A Horror Film Shot in Dubuque is Set to Premiere at the Five Flags Center

Ever since I first saw a poster for Are You Dead Yet? in a Dubuque movie theater, I knew I had to find a way to get involved with its production.

Are You Dead Yet? is a product of Dubuque, IA. Written and directed by Dyersville native Jayme Schmitt, the film had an Indiegogo page where people could donate and help the film see the light of day. Schmitt and his loyal producers sought $5,000 to finish it, take it on tour, and then see it through a release on DVD and streaming.

The second part of that aforementioned equation is finally here. Are You Dead Yet? is set to premiere at the Five Flags Center on Friday, June 14th. This is a one-of-a-kind red carpet event where the cast and crew will mix and mingle with filmgoers. Movie merch will also be available, and following a 20-minute preshow and a brief speech from Schmitt, the movie will start at 7:30pm.

I had to invite Jayme Schmitt into the studio once again to talk about this massive development. Schmitt also brought Sasha Benton, who plays Maya, a self-described "mean girl," in the film. Schmitt touched on the unique nature of this premiere, referring to the fact that red carpet events for movies are generally not open to the public:

This is such a huge event for us, the public [....] This is something I looked at the entirety of, and said, 'well, this is a Dubuque project, let's celebrate together as a Dubuque community.' [....] I recommend you dress up, though, cause this is a red carpet event, so you gotta look a little snazzy there. - Jayme Schmitt on the red carpet premiere of Are You Dead Yet?

Actress Sasha Benton also chatted about the project. Outside of some stray music video shoots, Benton has never acted professionally, so this was an entirely new experience for her:

I actually got this role kind of randomly meeting Jayme through a friend of ours who is also in the movie as well [....] I was asked on a random night when I was working and I said 'yes!' - Sasha Benton

Calling All Photographers!:

Schmitt is also looking for photographers who would be available on Friday, June 14th to take photos of filmgoers on the red carpet. If you're interested, you can contact Jayme via email: aydymovie@gmail.com

Take a listen to my interview with Jayme Schmitt and Sasha Benton below. Find out more about Are You Dead Yet? on the film's IMDb page, and find out more about the upcoming red carpet premiere on the Five Flags Center's website!