The roots run red in our exclusive trailer for Arbor Day: The Root of Evil, blending slasher and folk horror with an environmental twist.
Every year on Arbor Day, a remote New Jersey campground shuts down as locals whisper about disappearances, strange sightings, and a force in the woods that punishes anyone who steps inside.
When an urban explorer chasing local legends arrives looking for answers, the campground’s owner shares five chilling tales from Arbor Days past. Each story reveals what happened to those who dared to trespass and the deadly presence that stalks the trees.
The indie anthology will have its world premiere at Kevin Smith’s SModcastle Cinemas in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, on April 24 — which is, of course, Arbor Day.
Cast and crew members will be in attendance for a Q&A after the film. It will be recorded for the eventual Blu-ray/DVD release, and all attendees will be listed in the “Special Thanks” section.
The screening kicks off Big Damn Films’ long-term reforestation campaign with the goal of planting 1,000,000 trees. For every ticket or physical media unit sold throughout the movie’s lifetime, a real tree will be planted.
Made on a shoestring budget of under $55,000, Arbor Day is written and directed by Michael Jayne, John Johnson (Plan 9), Karrie A. Lyons-Munkittrick, Brooke Mulkins, Joe Raffa (6 Degrees of Hell), and Justin Timpane (Ninjas vs. Zombies).
The cast includes Anthony Hoang, Michael Adam Hamilton, Nicole Cinaglia, Joe Raffa, Jason Alan Cook, Jennifer M. Kay, Sarah Scheiner, Judith Grannas, Anthony Scanish, Paul Sieber, Brooke Mulkins, Kevin Troy, Joe Gariffo, Penelope Daniels, Justin Skyler Daniels, Elliott Kashner, Logan Liskovec, George Scully, and Kara Liskovec.
Arbor Day: The Root of Evil premiere tickets are on sale now. Plant your butt in a seat so they can plant a tree in the woods.
