Friday, April 17th at the Matthews in Spearfish, a handful of filmmakers who usually work in their own corners will see their work run back-to-back on the same screen inside the Matthews Opera House.
The Big Screen Film Showcase pulls together seven short films from local and regional makers. The lineup leans dark. Horror, drama, and heavier themes show up across multiple entries, alongside a few documentaries and a sci-fi narrative.
For Anna Robins, who has a film in the program, the shift isn’t just about what’s on screen. It’s about where it’s happening.
“As a participating filmmaker, it’s really great to see a dedicated space to the craft in our town,” she said. “It’s misunderstood that the big screen is only for big budgets, but on Friday, we’re proving that filmmaking can be accessible to any community with some creativity and dedication.”
That access hasn’t always had a clear place to land locally. Filmmakers in the region tend to work separately, occasionally crossing paths on projects, but without a central hub.
“I suspect the audience will primarily be comprised of those who participated in the making of the films, family and friends, but we’ll also see some film enthusiasts,” Robins said. “And I hope some folks who are curious about what it’s like to go to a film festival.”
The screenings run first, followed by a cocktail hour in the same space, giving filmmakers and audience a chance to meet off-screen.
“I’m looking forward to meeting other filmmakers,” she said. “I’ve connected with some in the area online, but I think there’s a general desire to form a more formal community, and I believe this showcase could help us move tow
The showcase is designed as a community gathering for filmmakers, artists, and audiences to come together in a shared appreciation of visual storytelling.
“If you’re on the fence about coming, think about the excitement you feel when you go to the theaters to see a big blockbuster movie,” Robins said. “You can feel that excitement in the air at these kinds of gatherings, plus you might recognize some places or names on the screen!”
The films start at 6:00 pm Friday at the Matthews Opera House in Spearfish.
$10 General Admission
Viewer discretion advised (18+), some films contain mature themes such as horror content, Brothel/Prostitute imagery, and use of profanity.
Featured Films & Filmmakers
- “The Hands of Another”
(25 min – Horror/Thriller)
Filmmaker: Steven Cady - “Finding Lucy”
(12:26 min – Documentary)
Filmmaker: Ginger Johnston - “Perchance to Dream”
(7:33 min – Sci-Fi Narrative)
Filmmaker: Ted Jacobson - “Fighter”
(5 min – Documentary)
Filmmaker: Destyn Humann - “Rosha”
(1:30 min – Documentary)
Filmmaker: Benjamin Chew - “Fly”
(8:11 min – Drama)
Filmmaker: Anna Robins - “We Can”
(4:47min – Horror/Music Video)
Filmmaker: Derek Olson