MOVIES: "And Through The Portal We Go" Asks Big Questions about the Major Challenges in Life at the 20th Macon Film Festival

The 2025 Macon Film Festival will celebrate 20 years of bringing quality movies to Middle Georgia audiences. This year, the festival will feature the screening of the acclaimed independent film "And Through The Portal We Go," a unique blend of dark comedy, sci-fi elements, and indie cinema. This creative movie has garnered attention for its cult satire, heartfelt themes, and science fiction time-loop. 

"And Through The Portal We Go" will be screened along with the movie "Adelfas" on Saturday, August 23rd from 5:45 to 7 p.m. at the Douglass Theatre.

Director Mike Hayhurst and producer Allison Moy Hayhurst will be present at the Macon premiere of "And Through The Portal We Go", providing audiences in Middle Georgia with insights into the creative process behind the film. 

The storyline of the film revolves around the experiences of the last three members of a cult who venture through a mysterious portal in the woods, only to find themselves trapped in a time loop. The film deals with questions of faith, introspection, and genuine friendship in a comedic way. 

Having received numerous awards at various film festivals, including recognitions for acting, fantasy, and narrative excellence, "And Through The Portal We Go" has made an impact on the independent film circuit. So far, the film received awards for Best Actor (Gig Harbor Film Festival), Best Acting Ensemble (Black Bear Film Festival), Best Fantasy Feature (Another Hole in the Head Film Festival), Best Feature (Broad Street Film Festival), and Best Narrative Feature (Fisheye Film Festival, UK).

The Mystic Film Festival recently uploaded a clip from "And Through The Portal We Go"

With its upcoming screening at the Macon Film Festival, this second Georgia showcase promises to be a highlight of the festival's 20th anniversary. The festival has a reputation for celebrating independent filmmaking and innovative storytelling, making it a must-visit for cinema enthusiasts. 

This year's Macon Film Festival will also include the premier of a documentary about Macon's Newton Collier on Friday, August 22nd. Collier has had a fascinating life starting with an uncanny ability to play instruments at a very young age. Soon after graduating high school, Collier was playing the trumpet on a world tour with the popular soul band Sam & Dave.

"Newt: A Short Documentary" is produced by another Macon creative, Moira Glennon. Glennon's film "The Pastor's Daughter" is an official selection of this year's Macon Film Festival.

Single block tickets to the 2025 Macon Film Festival cost $15, Day Tickets cost $30, a Screening Pass cost $75, and an All-Access Pass cost $175 on the Macon Film Festival's website. For those interested in attending the screening or exploring the festival's full schedule, more information is also available on the festival's website.

A film about living music icon Newton Collier will be premiered during this year's Macon Film Festival (Photograph courtesy of Macon Film Festival)