Sleeping through the Holocaust at The Sherman Theatre

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented the films “Sleepaway Camp” (1983) and “Cannibal Holocaust” (1980) on Friday May 15th as part of their Severed Sinema Series* and were selected based upon votes cast by the audience during previous events. Special Guest Local artist Shane Isykowski* of Phantasmatography who is known for his awesome special effects and photography for all sorts of horror and fantasy related events was there displaying some of his work. There was also a film shown detailing the creative process of Shane’s* work during the intermission.

The first film shown was “Sleepaway Camp” made in 1983. Like most films of the genre featured in the Severed Sinema Series, it was a bit cheesy and hoakie. In fact, the film seemed to inspire a debate after the film whether there is a distinction between the esthetic qualities defining “Cheesy” and “Hoakie” among those who attended the event. I’m sure this is an ongoing debate with many arguments and rebuttals taking place among aficionados of these films. Regardless of the course of such a debate, the fact remains “Sleepaway Camp” was a fun film to watch. Not because it was well acted or filmed, but simply because it wasn’t.

The next film of the evening was “Cannibal Holocaust” and well known by its infamous reputation. It was banned for several years due to its graphic depiction of violence. In fact, the film makers were arrested and placed on trial as it was believed some of the people in the film were actually murdered. It’s presumed they were acquitted soon after they produced the actors in the film who were alive and as well could be expected after working in such a film.

This 1980 film was, to say the least, a very graphic film, but not as graphic one was led to imagine. Indeed there were a lot of blood of guts, but one became more used to it as the film went on and it actually became a bit boring. However, the film remained interesting as it communicated several themes on many disturbing psychological levels. This was perhaps the real reasons this film was banned and caused an surge of criticism throughout the communities who instituted the prohibitions.

Sandwiched between these two films was a short film by Shane Isykowski* which showed how he created one of the photographs displayed in The Sherman Theatre* during the evening’s events. The film was very informative and its quality reflected to work being displayed. In fact, its quality was so good, it overshadowed the quality of the films which were featured. Although this wasn’t difficult to do, it was quite impressive and the film would have compared favorably with better made horror films. Some of Shane Isykowski‘s* work along with photographs from the event can be seen in The Forwardian Arts Society Film/Video 2009 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts but more photos of his work can be seen at his website at www.myspace.com/shaneizykowski.

The next films in The Severed Sinema Series* will be two vampire films entitled “Fright Night” and “The Lost Boys” on Saturday June 13th beginning at 7pm at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA. The Next Events to be presented at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA will be Binary Code on Friday May 29th at 6pm as part of their Independent Rock Series and The Sherman Theatre* 2009 Spotlight Awards will round out the month on Saturday May 30th honoring the theatrical achievements of those who participate in area High School Musical Theatre Productions. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.