Writer/director Joshua Bruening's first feature, Gehenna, will premiere tonight at the Heights Theatre in Columbia Heights. The drama/mystery/thriller follows a desolate town's newly appointed sheriff as he searches for clues in the case of an abducted husband and wife. The movie is unrated, but it would garner an "R" rating from the MPAA for language and non-graphic violence.
"For some, desolation leads to desperation," claims one of the small town's many unique characters, each of whom is battling multiple personal demons. While the sheriff searches for the abducted townsfolk, he learns just how tormented some of these people are, but it may be the sheriff who is tormented most of all. The twist ending of Gehenna will leave the audience debating whose life is hardest in this harrowing vast valley.
Gehenna features familiar local actors Gary David Keast (Potpourri, Horror House), Paul Cram (13 Hours in a Warehouse, Intermedio), and Justen Overlander (The Monster of Phantom Lake, IceBreaker), and talented up and comers Desirae Belden, Mahmoud Hakima, and Tristin Rupp. The cast is rounded out with solid performances from Robert C. Hammel, Janet Fogg, Annie Einan, James Norgaard, John Edel, Warren Anderson, and Stephan Roberts. Even Executive Producer Jason Anderson appears on screen (as do his two daughters).
In an industry dominated by special fx blockbusters and star-studded ensembles, it's difficult for true independent films to make a ripple, especially those with budgets in the 5-figure range. Gehenna benefits from a tight script that blends action and dialogue very nicely to create a mood that should satisfy art-house and mainstream fans alike. It won't compete with Super 8 and Cars 2, but this indie flick is worthy of 90 minutes of your time tonight in Columbia Heights.
Gehenna Premiere
6:55pm & 9:00pm
Columbia Heights, Minnesota 55421
Tickets: $10 at the door
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