Canadian horror feature Lucid has released its official trailer ahead of its world premiere on July 21 as part of the Septentrion Shadows program at the 29th Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal. The film, which began its development journey at Frontières’ Shorts to Features Lab in 2022, is the debut feature from directors Deanna Milligan and Ramsey Fendall, and is gaining early buzz for its surreal, handcrafted visuals and fiercely independent spirit.

Lucid follows the story of Mia Sunshine Jones, played by rising Canadian actor Caitlin Acken Taylor (Pistol), a frustrated art student and fast-food worker in the 1990s who consumes a mysterious candy elixir in a desperate bid to overcome creative block. What follows is a nightmarish journey through a psychedelic world of self-discovery, monsters, and inner demons. A younger version of Mia is portrayed by Taylor’s real-life sister, Georgia Acken (The Sacrifice Game), further adding emotional depth to the film’s central arc.

Co-director Deanna Milligan, a veteran Canadian actor and director of the original Lucid short, described the film as a “rebellion” against traditional industry structures

“We had to create this film outside traditional systems, and we were able to do it because a passionate community believed in it,” she told Variety.

Her collaborator, cinematographer-turned-co-director Ramsey Fendall, noted their unconventional creative process involved months—sometimes years—of collecting footage, photos, and sound fragments on the road.

Shot entirely on film by the team’s Sublunar Films production company and based out of Victoria, British Columbia, Lucid makes the most of its DIY roots. With no access to large-scale creature shops, the filmmakers turned to local Vancouver Island artists to create their monsters. One standout is the “hair monster,” designed and performed by drag artist Vivian Vanderpuss (RuPaul’s Drag Race), who also plays a major supporting role.

The project’s journey reflects the importance of independent voices in the film landscape.

“Our power is in our individuality,” Milligan stated. “Especially in today’s polarized climate, where authenticity and creative risk matter more than ever.”

Lucid will screen alongside Acken Taylor’s debut short Look, which she also produced and will personally introduce. Following Fantasia, the film is expected to make its way through the international festival circuit. According to the directors, discussions with distributors are already underway.

“We’re thrilled by the attention this small-scale film is getting from major festivals and industry players,” said Milligan.

In the meantime, Milligan and Fendall are already developing their next project, Lucky, which they describe as “Mandy meets Midsommar — but Canadian, wet, and full of wasps.”

Lucid is written, directed, edited, and produced by Deanna Milligan and Ramsey Fendall, with Emanuel Foucault also serving as producer. The cast includes Caitlin Acken Taylor, Georgia Acken, Amber Dandelion, John Luna, and Vivian Vanderpuss.

The Fantasia International Film Festival runs from July 16 to August 3 in Montreal.

Source