Today we want to tell you about the upcoming indie horror ‘Sacrament’ directed by Shawn Ewert. This film looks like a brilliant cross between ‘Red State’ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’, so keep your eye on this sure-to-be gem. All we ask of you is to spread the word, share this article and help get this film out there!
“SACRAMENT” follows a group of seven friends who embark on a road trip to the South Texas beach for booze, bud and bonding but are derailed by an approaching tropical storm. They find themselves seeking refuge in the quaint, conservative Texas town of Middle Spring, which is in the process of hosting a huge barbecue and tent revival. Charismatic preacher Isaac Renneker, his enterprising young son Brahm, and his devout congregation are determined to cleanse the world of sin while delivering the Good Lord’s message to their flock, and before long the kids realize that there might be more to the town’s famous barbecue than just a good spice rub.
The film is also one that will undoubtedly push many fans out of their comfort zones; one of the main focuses is on the two main characters, Lee and Blake, and their same-sex relationship. Identifying as gay himself, Ewert has been an activist and supporter of the GLBT scene for most of his adult life and most recently has helped organize charity film festivals through the Fears for Queers Film Festival, held annually in Dallas at the Texas Theater. Ewert wants to further the development of gay horror cinema as a force to be reckoned with; the film calls into question hot-button topics like religion, homophobia, relationship dynamics, and survival instinct while retaining a very human approach to the characters on both sides of the murder weapon. “The thing is, it’s not something you see very often,” said Ewert in an interview with The Rainbow Hub, “There are a few horror films that have had gay leads and those films for the most part have been really kind of ignored by horror fans and what we’re trying to do is get something out there.”
“I think that that’s something the audiences are going to be a little bit surprised about because usually if you have gay characters in a film, they end up being the punch-line for a joke, which sends a negative message about stereotypes,” said Amanda Rebholz (Possum Walk, Closure), producer and co-writer who also plays the character of Lorri Ames in the film. “Shawn was very specific when he was writing this; he intended for Lee and Blake to be a strong couple who just happen to be gay. Their sexuality is not a gimmick in the film, it’s simply another facet of who they are.”
Utilizing the talents of independent horror veterans Justin Powers (Pot Zombies, Pot Zombies 2, Devotion, Rockin’ Reverend) and FX artists Hobbes LeCompte (Devotion) and Matthew Ash (Possum Walk, Imago, Christmas with the Dead, Moderngrumble), Ewert has established a team of dedicated and innovative artists to help bring his vision to life.
Horror genre veteran Marilyn Burns (Sally, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE) will be featured portraying the role of Beulah Standifer in a pivotal scene, while Ed Guinn, who played the truck driver who came to her rescue in the original film, will play her husband Luke. It will be the first time the two have been reunited onscreen since the 1974 original film was shot. Burns has done promotional appearances for Sacrament already, including an appearance at the 2013 Texas Frightmare Weekend horror convention in Irving, Texas.
Where Can I Find Out More About the Film?
Here are IMDB links for some of our attached cast and crew, if you want to check us out further!
Shawn Ewert – http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3599146/
Justin Powers – http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1110570/
Marilyn Burns – http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0122782/
Matthew Ash – http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3426280/
There is also a Facebook page, which is updated all the time— that’s the best place to keep up with the project and get up-to-the-minute exciting news, announcements, and exclusive clips!www.facebook.com/sacramentfilm
Also be sure to check out the website, www.sinners4dinner.com!
Independent film is made on the blood, sweat and tears of its cast and crew; “Sacrament” are more than halfway through production now and unexpected costs have come up in several areas. Every dollar you can contribute will help with things like location and transportations costs, wardrobe and makeup effects budgets, and helping keep the cast and crew fed while they are working hard to bring this film to life. There are some terrific perks available at every level, every bit of support they receive from you is appreciated!
Leave a Reply