Filmmaker Scheduled to Appear
Happy Hellidays from IU Cinema! Join us for a holiday-themed slasher fest anchored by the original Black Christmas (1974) and rounded out by the classic Sundance short TreeVenge (2008) and White Elephant (2023), the latest from screenwriters and IU alumna Riley Dismore and Bridget Murray. Q&A with Dismore to follow!
TreeVenge (2008) | Dir. Jason Eisener | Not Rated | Canada
Treevenge details the experiences and horrifying reality of the lives of Christmas trees. Clearly, for trees, Christmas isn’t the exciting “peace on earth” that is experienced by most. After being hacked down and shipped away from their homes, they quickly become strung up, screwed into an upright position for all to see, exposed in a humiliation of garish decorations. But this Christmas will be different, this Christmas the trees have had enough, this Christmas the trees will fight back. Treevenge could be a short film about the end of days for Christmas trees, or perhaps, the end of humanity? Winner of Audience Award for Best Short at the Toronto After Dark Festival, New York City Horror Film Fest, Fantastic Fest Online, San Francisco Independent Film Festival, and Honorable Mention at Sundance Film Festival. [16 min; horror, comedy, short; English]
White Elephant (2023) | Dir. Riley Dismore | Not Rated | USA
Two new best friends are spending their first Christmas together... and receive an unexpected gift. This first-of-its kind thriller/comedy turns the horror genre on its head with an alternative voice and accessible feminist message. A team of female writers, director, and cinematographer lead this production that combines the heart of holiday movies with the thrill of horror and charm of comedy. [11 min; horror, comedy, short; English]
Black Christmas (1974) | Dir. Bob Clark | R | USA
One-part frosty Christmas atmosphere, one-part stalk ‘n’ slash magnificence, and all parts awesome, Black Christmas is a timeless, terrifying, and demented holiday tradition. When sorority sisters Olivia Hussey (Romeo & Juliet), Margot Kidder (Superman), and Andrea Martin (SCTV) are under attack from a vicious potty-mouthed killer, it’s up to police chief John Saxon to even the odds. But what about Keir Dullea (2001: A Space Odyssey), the brooding art-school pianist? Could he have something to do with the Christmas rampage? Years before he crafted the ultimate comedic yuletime experience with A Christmas Story, genre pioneer Bob Clark gave us one of the most influential Hitchcockian slashers of all time. Black Christmas gets everything right. [98 min; horror, mystery, thriller; English]
White Elephant filmmaker Riley Dismore is scheduled for a post-screening Q&A on women in horror moderated by IU Cinema Director Dr. Alicia Kozma.
Riley Dismore is an IU alumnus and filmmaker working out of Los Angeles. While her work is largely comedic in nature, it is intrinsically tied to her activism. Through film she explores sexuality, the nuances of female friendships, the obstacles of modern youth, and women's rights. Having studied both film and fine arts, her meticulous attention to detail shines through in the signature production design. She plans to begin production of her first feature in 2024.
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
