Chicago, Illinois -- "Altered," the controversial, twisted thriller from Award Winning Film Director Kely McClung, makes its East Coast Premiere on Saturday, September 26th at the prestigious Golden Door International Film Festival in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Kely McClung, recently named "One of the Top 100 Indie Filmmakers in the World," in festival giant Del Weston's book by the same name, wrote, produced, and directed the mind-bending thriller/horror film in Chicago, IL, Gary, IN, and Atlanta, GA.

McClung is known internationally for pushing the limits of what is expected from a low budget, truly independent movie (his critically acclaimed and honored first feature film "Blood Ties," was shot in 3 countries, 6 major cities, showcased a cast of 150 actors, and was made with a crew of 2 people - all for $20,000).

"Altered" is the director's third feature film, and once again pushes the limits of what truly independent film can be, bringing in talent from L.A., New York, Atlanta, and Chicago. The film additionally called on post production talent from visual effects artists in Munich, Germany, sound mixers and Foley artists in London, sound designer Wolfgang Eckert in Nuremberg, Germany, U.K. film composer Daniel James, and locked final color grading in Berlin, Germany.

"Chicago is an unbelievably rich backdrop for any movie, and in "Altered," the dark underbelly of the city plays a major character," said the director of filming in the Windy City. "Chicago and Gary embraced us as filmmakers, and we've done our best to show it off in a gritty, realistic way that allows people to be a part of it - to experience it - not just watch it," said Mr. McClung of the movie.

"The way in which McClung transforms Chicago's landscapes into the locations of nightmarishly paranoid visions recalls Adrian Lyne's "Jacob's Ladder," says noted U.K. film critic Anton Bitel in his review of McClung's movie for FilmLand Empire.

Following a young woman and her changing perceptions of the world when she is pulled into the hunt for a seemingly supernatural serial killer, the story is not for everyone and contains an unflinching depiction of violence, drugs, torture, and disturbing thematic material.

"It's great having people watch "Altered" who swear they would never watch this kind of movie by first choice, and then seeing and hearing their fascination with the story and images," Mr. McClung said of initial test screenings and response. "The themes behind the movie are about literally creating our worlds from our own perceptions, and people's ideas usually change several times during the movie. We tried to make "Altered" as much an experience as it is a movie."

The film stars Robert Pralgo, ("Vampire Diaries," "Furious 7," "Taken 3") and Amanda Dreschler ("Perception," "Lost Angeles").

"Altered' first premieres on the West Coast at the Action on Film International Film Festival on September 19th where it is up for 9 top Awards including "Best Picture" and "Best Director."

The East Coast premiere takes place at Jersey City University's Margaret Williams Theater at 6 PM on Saturday, September 26th, as part of festival powerhouse Golden Door International Film Festival.

"Looking at the full slate of films and this year's line up, we are truly honored to be a part of this first class festival," Mr. McClung said of the prestigious annual event.

The Golden Door International Film Festival kicks off with their opening gala on Thursday, September 24th and runs through Sunday, September 27th, 2015, with film screenings at various venues throughout Jersey City.

Tickets for "Altered" can be purchased for at the festival's website http://goldendoorfilmfestival.org/event/altered-6/ or bought at the door of the 1000 seat theater.

The "Altered" movie trailer @ https://youtu.be/rrwbqTpE_p0

Kely McClung
Media Arts International Film Corporation
404-610-8098
[email protected]

Michele Sorvino
Executive Director
Golden Door International Film Festival
973-714-7649
[email protected]