The crowd at the FilmQuest festival in Provo, Utah, responded with roaring laughter during a Sunday screening of "VelociPastor 2." The project serves as the follow-up to the 2017 cult comedy "The VelociPastor," embracing the same visible technical seams, homemade creature effects, and intentional absurdities that initially put the microbudget franchise on the map.
Expanding the Franchise With Italian Giallo Tropes
The original 2017 installment was produced on a modest budget of $36,000. It introduced audiences to Doug Jones, portrayed by Gregory James Cohan, a priest who acquires the ability to transform into a lethal dinosaur and uses his power to combat neighborhood pimps and drug dealers alongside his partner, Carol, played by Alyssa Kempinski.
'The VelociPastor' Franchise Comparison
| Film | Release / Festival Debut | Reported Budget / Crowdfunding | Key Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| The VelociPastor | 2017 | $36,000 budget | Neighborhood streets |
| VelociPastor 2 | 2026 | $118,297 raised on Kickstarter | Italy |
For the sequel, the production expanded its creative scope while deliberately retaining its low-budget aesthetic. The storyline transports the characters to an Italian setting, weaving a comedic narrative around a giallo-inspired murderer hunting local virgins. The project was partially financed through a Kickstarter campaign that brought in $118,297 in contributions.
Celebrating the Flaws and Charm of Indie Filmmaking
Rather than masking its financial limitations, "VelociPastor 2" leans directly into practical movie blunders as a source of comedy. The film features noticeable continuity errors, such as an opening sequence where Doug repeatedly puts on a crucifix, as well as lengthy exposition sequences delivered through obvious automated dialogue replacement (ADR).
Other gags rely on broad visual comedy reminiscent of films like "Airplane!" Viewers at the festival were treated to visible strings hoisting practical effects, miniature sets depicting European architecture, clear stunt dummies, and humorous background moments, including extras miming an intense Frisbee match without a physical disc.
Human Craft Takes the Spotlight Amid Industry AI Debates
The enthusiastic response to the screening came against the backdrop of ongoing industry debates regarding generative artificial intelligence. At the Provo-based festival, which regularly gathers independent filmmakers, audiences have shown consistent skepticism toward automated media tools. Screenings at the event frequently receive strong applause simply by assuring viewers that the films were produced without artificial intelligence.
In this context, the sequel's handmade imperfections stood out to the audience as a showcase of human-crafted parody. During the post-screening question-and-answer session, director and co-writer Jesse Gouldsbury and members of the creative crew detailed the hurdles involved in completing the microbudget film, joking about the chaotic process required to bring the comedy to the screen.
Roadshow Screenings and Next Steps for the Sequel
Following its festival appearance, the production team behind "VelociPastor 2" is focused on wider distribution opportunities. The film is currently seeking a formal distribution agreement while simultaneously organizing a series of independent roadshow theatrical screenings, with itinerary details provided on its official website.
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Source: Variety
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