Whispers in the Pines: New Jersey's Forgotten Legends

Hasbrouck Heights - Large Meeting Room, Hasbrouck Heights, Free Public Library of. Join us for "Whispers in the Pines", a fully immersive, multimedia experience that guides audiences through a suspense-filled journey across all 21 counties of New Jersey. This dynamic presentation blends field footage, archival research, and cinematic storytelling to uncover the state’s most chilling legends—from the towering presence of Big Red Eye in Sussex County to the mysterious phantom lights of Cape May. Presented by Mike Familant. About Mike Familant Mike Familant is a New Jersey-based Bigfoot researcher, filmmaker, and expedition leader best known for creating the docuseries In the Shadow of Big Red Eye. From northwestern New Jersey, Mike’s interest in cryptids began in 2011 during a Florida expedition where he experienced unexplained phenomena—rocks thrown near his campfire—which sparked a lifelong pursuit of the unknown. In 2016, frustrated by the lack of authentic content in mainstream media, he launched In the Shadow of Big Red Eye, a raw, boots-on-the-ground series that documents real cryptid investigations across the U.S., with a focus on Bigfoot and regional variants like New Jersey’s Big Red Eye. Mike also created Squatchables, a beginner-friendly series designed to teach cryptid tracking basics, and he regularly tours libraries and public venues with his “Beyond the Footprints” presentation, sharing evidence and engaging communities in folklore and field science. With a background as an EMT, firefighter, and graphic designer, Mike blends practical skills with a passion for storytelling, making him a unique voice in the world of cryptid research.