PORTLAND — Short films by former Auburn and New Gloucester residents are among the five to be presented at the State Theatre as part of the “Damnationland: The Way Life Should Bleed” showcase on Friday, Oct. 19.

The program, in its third year, presents genre-defying original works from Maine filmmakers that redefine the classic thriller and horror categories. The films lean  toward visions that are surreal, comedic and artful while still providing scares, shocks and surprises.

This will be the first of many screenings, with Damnationland 2012, produced by Portland residents Eddy Bolz and David Meiklejohn, traveling to other theaters in Maine, Ohio, New York City and Los Angeles. 

Featured will be films by R.J. Wilson, originally of Auburn and now Athens, Ohio; Regina Bartholomew of New Gloucester; The Sisters Grumbling, originally of Wells and now Portland, New York City and Washington, D.C.; Kyle Rankin, originally of York and now Los Angeles; and Allen Baldwin of Portland.

Each directed their own short films, which will screen as one uninterrupted program lasting about 85 minutes.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. with a reception offering live music, a chance to mingle with filmmakers and cast members and a Damnationland-themed photo booth. The screening will be at 8 p.m., followed by a talk-back with the filmmakers, moderated by the producers.

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.

For tickets, $10/general admission, call  800-745-3000, visit the Cumberland County Civic Center box office or log on to www.statetheatreportland.com. State Theatre is at 609 Congress St. For more information, visit damnationland.com.