Every year the Seattle International Film Festival issues the "Fly Filmmaking Challenge", a two week start to finish production of a short film.  This year director Kris Kristensen has been invited to participate, and he'll be making the lone documentary in the bunch.

photo courtesy Greg Allen

Back in the 80's Kristensen was introduced to the music of a rock duo called HOUSE OF FREAKS.  They consisted of Bryan Harvey (Vocals/Guitar) and Johnny Hott (Percussion), who many have called the predecessors to bands like THE WHITE STRIPES.  They played Americana, songs about the backwaters of America, heavy on imagery.

I"I hadn't listened to HOUSE OF FREAKS for over a decade," said Kristensen, "and about a month before Christmas I found myself wondering whatever happened to them. I was thinking maybe I should dust off my old records and give them a listen again.  I didn't."

On New Year's day, drummer Johnny Hott arrived at Bryan Harvey's home to help prepare for the annual Harvey New Year's bash in Richmond, VA.  When Johnny arrived he found no one home and the house on fire.  He called 911.  

In the basement, firefighters found the lifeless bodies of Bryan Harvey, his wife Kathryn and their two little girls Stella and Ruby.  At first it was presumed they were unconscious from smoke inhalation, but when the bodies were brought outside they discovered that each of the family member's hands were bound, and their throats were cut.

Since the murders, two suspects have been apprehended.  It now appears that this was simply a random burglary gone bad.

"Not a day has gone by since I heard this story where I haven't found myself humming, whistling or singing a HOUSE OF FREAKS tune," Kristensen added.  "I saw the HOUSE OF FREAKS play live once, and although I had acquaintances who knew them, I don't recall ever meeting them, but I feel a great sense of loss now that Bryan is gone.  I want to explore what that is... how is it that a stranger can touch us from far away, and when they are gone we suffer as if losing a close friend."

This film is in no way meant to exploit this tragedy, but a reflection on what joy Bryan Harvey brought to the world, and the sense of loss now that he is gone.

If you live in the King County area and have a story to share about HOUSE OF FREAKS, and would like to be part of this documentary, please contact us here.

On a sidenote, residents of Richmond, VA and friends of the Harveys are trying to purchase the Harvey property and build a memorial park, as well as the Bryan and Kathryn Harvey Family Memorial Endowment.  We hope this film will help raise awareness and funds for their cause.

The other Fly Filmmakers this year are Virginia Bogert, Douglas Horn and Brad Wilke. The Fly Films are tentatively scheduled to screen at SIFF on Memorial Day Weekend. Check here for actual dates and times.