An eerie experimental drama, DESERT SPIRITS tells of Chris and Gordon's encounters with the supernatural. When their car breaks down in the desert, the two decide to take peyote to kill a little time. Once under the influence of the drug, Chris meets Nori, a spirit guide who has taken the form of an iguana. Nori attempts to guide Chris safely through the strange new physical and spiritual landscape with which he is confronted, but even Nori cannot protect Chris from the monstrous forces which he fated to encounter.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

Growing up in Arizona, many nights my brother and I would drive out to the Saguaro National Monument and sit and enjoy the quiet of the late night-early morning. I never took any mind altering substances. He did sometimes. Over time, I came to enjoy the vast open space, the starry nights, and the spooky, distant sounds we would hear. The desert indeed seemed to be an eerie and mystical place. I wanted to make a film that captured these qualities. Peyote seemed the perfect method of transport, both for the main characters in DESERT SPIRITS and for the audience's imagination.

PRODUCTION NOTES

Made on a minuscule budget, DESERT SPIRITS' cast consists of the director's brother, uncle, and cousin. Money was only spent on film stock, processing, food and video transfers. Post production was donated in off-hours by various 16mm editing facilities. A New York University Film School graduate, the director found himself with extremely modest means of getting his film made - a Bolex (with an electric motor) and a non-synch cassette recorder were the only productions tools. All lighting was natural. Visual effects being minimal, the primary thrust of the film is the soundtrack.

Patrick is the son of Roger McGuinn, legendary founder of the Byrds.

DESERT SPIRITS was made entirely from the director's personal finances.

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