A facet of the independent film scene whirls into Ann Arbor tonight with all the thrill and horror of a Bruce Campbell-inspired project.
"Hatred of a Minute," a twisted tale of murder and mystery, and director Mike Kallio - a Bruce Campbell ("Evil Dead," "Army of Darkness") protege - make their way onto campus tonight as a part of a FLIX (First Light Independent Exposition) tour.
The FLIX event, sponsored by Lloyd Hall Scholars, is part of a program that works toward bringing the independent film business closer to college audiences around the nation. Most FLIX screenings include an evening screening of a particular film, a question-and-answer session with the director and afternoon visits by filmmakers to specific academic departments interested in the film's subject matter.
FLIX's free feature film, "Hatred of a Minute," will be in Ann Arbor's spotlight in MLB Auditorium 3 at 7 p.m. The film, based on one of Edgar Allan Poe's "To-" poems, stars director Mike Kallio as Eric Seaver, a medical transcriptionist for the coroner whose abusive past eventually drives him to insanity. Kallio's Seaver, who eventually becomes a self-proclaimed savior, believes that it is his mission to save all women from the world's danger by sending them to heaven.
The film - also rumored to have Bruce Campbell (co-producer of the film) lurking in the background somewhere - traces the mental struggle, hallucinations and delusions that ensue in a troubled Eric's mind.
Writer, director and producer Mike Kallio will be available after the screening to answer questions regarding his project and his experiences as a new independent filmmaker. Kallio, inspired by Detroit's Bruce Campbell, Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert (for "Evil Dead"), George Lucas, and his grandma, continues to work his way up from his start as a creator of Halloween horror props for "Home Improvement," "Tales from the Crypt" and "America's Most Wanted."
Kallio is also credited with forming Darkart Entertainment and End of my Rope Limited Partnership to help him raise money for the tragic "Hatred."
Co-producer Bruce Campbell describes "Hatred of a Minute" as "the first truly independent psychedelic, psychological thriller of the '90s." Join Kallio at the MLB tonight and experience the ride.