TURNERS FALLS – Want to walk the red carpet in downtown Turners Falls? Now you can.
The Western Massachusetts premiere of the feature film “The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then The Bigfoot” will be presented at the Shea Theater – red carpet and all – in the town where it was shot.
The event – Saturday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. – will also feature a post-film conversation and Q and A with writer/producer/director Robert D. Krzykowski, composer Joe Kraemer, producer Lucky McKee and will be hosted by Montague resident Christopher “Monte” Belmonte, the Shea’s board of directors president.
Members of the Shea Theater will have the first chance to buy tickets to the event. Members, including people who register to be members by 10 a.m. today will receive a link to buy tickets at noon today. Members will also receive an autographed movie poster with their ticket purchase.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public today at 2 p.m.
The film tells the story of a legendary World War II veteran who went across enemy lines to kill Hitler. Several decades later he settles in New England, where he is asked to lead a hunt for Bigfoot.
This film is Krzykowski’s directorial debut, and includes shots of the Gill-Montague Bridge, Hubies, Avenue A, Indoor Action Sports in Greenfield and other local locations.
Belmonte said a state-of-the-art movie screen and projector, which cost “tens of thousands” of dollars, was installed last week for the event.
“We had to hurry to get the projector and screen installed because we wanted to show the film before it got released in February,” said Belmonte. “The director and I were color correcting, sharpening and brightening the projection in preperation of this event.”
The movie was written and directed by Turners Falls native Krzykowski and stars Sam Elliott, Aidan Turner, Caitlin FitzGerald, Larry Miller and Ron Livingston.
Belmonte said the block between the Shea Theater and Hubies will be closed, and attendees are encouraged to dress up for the red carpet occasion.
The event begins at 6 p.m. and the film will begin at 7 p.m. with the Q and A beginning at about 8:45 to 9 p.m.
It will also benefit future artistic events at the theater.
“All of the proceeds will benefit the Shea Theater because the director and distribution company allowed it be shown for free,” said Belmonte.
Belmonte said the premiere may sell out, but he encourages people to keep checking the website throughout the day, because “there may be another” viewing.
“The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then The Bigfoot” arrives in theaters and on video on demand and digital HD on Feb. 8.