Following its world premiere at the Terror-Fi Film Festival, Doug Dillaman’s one-of-a-kind sci-fi/comedy/documentary hybrid Gut Instinct is hitting the road. The film will tour cinemas across Aotearoa this summer with live introductions, Q&A sessions, interactive elements, and surprises. A limited cinematic release begins on 5 December, with bookings available throughout the summer.
“It’s wonderful to see such a wide variety of audiences embracing Gut Instinct—genre fans, arthouse enthusiasts, and anyone who loves having fun at the cinema,” said Dillaman. “Seven years ago, I never imagined this quirky little film would resonate with so many people.”
Recent audience participation screenings in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch left viewers raving on platforms like Letterboxd, describing the film as “a truly unique psychedelic theatrical experience,” “super original and absolutely riveting,” and “great fun to watch and participate in.”
James Partridge, director of the Terror-Fi Film Festival, called the response overwhelming. “We were incredibly proud to host the world premiere. Gut Instinct is a must-see, and I can’t wait for more people to experience this truly unique New Zealand film.”
Phase I of the Gut Instinct roadshow kicks off on 23 November at Thames’ Left Bank Theatre, followed by screenings in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Devonport, and a second Auckland event. Each screening will feature Q&A sessions with hosts including film critics and authors.
“I’m thrilled to begin the roadshow in Thames,” said Dillaman. “Connecting with passionate exhibitors who love cinema as much as I do has been one of the greatest joys of releasing this film.”
Additional venues will host Gut Instinct screenings after its general release, including Motueka’s Gecko Cinema.
“This may be a 100% independent, no-budget film, but it’s absolutely a cinema experience,” Dillaman emphasized. “After a year of sequels and reboots, I hope audiences rediscover the joy of seeing something entirely new on the big screen. I promise you’ll never look at your gut the same way again.”
Gut Instinct Inspired by a severe case of food poisoning and seven years of independent crafting, Gut Instinct blends plausible science fiction, outrageous facts, dark comedy, and vivid visuals into an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Dillaman describes the film as “a post-apocalyptic found footage instructional film on acid.” The story imagines alien microbes invading human stomachs, feasting on dopamine, and controlling brains to satisfy their insatiable appetite.
The film incorporates cutting-edge research on the gut-brain axis and over 3,000 edits, including archival footage, 16th-century medical diagrams, animations by award-winning filmmaker Liam Maguren, and Dillaman’s personal MRI scans following a life-changing pituitary hemorrhage.
View the trailer here.
Roadshow Phase I Screenings
- Thames: Left Bank Theatre, 23 November, 4:00 PM
- Auckland: Hollywood Avondale, 24 November, 6:30 PM (Q&A with Johnny Andrews, My Movie DNA)
- Christchurch: Lumière Cinemas, 29 November, 8:30 PM (Q&A with Erin Harrington, film critic)
- Wellington: Roxy Cinema, 30 November, 8:30 PM (Q&A with Brannavan Gnanalingam, author)
- Devonport: The Vic Cinema, 4 December, 7:30 PM (Q&A host TBC)
- Auckland (Round Two): Academy Cinemas, 6 December, 8:30 PM (Q&A with Thomas Giblin, film critic)
Gut Instinct contains flashing images that may cause seizures.
