2025 Films: Daniel Needs To Leave

Daniel Needs To Leave by Craig Anthony Knitt
Marion, WI (World Premiere)

Running Time: 11 minutes
Comedy

Tickets

Saturday, September 6th 4:15PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Daniel needs to leave a Wisconsin house party. Simple enough—until it isn’t. Every step toward the door is stalled by well-meaning friends, beer-fueled banter, cheese curds, Kringle, impersonations, and the ever-repeating promise: “Pizza’s coming.” What begins as a polite Wisconsin farewell spirals into a surreal, slow-burning nightmare—equal parts funny, uncomfortable, and oddly familiar.

Shot in long, fluid takes on an iPhone 15, Daniel Needs To Leave is a genre-bending short that slips from comedy to horror and back again. It's a playful yet unsettling reflection on the social anxiety of leaving, the weight of politeness, and the strange purgatory of Wisconsin goodbyes.

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Directors Bio:

With over 30 years of Fine Arts teaching experience, Craig A. Knitt is an award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of the Wildwood Film Festival, held for 19 years in Appleton, Wisconsin. While he’s contributed to several feature films, his focus lies in short films, where he delights in playing with audience expectations. Craig is also a published writer/artist, stage performer, improviser, and comedian, drawing from a lifetime of immersion in the Realm of Stories. He passionately advocates for Wisconsin creators, believing in the uniqueness of each individual’s contribution. Currently serving as the Creative Arts Specialist for the Boys & Girls Club of the Bay and Lakes Region, Craig guides students in crafting professionally printed comics, films, and other artistic endeavors of their choosing.