Audiences enter a world of suspense and supernatural forces when they watch One Eye Open. But behind the film’s story is something much more heartfelt and warm, a project built around the people and locations of Lawrence, Kansas.
Directed and written by Michael D. Coffey, One Eye Open follows Samantha, a University of Kansas college graduate who is house-sitting for her ill grandfather. One night, an intruder enters the house, and Samantha finds herself caught in a dangerous situation, and she finds comfort and protection from spirits within the home.
The film runs 81 minutes and showed in select AMC theaters beginning on Oct. 16, right in time for the Halloween season. One Eye Open was also shown at a local cinema called Liberty Hall in Lawrence, Kansas. The screening included a Q&A event with the cast and crew. Its release was a big deal for the University of Kansas film program, as many of the production credits are alumni from the school.
For Coffey, the project began in 2017 when he first wrote the screenplay. He has lived in Lawrence for decades and wanted to create a sort of love letter to the town. Coffey knew that he would have major support from the town and the University if he created the film in Lawrence.
One of the most distinctive elements in the film is the house itself. Called the Ludington-Tacher House, the mansion stands on Tennessee Street and has black gates surrounding the property. The house has lots of Kansas history living within its walls. It was designed in 1860 by an early Kansas architect, John G. Haskell, and was commissioned by early Lawrence mayor, Reuben W. Ludington. The house was also home to Judge Solon O. Thacher, who was a politician who helped write the Kansas Constitution. Due to its age, the house is rumored to be haunted, and there were crew members who claimed to have experienced creepy stuff while filming.
Kushi Beauchamp leads the film as Samantha, supported by actors including Chris Bylsma, Addison Landes, and Guy Messenger. There are two actors on the project with a special connection to KU: Laura Kirk and Kevin Willmont. Kirk is a current acting and film professor, while Oscar winner Kevin Willmont is a former screenwriting professor. The production also incorporates references to the University of Kansas, including the “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” slogan and the use of KU SafeRide. These details help establish a sense of place without requiring the film to explain the local connection.
Bringing an independent film from ‘indie’ status to a theatrical release can be tricky, so finding an audience can be challenging, especially for projects not working under a major studio. But Coffey actually secured theatrical distribution by contacting the AMC headquarters, which, conveniently, is located in Leawood, Kansas. He and the company ultimately agreed to screen One Eye Open in select theaters after Coffey submitted his proposal. This smart decision created an opportunity for Kansas-made movies to reach audiences through a major theater chain. It also demonstrates how important relationships and direct outreach are for independent filmmaking.
With Lawrence providing locations, performers, and crew members, One Eye Open is a huge step in Kansas filmmaking. This project also proves that independent filmmaking involves far more than the person behind the camera. There are actors, editors, cinematographers, and production designers in small towns who want and are ready to work.
One Eye Open is expected to release digitally/on streaming and physical DVD later this year.
