Damnationland

Portland’s State Theatre proudly hosts the world premiere of five short Maine-­‐made films as part of an annual showcase of titled Damnationland: The Way Life Should Bleed. The program—in its third year—presents genre-­‐defying original works from Maine filmmakers that redefine the classic thriller and horror categories, leaning toward visions that are surreal, comedic, and artful, while still providing scares, shocks, and surprises. This event is the first of many screenings, and the program will travel to other theaters in Maine, Ohio, New York City, and Los Angeles. A trailer and information about all other screenings will be available in the coming weeks on the Damnationland website: http://damnationland.com

Damnationland 2012 is produced by Portland residents Eddy Bolz and David Meiklejohn, and features new films from Maine filmmakers who live both in and outside of Maine. Allen Baldwin (Portland), Regina Bartholomew (New Gloucester), The Sisters Grumbling (originally from Wells, now in Portland, New York City, and Washington), Kyle Rankin (originally from York, now in Los Angeles), and R.J. Wilson (originally from Auburn, now in Athens, Ohio), each directed their own short films, which will screen as one uninterrupted program lasting around 85 minutes long.

In a Portland Phoenix review of the first Damnationland program, Christopher Gray wrote that “Both Mr. [Stephen] King and Mr. [Edgar Allen] Poe would be proud,” and Dennis Perkins at the Portland Press Herald wrote that the films are “guaranteed to freak you right the heck out.” Dispatch Magazine called last year’s Damnationland films a “marvelous collection,” and Emily Burnham at the Bangor Daily News wrote that “For a Maine-­‐made Halloween experience, it’s the whole bag of candy.”

The world premiere will begin with an opening reception at 7pm, including live music, mingling with the filmmakers and casts of the films, merchandise, and a Damnationland-­‐themed photobooth. At 8pm, the program will begin, followed by a talkback from the filmmakers, moderated by the producers. Additional secret surprises are planned for this screening, making it a unique one-­‐night-­‐only experience that should not be missed. While these films are not rated, they do contain strong language and depictions of violence, and therefore may not be appropriate for younger children or sensitive viewers.