Emerging Filmmakers Showcase: 'CarousHell 4'

The Lindsay’s latest Emerging Filmmakers Showcase is a locally filmed horror-comedy that’s a perfect way to kick off your Hallo-weekend! CarousHell 4 is the latest installment in Pittsburgh-based filmmaker Steve Rudzinksi’s ongoing story about a sentient carousel unicorn, his son and their seemingly never-ending battles against malevolent supernatural forces. Rudzinski is a Lindsay veteran who was most recently here in January for I: Scream—A Minty Musical, which he co-wrote with his wife, Aleen Isley. Fans of Western Pennsylvania-made horror can check out CarousHell 4 at The Lindsay on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Rudzinski will be on hand for a filmmaker Q&A immediately following the screening. Tickets are free, and RSVPs are recommended in advance via the sign-up form below due to space limitations. “These are all very silly, funny and over-the-top live-action cartoons,” Rudzinski says of the CarousHell franchise. “This won’t be a Halloween film to scream at—it will be one to laugh and cheer with!” The original CarousHell debuted in 2016 and followed Duke the unicorn (voiced by Steve Rimpici) as he broke free from his ride and sought revenge on his abusers. Duke’s son, Robbie (voiced by B. Barnabei), was introduced in the film’s 2021 sequel. In CarousHell 4, Duke’s main objective is helping Robbie understand that growing up isn’t scary. On a father-son vacation to a cabin in the woods, Robbie finds the Nekkomeownicon and attempts to contact his late mother. But these words are instead heard by The Leviathan and its demon horde. Evil Dead enthusiasts will appreciate the Nekkomeownicon as a direct homage to that series’ cursed tome, the Necronomicon. Rudzinksi explained that the creatures Duke and Robbie are contending with in CarousHell 4 were also inspired by Evil Dead monsters known as Deadites. The film’s mostly local cast includes Isley—who co-wrote CarousHell 4 and also returns as the villainous Ilsa—Ben Dietels, Sarah Brunner, Mark McConnell…