Corey Feldman and filmmaker Eugenio Mira have a special treat for fans with the restoration of their film, The Birthday. Originally premiering in 2004 and making its U.S. debut at the 2005 Fantastic Fest, the film quickly became a festival favorite. However, it mysteriously disappeared for 19 years before resurfacing with a 4K restoration at the 2024 Fantastic Fest.
The Birthday follows the story of Norman, played by Feldman, a socially awkward nice guy who finds himself in the middle of a family celebration at an upscale hotel only to discover that the end of the world may be near. The film combines elements of comedy, horror, and drama through the lens of Mira’s unique vision.
The restoration of The Birthday is a result of Mira’s dedication and determination to bring the film back to the big screen. Despite facing challenges with the original release and distribution, Mira was able to track down the rights and raw materials needed to restore the film to its original 117-minute runtime in 4K quality.
The film’s restoration was a labor of love for Mira, who spent months overseeing the process to ensure that the audience would experience the film as intended. With the support of Feldman’s fans, including Jordan Peele, The Birthday is set to have a special one-night celebration at select Alamo Drafthouses on Oct. 1, followed by a wider release on Oct. 11.
For Feldman, the return of The Birthday to theaters is a fulfillment of a prediction he made to Mira back in 2005. Despite the challenges they faced over the years, both Feldman and Mira remained confident that the film would find its way back to audiences, and now their perseverance has paid off.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the restored version of The Birthday on the big screen and witness the magic of this long-lost gem of cinema. Check out drafthousefilms.com for more information on screenings and showtimes.