Psychedelic Buddy Comedy The Lemurian Candidate Heads to Ashland’s Varsity Theatre
Filmed on location at Mount Shasta and steeped in mountain folklore, the independent comedy-drama The Lemurian Candidate is heading to Ashland’s Varsity Theatre from Friday, November 7 through Thursday, November 13. You can check the full tour schedule on the official website.
Written and directed by Casey Cooper Johnson, the film follows three friends—Tom (Dakota Shapiro), Stan (Oliver Cooper) and Jesse (Ben Groh)—as they reconnect on a backpacking trip at Mount Shasta. What begins as a peaceful reunion quickly spirals when they stumble upon a stash of hallucinogens and an outlandish theory about an ancient subterranean civilization. The result is a comedic, psychedelic, and surprisingly heartfelt journey about purpose, friendship, and belief. You can find the full cast and credits on IMDb.
Johnson explained that the story came from a deeply personal place — inspired by the passing of a close friend and by his own experiences growing up around Mount Shasta. The setting ties into the mountain’s famous legend of Lemuria, a mythical lost continent whose survivors supposedly live in a hidden underground city called Telos. Johnson said he’s been fascinated by the legend since childhood, having spent summers visiting family in the area. More about the film’s backstory is available on the official site.
For the Ashland screenings, opening night on Friday, November 7 will be a full-on celebration. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the film starts at 7:30 p.m. The special “Lemurian Night” event includes green popcorn, cosmic-themed drinks, an alien-abduction photo booth, a pop-up merch booth, giveaways, and a Q&A session with Johnson and local actor Barret O’Brien. According to a local report, O’Brien plays Ranger Mike — a nature-loving role he found close to his real personality.
The Varsity Theatre, located at 166 E Main St., Ashland, OR, will host nightly screenings through November 13. Tickets cost $9.74 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors, and veterans, and can be purchased directly through the film’s website.
To keep the party going, there’s an after-party at Liquid Lounge on opening night featuring Lemurian Lager—a craft beer from the Mount Shasta Brewing Company—alongside drink specials and giveaways.
The film is also continuing its West Coast tour, with previous stops in Los Angeles, Oakland, Mount Shasta City, and a one-night event on Saturday, November 8 at the Eureka Theatre in California. The Eureka screening featured sci-fi costumes, themed cocktails, and a retro movie-night vibe, as covered by Kym Kemp News.
Filming the project was a challenge in itself. Johnson and his small crew spent nearly three weeks on Mount Shasta, dealing with limited power, no internet, and unpredictable conditions. Despite the difficulties, Johnson said the experience was “scrappy but special,” capturing the rawness and spirit he wanted for the story.
For those in Ashland or nearby, The Lemurian Candidate offers more than just a film—it’s a full night of indie creativity, folklore, and fun. Grab your ticket, wear something cosmic, and dive into the weirdly wonderful world of Lemuria.
