By: Colin Schroyer
September 21, 2023
Independent horror film SpookT will have its local premiere at Thiel College on September 22. Directed by Tony Reames, the locally shot film takes over the Greenville community this upcoming weekend for its domestic premiere.
SpookT (pronounced “spooked”) follows Claire (Haley Leary) and Rachel (Christen Sharice) as they investigate an increasingly supernatural mystery surrounding Greenville, Pennsylvania, learning more about a missing girl and the infamous Dr. Byler (Eric Roberts). In addition to taking place in Greenville, the film was shot on location in the town, including Cianci’s Motel and Thiel’s neighboring graveyard, among other iconic spots. Showing their appreciation to the Greenville community, the SpookT cast, and crew are coming to Greenville and Thiel College for a “SpookTacular Weekend” celebration.
On Friday, September 22, the celebration will begin at 1 p.m. in Thiel College’s Stamm Auditorium in the Pedas Communication Center. Here, Professor Matthew Humphrey will moderate a panel discussing moviemaking with Reames alongside other crew members, such as producer Haley Leary and executive producers Tymm Hoffman and Vanessa Ionta Wright, among others. In addition, Thiel College student Marcus Hernandez IV and Thiel alum Samantha DiBucci, who both worked on the project, will also be in attendance.
At 2:30 p.m., the film will have a screening in Thiel’s Bly Auditorium, followed by a reception at 4 p.m. in the Sawhill Georgian room at the Howard Miller Student Center. Later that evening, there will be a celebration at the Gibson House in Jamestown. The event is a fundraiser for Friends of the Manor Charitable Trust, with a cost of entry of $30. There will be candlelight tours, food and drink, photo opportunities, and open discussion of the paranormal in conjunction with SpookT.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, Greenville’s Main Street will be taken over by the SpookT cast and crew from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be opportunities to take photos, receive autographs from the cast and crew, and purchase merchandise. To conclude the “Spooktacular Weekend,” SpookT will be screened at the Reynolds Drive-In Theater at 7 p.m., along with its own festivities.
SpookT began production three years ago, starting with a script co-written by Reames and Torey Haas. Inspired by Reames’ childhood growing up in Greenville, he wanted to create a film in a way that showcased and supported his hometown. Incorporating the town into the essence of the film was an important facet of production.
Shots in the film incorporate Greenville residents going about their daily business, Greenville students act in minor roles, and a local makeup artist is employed for the film. Not only that, but Thiel College students even worked on the project, with the aforementioned Hernandez and DiBucci working as the assistant camera and script assistant, respectively.
The film has already received acclaim with its international debut at the London Frightfest 2023. Additionally, Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts also adorns the cast list.
For more information, go to spooktfilm.com and follow SpookT on Facebook at facebook.com/SpooktFilm. Furthermore, for an opportunity to ask questions to the cast and crew, be sure to attend the moviemaking discussion panel on Sept. 22 at 1 p.m.
