By Sarah Gianelli EBS Contributor
BIG SKY – Scott and Sally Fisher have wanted to institute a Halloween-inspired weekend of film in Big Sky since they opened Lone Peak Cinema nearly five years ago. The idea stayed on the back burner until they hired Jamie Mathis and Anna Husted in the spring of 2015.
Mathis and Husted—both of whom have degrees in film—helped instigate the Fishers to set fall 2016 as their goal for the Lone Peak Horror Fest. Collectively they began working on the festival in earnest last winter.
On Oct. 29 and 30, Lone Peak Cinema will present nearly 20 scary movies as well as director appearances and live music. Each day will begin at 2 p.m. with family friendly films and progress in intensity and ratings until 1 a.m.
Expect a diverse mix from the horror genre: contemporary films like “Blair Witch Project,” classics and cult favorites, big budget and low budget flicks ranging from PG- to X-rated. Both locally and Hollywood produced films will be represented, and the lineup wouldn’t be complete without “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” replete with props and costume contest.
Although her husband will be disappointed she didn’t say “Army of Darkness,” Sally’s favorite movie of the weekend is “Halloween,” the 1978 low budget flick that exceeded expectations at the box office before the horror genre had a mass following.
Lone Peak Horror Fest also includes additional fun to accompany the screenings.
Tickets are available for individual shows, but a weekend pass includes admittance to an outdoor double feature on Friday night at a presently undisclosed location. Attendees to this secret event must be 21 or older because free alcoholic beverages and popcorn will be provided.
Saturday evening, Sally will introduce director Christian Ackerman—lauded for his special effects—followed by a showing of “Wisconsin Project X” and his newest release, “Zombies of the Living Dead.”
Each night a silent movie feature will be accompanied by live music. Saturday night, local musicians Ed Brummit, Ben Blodgett and Jamie Mathis come together as Artists of Antiquity to perform an original, live score to the 1922 Danish-Swedish silent film “Häxan: Witchcraft through the Ages.” Sunday night, a live DJ will provide the soundtrack to “Dracula.”
“We’re thrilled with what we’ve put together for the first year,” Sally said. “And we’re excited to offer this event to our town in hopes that it will give people some entertainment and also help other businesses stay open or see more customers in the offseason.
“Our expectations for attendance are somewhat low this year, but we know down the road, this is going to be a festival with sold out showings that draws more filmmakers and film lovers to town.”
Passes go on sale Oct. 15. Films and showtimes are subject to change. Visit f=”http://lonepeakcinema.com” target=”_blank”>lonepeakcinema.com or Lone Peak Cinema’s Facebook page for an updated schedule of movies and times.
