Trailer: Doc PHANTOM OF WINNIPEG (Premiering at SHIFF) Explores How Cult Classic Changed a City Forever
Since it’s release in 1974, Brian De Palma’s Phantom of the Paradise has become a cult classic with legions of followers. The influence the film had on the city of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, however, took on a life of its own. Now, the documentary Phantom of Winnipeg (premiering at the Sleepy Hollow International Film Fest this October) explores why the film struck such a resonating chord within this particular community.
Synopsis:
Hilarious and heartwarming, Phantom of Winnipeg is the spirited chronicle of the unique obsession the locals of Winnipeg, Canada, have had with the cult film, Phantom of the Paradise, since it opened in 1974. Upon release, PARADISE came-and-went without fanfare, but not in the closely-knit city of Winnipeg—the film was an instant box-office smash that has inspired generations. Entertaining residents open their Phantom-loving hearts alongside other engaging interview subjects, including writer/director Kevin Smith, original Phantom cast members, star/songwriter Paul Williams, Gerrit Graham, producer Edward R. Pressman, and many more. Directors Malcolm Ingram and Sean Stanley and Edward R. Pressman are scheduled to be in attendance.
Related Article: Jeffrey Combs’ Edgar Allan Poe Play NEVERMORE Added to Sleepy Hollow International Film Fest
The original Phantom of the Paradise is also screening:
“SHIFF is so excited to have both the U.S. premiere of Phantom of Winnipeg and the original Phantom of Paradise at the fest this October,” says SHIFF co-founder Matt Verboys. “The historic Tarrytown Music Hall is such the perfect venue to celebrate The Phantom, Swan, Phoenix, and Beef, along with the devoted fans who love them—you really can imagine The Phantom himself haunting this theater as his Paradise.”
Directors Malcolm Ingram and Sean Stanley agree, ready to unleash Phantom of Winnipeg at SHIFF. “We are honored and thrilled to share our opus at such a storied location,” says Ingram. “Makes perfect sense. We are grateful to the Sleepy Hollow Film Festival for the opportunity.”
“We feel privileged Phantom of Winnipeg will have its U.S. premiere at Sleepy Hollow Film Festival,” claims Stanley. “And ecstatic that Ed Pressman will be in attendance.” Quoting from one of the film’s great Paul Williams songs, “The Hell of It,” Stanley adds, “Roll on thunder, shine on lightning!”
Related Article: Lose Your Head at the SLEEPY HOLLOW INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL This October
Are you a fan of The Phantom of the Paradise? Does Phantom of Winnipeg sound like a documentary you’d like to see? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
