LEWISTON — On Thursday, Oct. 25, just days before Halloween, Maine Microcinema will present  a screening of “Damnationland 2012,” an annual showcase of terrifying new Maine-made short films.

The films will be shown from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at She Doesn’t Like Guthries, 115 Middle St. Admission is free.

Maine Microcinema is a volunteer curatorship by local cineastes Craig Saddlemire (Round Point Movies) and Colin Kelley (Media Educator), providing a platform for fellow videomakers from around the state to share and discuss their work.

In this third year of the series, producers Eddy Bolz and David Meiklejohn will present five films from Maine filmmakers Allen Baldwin, Regina Bartholomew, the Sisters Grumbling, Kyle Rankin and R.J. Wilson, who was born and raised in Auburn.

The goal of “Damnationland 2012” is to chill audiences with its disturbed visions of life in the Northeast.

Damnationland filmmakers were each commissioned to create a new original work to premiere as part of the program. They were chosen based on the strength of their previous work and their connection to Maine.

All of the directors will be present to discuss their work with audience members after the show.

Film synopses

* “Merrow”: Written and directed by Allen Baldwin; starring Casey Turner and Jeremiah McDonald

A study in the calm terror of the inevitable, Merrow tells an otherwordly love story between a man and his mistress of the sea. As their intense relationship winds toward its tragic end, the couple become more entwined in a macabre dance of strength, support and co-dependence.

* “Parallaxis”: Written and directed by Regina Bartholomew, cinematography by Marc Bartholomew; starring Kris Stratos and Crystal Rose Vaccaro

Due to planetary catastrophe, a young couple flee an overpopulated city wrought with panic, social unrest and murderous intent. They travel to a secluded island searching for solace only to find that physical distance cannot save them from the madness that the universe has bestowed upon the world.

* “Carrying Place”: Directed by The Sisters Grumbling, written by Megan Grumbling, produced by Amy Grumbling; starring Paul Haley, Michael Howard, and Deborah Paley

In a rural township, an aging woman is plagued by a stranger demanding a “blessing” and a “sacrifice.” Inspired by Maine history, “Carrying Place” explores a quiet horror close to home.

* “Raw Footage”: Written and directed by Kyle Rankin; starring Jamie Tisdale, Wayne Alon Scott, Nate Aldrich and Rob O’Malley

There are no places to obtain supplies or get help on the “100 Mile Wood” section of the Appalachian Trail in northern Maine. This raw footage tape is the property of the Bangor Police Homicide Division and part of an ongoing murder investigation.

* “Raid of the Vomit-Blood Fiends”: Written and directed by R.J. Wilson; starring Anthony Ellison, Lisa Bol and Adam Wroblewski

All is well when a husband and wife discuss politics over a candlelit dinner. That is, until the butler misplaces the wine.

For more information, trailers and other screening dates, visit www.damnationland.com.

Copy the Story Link