Little Scuzzy Film Fest 2023 Champion Women's Heritage Cropped T-Shirt

“In a larger city, it's like there's this stream of energy going, and all you have to do is jump into that stream and get wet. In the middle of the Midwest, you have to dig the fucking well” - Paul Mahern, Zero boys

Little Scuzzy Film Fest was first curated in 2012 and screened underground and experimental films in the basements of the local showhouses, The Swamp and Skihaus. (RIP to both of those magical testaments to the tenacity of Southern Illinois weirdos). After a decade hiatus, Little Scuzzy was resurrected by original organizer, Carson Cates with the help of Ellen Esling of the Peach Pit.

Now, Little Scuzzy is a rag-tag event held on a farm on the outskirts of Carbondale. Films are screened outdoors with festival-goers setting up blankets and chairs around fire pits. Maybe one day our festival with sprawl across days and spaces but for now, we do what we can with what we've got and if you share the same ethos with your filmmaking, we can't wait to see your film.