“I wanted to create a story that utilized a new environment, and one that is not normally found in the horror genre. Using the beauty, ruggedness, and naturally confusing canyonlands provided the perfect backdrop to create an original story that elevated the tension, while also enabling me to incorporate relevant themes associated with the land, such as the Native American themes. It truly all comes back to the land, and shooting on location as we did, really allowed the landscape to become the “extra” character it was meant to be, and only shooting in the canyonlands would have given the film the authenticity needed to make that happen. I intended this film to appeal to both the viewer who just wants to eat popcorn and enjoy a movie, and to the viewer who looks to explore deeper themes and meanings in the films they watch. The film is meant to be a fun ride, but that does not mean it cannot have humor, sadness, tragedy, and address some societal questions. In the end, my goal was to execute an original story, in a different environment, that elevated the genre, and I think we succeeded. “- Brendan Devane
The Canyonlands is an 2021 American horror film written, directed and produced by Brendan Devane. The film follows five river rafters on a camping trip that takes a deadly turn once they discover an evil presence among them. The Canyonlands stars Stephanie Barkley, Marqus Bobesich, Wayne Charles Baker, Dennis Connors, Sheldon Brown, Ariana Anderson, Jesse Buck-Brennan, Lauren Capkanis, Larry Yazzie, Linda Villanueva. The Canyonlands eaturing an original score by the hit jam band Umphrey's McGee. This film hits theaters across the USA on March 5th, followed by all VOD/digital platforms on March 9th.
Synopsis :
Lauren, a river guide in southeastern Utah, has been experiencing disturbing visions lately. Reluctantly agreeing to take five contest winners on an overnight trip down the Colorado River, she soon finds herself struggling to keep it together with the visions. Camping for the night, the group becomes separated and lost in the labyrinth of canyons, and discovers they are not alone in the remote terrain. Stalked by an evil presence, Lauren and her guests are thrown into a 150-year-old feud, and Lauren must confront her visions to see the contest winners - and herself -through until morning.
The Canyonlands
Written and directed by Brendan Devane
Produced by Brendan Devane
Starring: Stephanie Barkley, Marqus Bobesich, Wayne Charles Baker, Dennis Connors, Sheldon Brown, Ariana Anderson, Jesse Buck-Brennan, Lauren Capkanis, Larry Yazzie, Linda Villanueva
Music by Brendan Bayliss, Jake Cinninger
Cinematography : Alex Cantatore
Edited by Kurt Nakanishi
costume designer : Alexandra Kelly
supervising sound editor : Jonathan Greber
Production companies : Sadieland Productions
Distributed by Freestyle Digital Media (USA)
Release date : March 5, 2021 (USA)
Running time : 99 minutes
(Source : press release)