Theatrical Premiere for Judge Not

A single mom. An unexpected pregnancy. Snarky church-hall chatter. A tough decision.

That’s the drama shared in Judge Not, the next Emerging Filmmakers Showcase event on Thursday, June 13, at 7 p.m. at The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center.

Blanket Hill Productions, based in Kittanning, tackles how men and women grapple with their faith when facing major life decisions in this full-length feature (1 hr 50 min). Director Aaron Dunbar, director of photography Travis Culley and other members of the team will host a Q&A session after the free screening. While the screening is free, RSVPs are requested to ensure seating for all; the popular Showcase programming often reaches capacity.

Dunbar has a record of honors at the Chautauqua and Indie Gathering international film festivals, Queen City Film Festival and CARE Awards. 

Dunbar, a Clarion University grad and lifelong avid writer, ventured into filmmaking after his second novel about a terminally ill girl’s desire to see Bigfoot (A Wish for Giants) fell into the hands of the cast for Finding Bigfoot and comedian Bobcat Goldthwailt. They encouraged Dunbar to turn the book into a movie, and, he says, “Once I saw one of my stories on the big screen, I knew I had to make more.”

While Dunbar produced previous films, Judge Not is the first developed by Blanket Hill Productions, a club-based operation. Its principals developed the club—with committees dedicated to crew, casting, fundraising and scripting—to employ collective creativity and engage the expertise of members for faith-based filmmaking and story-telling.  

The multitude of committee voices has not slowed progress, Dunbar says. Filmmakers share that Judge Not was shot in Kittanning over a 10-day stretch in August through the efforts of professional actors, club members and local theater talents; with only one shoot in October to capture a large group scene.

“Judge Not exemplifies the power of independent filmmaking, demonstrating how dedicated individuals can create impactful stories,” says Culley. “Join us at Blanket Hill Productions Film Club to pursue your cinema dreams and share your voice, thanks to the support of venues like the Lindsay Theater.”