquez in a still from writer/director Gary Huggins’ KICK ME

KICK ME is fresh on the fest circuit and already landing rave reviews. Director Gary Huggins will present the MidWest Premiere of his fantastic and frenetic underground action opus.

Short filmmakers, TV and web content creators, music video artists, and screenwriters presenting their work in person at the 2023 MidWest WeirdFest, include:

Ken Avidor (COURIER 2), Jacob Beaulieu and Logan Spahos (HE APPEARS), Steve Chappell and Adam Gregory Pergament (GABRIELLA), Francesco Cordaro (AWAKE), Tucker Dryden (THE MAX HEADROOM INCIDENT), Matt Ernst and Audrey Costadina (DIRTY WORK), Elias Gallegos and L.C. Crowley (NIGHT OF THE COOTERS), Russell Goldman (CLOSING TIME), Allison Torem and Adam Rebora (ROAD HEAD), Lucas Kurmis (WHY/I/ONE), Joshua Land and Victor Fink (THE FARMHOUSE), Chuck Meré (LEMNISCATE), Nick Rohr (BATTALION OF CLOUDSHIPS - BOXED REMNANTS), Tim Schwagel (BLOSSOM AND THE DECREPIT MAN), Andrew Paul Davis (EATEN), Jon Truei (THE 44TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN), Samuel T Weston (Screenplay: WIZARDS OF THE UNDERWORLD).

Full list of attending filmmakers along with headshots and biographies here

MidWest WeirdFest's full 2023 program and schedule can be viewed here

Tickets to all films, along with discounted festival passes, are available to purchase here (and during the festival will also be available to purchase at the Micon Downtown Cinema box office).

7th ANNUAL MIDWEST WEIRDFEST ANNOUNCES FULL PROGRAM

MidWest WeirdFest announces its full program for 2023! The 7th annual film festival - a cinematic celebration of of all things fantastic, frightening, paranormal, and just plain weird - takes place March 3-5, 2023 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

The fest's fantastic line-up of horror, sci-fi, underground and documentary cinema, includes several feature films that will be having their world, international, or US premieres at the event. One of these is BRAEK, a powerful and bloody new take on the home invasion genre.

BRAEK will have its US Premiere at MidWest WeirdFest

“The making of BRAEK was a suicide mission and I couldn't have pulled it off without my small yet efficient cast/crew. Better to go to war with 15 lions than a 100 sheep as they say," says director John Fallon.

"We are very proud to have our USA premiere at Midwest WeirdFest, a festival that I've always esteemed. BRAEK is more than just another ‘home invasion’ type spiel; it also tackles some heavy themes and shows what happens when ‘one kind of man’ goes head to head with ‘another kind of man’. It's layered and brutal. We hope the Midwest Weirdfest audience enjoys it!"”

BRAEK is one of the amazing feature films that the festival is announcing as part of its 2023 program for the first time today, along with over sixty short films.

This final wave of feature programming includes:

THE BIGFOOT TRAP (dir: Aaron Mirtes) WORLD PREMIERE

A journalist's life is changed forever when he's locked inside of a Bigfoot trap by an insane Sasquatch hunter. But is the biggest threat to his survival the hunter, or something big and hairy lurking in the woods? THE BIGFOOT HUNTER is a fun and wild ride, and a fantastic addition to the exploitation sub-genre of Bigfoot movies!

BRAEK (dir: John Fallon) US PREMIERE

The McCabe family's weekend getaway was never meant to be a life-changing experience. Governor William McCabe (Nick Baillie), a respected politician, was looking forward to some rest and relaxation. His beautiful wife Lauren (Melissa Anschutz) and distant stepdaughter Erin (Lane) strain to enjoy their time together, as the facade of the trophy family has worn dangerously thin. Things take a severe turn for the worse when a charismatic stranger (Kevin Interdonato) knocks on their door and triggers an unexpected chain of events.

THE DEBT COLLECTOR (dir: Richard Wolstencroft) INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE

An ex-IRA hitman returns to Australia and finds work as debt collector. He soon decides to seek revenge on men who abused him as a child in a Catholic orphanage. A young woman he rescues from abuse convinces Vaughn to continue his run of vengeance. That decision has spiraling consequences.

