2025 Films: The Picnic

The Picnic by Cory DeMeyers
Sherman Oaks, Ca (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 2 minutes
Comedy/ Action/ Romance

Avalon Atmospheric Theater

2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

A sunny picnic, a casual question, and a little too much confidence—what starts as a charming first date quickly takes an unexpected turn in this fast-paced comedy about instincts, miscommunication, and the fine line between flirting and fighting.

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Director Bio:

Cory DeMeyers is an Emmy-nominated Stunt Coordinator and award-winning filmmaker known for his bold storytelling and kinetic visual style. With a career rooted in high-level stunt coordination, he has designed action for some of Hollywood’s biggest productions, earning a 2024 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Stunt Coordination in a Comedy Series for his work on Danny McBride and HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones. After the international success of his debut film, Danny Boy (2021), Cory returns with a fresh new project—this time bringing his signature energy to comedy. Blending sharp wit with dynamic action, his latest film delivers big laughs with the same cinematic punch that defined his earlier work. With a knack for crafting fast-paced, visually inventive storytelling, Cory offers festival audiences a uniquely entertaining experience—one that promises both humor and high-octane fun, making it a standout selection for any lineup.

Director's Statement:

"With this film, I wanted to take a simple dating scenario and flip it on its head—literally. Comedy and action have always had a deep connection, and physicality can tell a story just as powerfully as dialogue. This short plays with expectations, turning a casual first-date conversation into an unpredictable, high-energy moment of absurdity. The idea that our ‘Guy’ doesn’t stop to think, doesn’t question, he just reacts, because who needs common sense when you have unchecked instinct and a spicy imagination. It also connects with the dreamer in all of us while revealing simple flaws in our nature. It’s a reminder that comedy isn’t just about the punchline… or is it?! — "The best stories keep you guessing. Whether it’s a joke or a twist, it’s all about leading the audience one way, then hitting them with the unexpected."