Manhunt: The Search for Castmates

Manhunt: TSFC movie poster

"Manhunt: The Search for Castmates" is a short mockumentary about another documentary film called "Hotel Torgo".

It humourously attempts to shed light on what really is the truth behind the deaths and mysterious disappearances of the cast and crew of the 1966 horror film, "Manos: The Hands of Fate". The making of Manos is the subject of Hotel Torgo along with cast and crew member, Bernie Rosenblum, whom the producers claimed was the last surviving member of the former film as of 2004. In the interest of debunking some myths and setting the record straight, Manhunt: TSFC examines what the makers of Hotel Torgo got right and what they got wrong as a result of laziness.

Put together using film clips, curated interviews and researched information from several sources, Manhunt: TSFC is an affectionate tribute to both "Manos" and "Hotel Torgo". I hope you enjoy this short docucom.

Please note that this video was created using public domain material along with some that was used either with permission or under a Creative Commons license. Some original dialogue was also written and recorded  and added to a couple scenes. Sources are listed below video.

A Very Gerry X-Mas!

Film Junk Presents: A Very Gerry X-Mas! from Jay Cheel on Vimeo.

If you've ever wanted to see how a Trekkie celebrates Christmas, then watching the docu-comedy A Very Gerry X-mas is a good way to do it.

The opening credits feature beautiful stop-motion animation by Rob Niosi in an obvious tribute to the Rankin/Bass specials, specifically Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.

The star of the show is the eccentric and frugal Gerry (aka Reed Farrington) who attempts to bake and build a gingerbread house while battling a cold and decorates his Christmas tree as only a Trekkie would.

Part of the charm of this would-be holiday classic is that the bloopers have been left in. It also has a touching moment as Gerry tells a story of an unopened present that was never presented to the intended recipient. Does this remind anyone of the Island of Misfit Toys?

Of course, what would a holiday special be without a message? I'm not sure what that message is in this one was but it has one, with a special appearance by Film Junk's Frank Knezic.

It might not be It's A Wonderful Life but it is worth watching.