Horror Dadz Productions, the team behind cult hits Tahoe Joe and 2023’s found-footage horror The Woodmen, has just released the horror film The Summer We Died.
Dillon Brown wrote and directed the film, a nostalgia-fueled throwback to the golden age of slasher films. The film aims to capture the rebellion of skateboard culture, the raw energy of punk rock, and the stylistic edge of Italian Giallo films.
The film stars Hannah Welty, Mandy Morgan, and Grace Winters. It also stars seasoned indie veterans Michael Rock (Tahoe Joe) and John Potash (Arena Wars). Zoogie Austin, John Potash, Brian Lee, Annie Lain, and Hector “Nomar” Mendoza round out the cast.
“We wanted to make something that feels like discovering a worn-out VHS tape in a dusty video store—a love letter to both slasher films and the skate culture that defined the 90s,” says director Dillon Brown. “It’s stylish, bloody, and above all, fun.”
The Summer We Died features practical gore effects, enhancing its classic slasher feel. The film’s soundtrack features music from the band Acid Box and echoes the raw energy of punk rock and skateboarding.
Produced by Horror Dadz Productions, The Summer We Died maintains its ethos of pushing creative boundaries while paying homage to the genre’s roots. From the intricate practical effects to its retro aesthetic and killer soundtrack, the film is a visceral experience.
Relive the best (and bloodiest) parts of the 1990s. The Summer We Died is now available on Amazon Prime Video.