UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. — Independent filmmaking, psychological horror, and the creative talent behind Channel Awesome will take center stage on Friday, October 30, as Fright Night Film Fest arrives at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois.
Presented by the Chicago Southland International Film Festival, the event brings together filmmakers Walter Banasiak, James Jarosz, and Harry Locke IV for an evening of original productions, filmmaker discussions, and a special appearance by Doug Walker, best known as Channel Awesome’s Nostalgia Critic.
The evening begins with a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m., followed by film screenings at 7 p.m. Walker is scheduled to participate in the festivities, including moderating discussions with the filmmakers following their screenings.
Space Trash Brings Science Fiction and Comedy to the Festival
Among the evening’s featured productions is Space Trash, a science-fiction action-comedy series produced and directed by James Jarosz.
Set in a distant future where humanity has abandoned Earth and expanded across the galaxy, the series follows Flynn, a blue-collar garbage collector whose work takes him into increasingly dangerous situations. Accompanied by his robotic companion, Flynn encounters space debris, marauders, and unexpected discoveries.
Festival attendees will have the opportunity to experience the first three episodes on the big screen, offering an introduction to Jarosz’s ambitious independent production.
The screening also provides a showcase for the creative work taking place within the Channel Awesome community, where filmmakers continue developing original projects beyond the platform’s established entertainment commentary.
Walter Banasiak Presents Ad/Break
Also featured is Ad/Break, a horror short produced and directed by Walter Banasiak.
Inspired by the unconventional programming style of Adult Swim, the film follows a mysterious woman who appears in advertisements across different eras, with increasingly disturbing consequences.
Banasiak, a Governors State University alumnus, has developed a following through his work with Channel Awesome, including Twilight-Tober Zone and Fanscription.
His participation in Fright Night Film Fest represents a return to familiar territory while providing audiences an opportunity to experience his original filmmaking.
Kaishaku Takes Center Stage
The evening’s featured presentation is the Southland premiere of Kaishaku, a psychological horror feature directed by Harry Locke IV.
The film follows a financially struggling mother who receives an extraordinary and disturbing proposition involving a terminally ill friend. Its story examines desperation, morality, and the difficult decisions people face under extreme circumstances.
Locke and Banasiak share longstanding connections to the Chicago Southland, having attended Thornton Fractional North High School together.
Their participation highlights the festival’s commitment to celebrating regional filmmaking talent and independent storytelling.
A Celebration of Independent Filmmaking
Beyond the screenings, Fright Night Film Fest offers attendees the opportunity to interact directly with the filmmakers and personalities responsible for bringing these projects to life.
With Doug Walker joining Banasiak, Jarosz, and Locke, the event combines recognizable online entertainment personalities with filmmakers pursuing original creative visions.
Fright Night Film Fest takes place Friday, October 30, at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, located at 1 University Parkway in University Park, Illinois.
The meet-and-greet begins at 6 p.m., with screenings scheduled for 7 p.m. Tickets are listed at $10 plus applicable fees.
For additional information and ticket availability, visit the official Governors State University Fright Night Fest page.
- Channel Awesome Creators Headline Fright Night Film Fest on October 30
- Oshawa FireWolves 2026–27 Outlook
- Steelers Ride Ground Game, Defense to 16-10 Victory Over Saints in NFL Paris Game
- Channel Awesome Creators Headline Fright Night Film Fest on October 30
- The Riverhounds Solidify Fifth place With A 2-1 Win Over Birmingham
