In 1999, legendary filmmaker George Kuchar (director of countless idiosyncratic films both with and without his brother, Mike) released his three-part exploration of the paranormal to unsuspecting audiences. Ostensibly centered around John A. Keel, ufologist and author of “The Mothman Prophecies,” Kuchar’s miniseries quickly sprawls into encounters with a litany of eccentric figures (including “Communion” author Whitley Strieber!) and diaristic moments about Kuchar himself.
Funded by, of all things, the Rockefeller Foundation, this later-career work by one of America’s great filmmakers will be screened in its entirety at Very Friendly.
Kuchar, who passed in 2011, began making 8mm films with his brother Mike in the 50s before becoming recognized more broadly by the experimental scene of the 60s. His work is characterized by its low-fidelity, low-budget approach, and is colored by his uncompromisingly queer sensibilities. “Secrets of the Shadow World” is replete with over-the-top video-era techniques that just have to be seen to be believed.
“Secrets of the Shadow World” plays Thursday, August 13th at 8pm sharp. The suggested donation is $10. This screening is 18+.
Thank you to the Kuchar Brothers Trust for licensing this to us!