Big Damn Films Premieres Horror Anthology ‘Arbor Day: The Root of Evil’ at Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle Cinemas
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, N.J. – Dec. 15, 2025 – Independent production company Big Damn Films announced today that the world premiere of their highly anticipated horror anthology, Arbor Day: The Root of Evil, will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Smodcastle Cinemas. The venue is co-owned by filmmaker Kevin Smith, a director the filmmaking team cites as a major influence on their career.
The premiere aligns with the holiday itself, bringing a uniquely terrifying twist to the celebration of nature. The film explores the dark legends of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, centered on a remote campground that shuts down annually on Arbor Day due to whispered histories of disappearances and a vengeful force in the woods. When a man arrives with his daughter seeking answers to local legends, the campground’s owner recounts five chilling tales of those who dared to trespass and the deadly presence that stalks the trees.
The film is the latest project from Big Damn Films co-owners Michael Jayne and Logan Liskovec. Jayne serves as writer and director, while Liskovec steps in front of the camera to portray "The Arborist," the film's primary antagonist.
For Jayne, this premiere represents a triumph over significant personal adversity.
"This is a pretty big deal for Logan and me," said Michael Jayne, Co-Owner of Big Damn Films. "It's the first big premiere for a Big Damn Films project, and personally, this is the creative project that got me through my stroke recovery. This film, the people who worked on it, and this day mean the world to me. I can't wait to share it."
Jayne added that premiering the film at Smodcastle Cinemas is a "cinematic Mount Rushmore" moment, honoring the influence of Kevin Smith on his work.
In a move to honor the spirit of the holiday, Big Damn Films has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation. For every ticket sold to the premiere, the Foundation will plant a tree in a forest of need, helping communities recover from disasters and restoring canopies for future generations.
"Plant yourself in the theater. We’ll plant a tree in the woods," the studio stated regarding the initiative.
Event Details:
Film: Arbor Day: The Root of Evil
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 (Arbor Day)
Location: Smodcastle Cinemas, 82 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, N.J.
Tickets & Info: http://thearbordaymovie.com
About Big Damn Films: Big Damn Films is an independent production company founded by Michael Jayne and Logan Liskovec, dedicated to creating genre-defying cinema with a focus on horror and storytelling.
Media Contact:
Michael Jayne
Big Damn Films
bigdamnfilms@gmail.com
http://thearbordaymovie.com
