Fredonia is well-represented behind the camera in the feature-length film “Widow’s Point,” which will have its Dunkirk/Fredonia premiere at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Friday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
“Widow’s Point” tells the story of a down-on-his-luck author who spends a weekend locked in a haunted lighthouse as a publicity stunt to promote a book he’s writing about the murders, suicides and disappearances that have occurred at the mysterious location. The suspense builds as sinister forces drive him to the brink of madness as he uncovers the lighthouse’s terrifying secrets.
Therein lies another strong local connection: nearly one-third of the film was filmed at the Dunkirk Lighthouse in 2018.
The supernatural thriller stars Craig Sheffer, whose onscreen credits include “Nightbreed” and “One Tree Hill,” and is based on the critically acclaimed book by New York Times bestselling author Richard Chizmar and his son, Billy. It was adapted for the screen and directed by Lamberson.
Armand Petri, coordinator of the Music Industry program, served as a co-composer of the film score. He shared composing duties with Joe Rozler, a Buffalo studio musician and producer who received a Mus.B. in Music Education at Fredonia in 1981.
Kyle Licht, a Communication: Video Production major, with minors in Applied Music and Film Studies, from Niagara Falls, served as a production assistant.
Mary Ramsey, who received a Mus.B. in Music Performance in 1995 at Fredonia, provided vocals. She is the lead vocalist and a longtime member of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.
“Widow’s Point” was directed by Gowanda-native Greg Lamberson, who was raised in Fredonia.
Messrs. Petri and Lamberson will lead a discussion after the screening. General admission is $10, $7 for students and seniors.
A portion of the proceeds from the screening will benefit the Dunkirk Lighthouse.