REMASTERED. RESTORED. RESURRECTED.
Lee Demarbre’s Ottawa Cult Classic
Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter
TRAILER
Returns for its 25th Anniversary Screenings
June 5, 6, 10, and 11, Mayfair Theatre, Ottawa
Lee Demarbre, Ian Driscoll, Phil Caracas, in attendance at all screenings,
and available for interviews
PRESS RELEASE
Twenty-five years after its world premiere on June 10, 2001, Ottawa’s own biblical kung-fu vampire musical Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter has risen, again.
The Mayfair Theatre will host four special 25th anniversary screenings of the legendary homegrown cult classic on Friday June 5, Saturday June 6, Wednesday June 10 and Thursday June 11. In attendance will be director Lee Demarbre, writer Ian Driscoll and ‘Jesus’ himself Phil Caracas, who will all be on hand to introduce the film and take part in post-screening Q&As.
Frequently referred to as Canada’s answer to John Waters or Lloyd Kaufman, Demarbre has built his career on films that embrace camp, ultra-low-budget invention, 1970s B-movie energy, grindhouse swagger, schlock, horror, comedy, music, martial arts, and the kind of bizarre genre-bending that has made him Canada’s most singular cult filmmakers. And as co-owner and longtime programmer of the Mayfair Theatre – one of Canada’s oldest independent cinemas – Demarbre has been a champion of cultrageous movies from both sides of the screen.
In preparation for the anniversary, Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter has been given a brand-new big-screen resurrection. Library and Archives Canada provided a new 2K scan of the original 16 mm negative, which was restored and colour corrected by CineUnderground in Italy. The restored elements were then used to create a new DCP for theatrical presentation, giving audiences the chance to see the film looking better than it ever has.
The second coming is upon us, and Jesus has returned to Earth. But before he can get down to the serious business of judging the living and the dead, he must contend with an army of vampires who can walk in daylight. Combining kung-fu action, biblical prophecy, mythological horror, science gone mad, a healthy dose of humour, and yes, musical numbers, the film teams the Saviour with Mexican wrestling hero El Santos in a battle against the forces of darkness.
The screenings will also serve as a tribute to the late Jeff Moffet, who plays El Santos, the Mexican wrestler and ally of Jesus, in the film.
A limited-edition of 100, 25th anniversary silver mylar movie posters will be available for filmgoers. These 12” x 18” posters will be available exclusively at the Mayfair Theatre, and for one week only.
“The first testament says ‘an eye for an eye.’ The second testament says ‘love thy neighbour.’ The third testament… KICKS ASS!”
A Few Reviews:
“Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter is chock-full of heavenly hilarity… Gut-bustingly funny, it’s a cult classic must-watch.” – Cup of Moe
“The finest Jesus-Christ-battles-vampires horror/comedy/musical from Ottawa, Canada ever made.”
– The Bedlam Files
“Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter is as good as it sounds… all psychotronic fans should watch Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter. It’s fun from beginning to end!”
– Psychotronic Reviews