Film Shot Entirely In Salem Set For World Premiere

SALEM, MA - From First Names Films: Independent Film Festival Boston has officially selected the locally produced horror comedy MASS HYSTERIA by First-Name Films for its world premiere at the Somerville Theater on Thursday, April 25th and the Brattle Theater on Monday, April 28.

Directed by Arielle Cimino and Jeff Ryan, and written by Christopher O’Connell and Jonathan
Coleman, MASS HYSTERIA tells the story of a group of Salem Witch Trial re-enactors who find
themselves the target of a modern day witch hunt after a tourist dies on Halloween night. The
independent production was shot entirely on location in Salem over the course of 25 nights and
features local talent with over 30 locations, 42 speaking roles, and hundreds of extras.

“We’re thrilled to premiere our second feature film at the Independent Film Festival of Boston
this year,” director Jeff Ryan said in a statement. “Our first film, YouthMin - A Mockumentary
sold out two screenings and stole the audience award at the festival two years ago and we’re
excited to bring even more energy to this year’s festival.”

Officially selected by Independent Film Festival Boston, MASS HYSTERIA will have its World
Premiere at the Somerville Theater on Thursday, April 25th with an encore screening on
Monday, April 28 at the Brattle Theater. Click here for tickets and screening info.

“Halloween in Salem is an experience of a lifetime, and we wanted to recreate a modern witch
hunt surrounding this annual event. The majority of tourists come to Salem in October with no
idea of what actually happened in 1692. Our goal was to make a thriller/comedy that is truthful
and entertaining, but also shares the dangers of the effects of a modern-day witch hunt,” said
Matt Peruse, producer of MASS HYSTERIA.

MASS HYSTERIA
When a tourist dies on Halloween night in Salem, the crowd seeks justice by mounting a
modern day witch hunt.

Directed by Arielle Cimino and Jeff Ryan
Written by Christopher O’Connell and Jonathan Coleman
Starring: Geena Santiago, Jeff Ryan, Matt Perusse, Destry Allyn, Scott Swayze, Charlie Pollock,
Michelle Veintimilla, and Louis Cancelmi
Produced By: Matt Perusse, Jonathan Coleman, Arielle Cimino, Jeff Ryan

Release dates:
April 25, Boston, Somerville Theater
April 28, Boston, Brattle Theater

Runtime: 66 minutes
Genre: Horror, comedy

Festivals: Independent Film Festival Boston