Best Worst Movie / The American Scream

Best Worst Movie, directed by Michael Paul Stephenson, is a funny and heartfelt documentary about the unexpected afterlife of the 1990 cult film Troll 2—widely regarded as one of the worst movies ever made. The film follows George Hardy, a small-town Alabama dentist who once played the dad in Troll 2, as he reconnects with his former castmates and discovers the bizarre, devoted fanbase that has elevated the movie into a midnight-movie phenomenon. Through convention appearances, screenings, and candid interviews with the actors, director, and fans, the documentary explores how a failed horror movie transformed into a beloved cultural oddity. At its core, Best Worst Movie is both a celebration of community and fandom and a bittersweet look at fame, failure, and the enduring power of bad cinema done with sincerity.

The American Scream is a documentary directed by Michael Paul Stephenson that follows three families in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, who devote their lives to transforming their homes into extravagant haunted houses for Halloween. The film captures the artistry, obsession, and community spirit behind the “home haunter” subculture, showing the months of preparation, the creative problem-solving, and the emotional investment each family pours into their displays. Beyond the props and scares, the documentary explores themes of passion, family bonds, and the pursuit of joy through creativity. By spotlighting these everyday people chasing their dreams of crafting unforgettable Halloween experiences, The American Scream offers both a heartfelt and humorous look at the lengths we go to in order to bring magic and fright into our neighborhoods.