Winnipeg celebrates a cult film

A convention held in Winnipeg on Saturday was devoted to celebrating the cult film Phantom of the Paradise.

Released in 1974, the early Brian De Palma effort was a flop in every market except two: Paris and Winnipeg.

A satire about a rock impresario's quest to find musical genius inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, the film ran for an unbelievable 62 weeks straight in one Winnipeg theatre.

"I love this movie and have a real passion for it and I feel there are so many Winnipeggers that feel the same way and we just had to do it for the fans," said one of the convention's organizers, Gloria Dignazio.

The event included two screenings of the film, costume parties, musical tributes and displays of memorabilia.

Dubbed Phantompalooza, the day-long festival attracted more than 1,200 people, including some fans of the movie from as far away as California, Louisiana and Florida.

"I was here in 1974. I feel like I'm 16 again," Bonnie Greig, who attended the afternoon screening with her husband and son, told the Canadian Press.

"It's the music, the campiness. You see something different each time," she said, explaining what she likes about the film.

The film starred 1970s fixture Paul Williams, as well as William Finley and Gerrit Graham. The latter two actors were flown in from New York to talk to festival-goers.

"I had a faint inkling that there were Canadian fans of the movie," said Graham, who played the role of Beef. "That it was the movie that ate Winnipeg, I didn't know anything about."

"The soundtrack went gold because of Winnipeg," added Finley.

A party Saturday night marked the end of the festival, with local band Chocolate Bunnies From Hell playing selections from the soundtrack.

The festival was such a success, there is already talk of staging another convention next year with the entire cast.