Creature Fear Will Premiere in Milwaukee October 1
The horror film set in Waushara County makes its city debut at the Avalon Atmospheric before an October digital release.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Horror

Live Poll
Do you feel local filmmakers effectively represent your community's identity in their work?
Director Manny Gumina’s latest horror feature, Creature Fear, is set for a Milwaukee premiere at the Avalon Atmospheric on October 1, 2026. The film, which stars Natalie Gerene, Jarrod Langwinski, and Billy Chengary, will expand to a worldwide digital audience on October 23.
Why it matters
The production represents the latest milestone for director Manny Gumina, who pivoted to screenwriting in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic halted his plans to open a brewery. This project continues his work in the genre following his production of previous short films.
Director Manny Gumina has authored 6 feature screenplays since 2020 and produced 2 short films, Ash People and Beer Party, in the last two years.
The players
Manny Gumina
He is the director of Creature Fear and an author who has written six feature screenplays and one novel since 2020.
Natalie Gerene
She is one of the lead actors appearing in the horror film Creature Fear.
Jarrod Langwinski
He is a cast member starring in the film Creature Fear.
Billy Chengary
He is a featured actor in the film Creature Fear.
Terror Films
This is the distribution company responsible for the worldwide digital release of the film.
The details
Filmed in Waushara County, the horror movie was written with specific production constraints in mind. The film previously screened earlier in 2026 at A Night of Horror International Film Festival in Eau Claire.
Timeline
2023: Manny Gumina produced the short film Beer Party.
2024: Manny Gumina produced the short film Ash People.
October 1, 2026: Creature Fear holds its Milwaukee premiere at the Avalon Atmospheric.
October 23, 2026: Creature Fear releases digitally worldwide via Terror Films.
Industry Dynamics
The screening at A Night of Horror International Film Festival establishes the film's position within the independent horror circuit. Its move to a wide digital release via Terror Films reflects the modern strategy of using festival acclaim to build momentum for streaming availability.
Local residents can view the film in person at the Avalon Atmospheric starting October 1. Those outside the area or unable to attend the premiere can access the title through digital platforms beginning October 23.
The takeaway
Independent filmmakers increasingly rely on festival circuits to gain early visibility before leveraging digital distribution to reach global audiences. Viewers can track the film's trajectory to see how digital-first releases are shaping the availability of niche horror content.
Further reading
Learn more about local cinema events and upcoming screenings in our Horror section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shepherd Express.
Live Poll
Do you feel local filmmakers effectively represent your community's identity in their work?










