Girls, Woods, Witchcraft: Camp Explores Occult Friendship

Avalon Fast's second feature film, "Camp," is now in theaters, offering a singular cinematic experience. The film is categorized by its writer and director as 'A bunch of girls in the woods doing weird stuff,' delving into themes of friendship, queerness, and the occult.

"Camp" centers on Emily, a counselor at a secluded camp for children coping with trauma, mirroring her own experiences. She develops strong connections with four fellow counselors, and together they begin to explore a shared reality steeped in witchcraft. Fast reveals that the film's concepts have been developing for years, reflecting her personal process of sharing feelings through filmmaking.

Building on the success of her 2022 film "Honeycomb," "Camp" also garnered attention at festivals, notably winning the Next Wave award at Fantastic Fest. Fast emphasized the importance of the cast's genuine camaraderie, which translated into authentic performances. The film's striking visual style, characterized by ethereal and surreal camerawork, was heavily influenced by its shooting location in the forests of Alberta, Canada, and a shared history between Fast and DP Eily Sprungman.

Fast has expressed intentions to explore new narrative territories, including a future project about a boy, while also considering one more horror cult film centered on girls. This approach suggests a continued exploration of her thematic interests, balanced with a desire for creative expansion.