THE DIABETIC (dir: Mitchell Stafiej) MIDWEST PREMIERE

Like a mumblecore for invisible disability, THE DIABETIC follows a lonely and irreverent 30 year old Type 1 Diabetic named Alek who returns to his hometown to re-live his teenage 'glory days' with an old acquaintance Throughout the seemingly never-ending night, and as Alek’s blood sugars become erratic, he pushes their adventure to darker and darker places with complete disregard for anyone's well-being.

FOLLOW HER (dir: Sylvia Caminer) WISCONSIN PREMIERE

Jess Peters, a struggling actress and live streamer, has finally found her hook: secretly filming creepy interactions she encounters via online job listings, and using the kinks of others to fuel her streaming success. For her next episode, she’s been hired to write the ending of a screenplay in a remote, lavish cabin. But this client isn’t what he seems, and even though the money is great… the real payment here could cost her life.

LOGGER (dir: Steffen Geypens) MIDWEST PREMIERE

Based upon the fable 'Death and the Logger' by Jean de la Fontaine (1668) and inspired by Akira Kurosawa's 'Rashomon' (1950) we follow a logger into the woods, where he discovers a brutally mutilated body. He falls into a catatonic state and gets the unexpected help of Death herself. From that moment on, the story is told by three different point of views. The surreal truth slowly unravels until the final battle with Death turns everything back to normal.

WELCOME TO KITTYTOWN (dir: Douglas James Luciuk) WISCONSIN PREMIERE

A post-apocalyptic survivor and his unlikely ally journey through a barren, disease-ridden wasteland searching for safe haven. Don’t miss this horror / buddy-comedy / post-apocalyptic gem! Imagine THE ROAD meets SHAUN OF THE DEAD and you might have a vague sense of what’s install! The future has never looked so bleak… or hilarious!

YOUR LOVE IS MINE (dir: Luke Wijayasinha-Gray & Luke J. S.) INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE

A mesmerizing and haunting love story of Violet (Senie Priti) and Sam (Lester Ellis Jr). When their relationship is threatened by sudden tragedy, one of them goes to unthinkable lengths to preserve their union.

Feature films previously announced as official selections of the 7th annual MidWest WeirdFest include:

ACCIDENTAL TRUTH: UFO REVELATIONS (dir: Ron James) WORLD PREMIERE

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) WORLD PREMIERE

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.

CODE 12 (dir: Melissa Tittl) WORLD PREMIERE

Some people believe that humanity is trapped in a "matrix", an invisible hand that puppets our every move on this planet. Melissa Tittl, investigative journalist and filmmaker never really thought about the concept until a personal experience that haunted her. She then began a journey to unravel an ancient code hidden in the tombs of the pharaohs and other sites all over the world. She interviews geneticists, archeologists, biblical scholars, and quantum physicists that have all picked up the same code in their own work.

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) MIDWEST PREMIERE

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) MIDWEST PREMIERE

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.

The line-up of visiting filmmakers will be announced next week.

Purchase tickets and passes here.

Check out full program here.

Melissa Tittl - Star of UFO WITNESS - to World Premiere new film at MidWest WeirdFest

A new documentary on the secret nature of reality world premieres at the 7th annual MidWest WeirdFest. The feature-length film, CODE 12, is directed and presented by Melissa Tittl. She is star and host of the popular TV series UFO WITNESS, former Head of Content and Development at the Gaia network, and an established journalist, producer, and documentarian. The film festival takes place at Micon Cinemas in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin from March 3-5, 2023.

“This film has been my research for the past 10 years on the idea of a matrix or living in a simulation. It spiraled into formidable places that connected in a pattern,” says Tittl. “As an investigative journalist, I never thought the stories I wrote, the cases I have investigated, and the places that drew my attention might all be part of a master plan, a plan designed by an unknown architect.”

The documentary features interviews with geneticists, archeologists, biblical scholars, and quantum physicists that have all picked up the same code in their work.

“I am very excited to share this film and I am also looking forward to sharing some weird thoughts with everyone at MidWest WeirdFest,” says Tittl. “Being normal is boring anyway.”

Melissa Tittl will be in attendance for the world premiere of CODE 12, at the Micon Downtown Cinema on Saturday March 4, at 6:00pm. She will introduce her film, and partake in a special Q&A session following the screening.

Tickets to the film, along with festival passes, are available to purchase here: https://www.midwestweirdfest.com/tickets

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