Vancouver-based filmmaker Markian Tarasiuk has created a distinctive cinematic experience with his debut feature film, Hunting Matthew Nichols, which artfully merges true-crime documentary conventions with found-footage horror techniques. The British Columbia-shot production represents an innovative approach to genre storytelling that challenges traditional filmmaking boundaries.
A Unique Genre Hybrid Emerges from Vancouver
Directed by Tarasiuk, Hunting Matthew Nichols follows the story of a sister documenting her search for her missing brother two decades after his mysterious disappearance. The film deliberately adopts the aesthetic of prestige true-crime documentaries while incorporating supernatural horror elements that gradually intensify throughout the narrative.
"I hadn't seen anyone fully commit to creating a documentary-style film from scratch that incorporates supernatural elements in this way," explained Tarasiuk, who serves as both director and actor in the production. "We wanted to make a found-footage film that genuinely feels like a contemporary documentary."
Influences and Creative Vision
The film draws inspiration from multiple sources, including the true-crime documentary series Murder on Middle Beach and classic found-footage horror films like The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity. However, Tarasiuk emphasizes that he and screenwriter Sean Harris Oliver consciously avoided direct imitation during the creative process.
"When we were shaping the narrative, I wasn't pointing toward those specific references, nor was Sean referencing them directly," Tarasiuk clarified. "Our goal was to create something that stands on its own while honoring the traditions of both genres."
Production Challenges and Serendipitous Moments
The film's production journey began during the pandemic when Tarasiuk pitched the idea to Harris Oliver during tennis sessions near Granville Island. Both were experienced theater company directors in Vancouver seeking new creative challenges in filmmaking.
Filming locations included the fictional town of Port Rupert and actual settings near Port Hardy on Vancouver Island's northeast tip. The production encountered unexpected challenges that ultimately enhanced the film's atmosphere.
"The power went out across the entire northern part of the island as soon as we arrived," Tarasiuk recalled. "Our hotel lost power, staff departed, and we found ourselves without electricity to charge equipment or access to food as stores and restaurants closed. This created an almost apocalyptic situation that actually helped the film's aesthetic."
The resulting gloomy, stormy atmosphere perfectly matched the director's vision for certain sequences, yielding what Tarasiuk describes as "some really great dark shots" that enhanced the film's ominous tone.
Local Talent and Casting
The production featured exclusively Vancouver and Vancouver Island actors, with Miranda MacDougall securing the lead role through a competitive audition process. Tarasiuk noted that local performers consistently proved to be the strongest candidates during casting.
"We put out a casting call, her agent submitted her, she auditioned, had a callback, and she just became the front-runner," Tarasiuk explained regarding MacDougall's selection. "Her auditions were exceptionally strong and exactly what I envisioned for the character."
Independent Distribution Strategy
The filmmakers pursued an ambitious self-distribution approach, working with The Fithian Group to connect with theater exhibitors. Screenwriter Sean Harris Oliver personally pitched the film to major U.S. exhibitors, resulting in the movie being featured as the Mystery Monday selection in over 1,400 North American theaters in late March.
"All these exhibitors saw potential in the unique nature of our small independent movie being placed in a slot typically reserved for major studio releases," Tarasiuk observed, citing recent creator-driven successes like Iron Lung as encouraging precedents for independent film distribution.
Future Prospects and Creative Aspirations
With a sequel already written, Tarasiuk hopes positive theatrical reception will allow completion of the story arc. He describes the potential follow-up as having "ten times the intensity and scares" of the original film.
Looking beyond the horror genre, Tarasiuk expresses interest in exploring diverse storytelling approaches. "I don't want to be boxed in as exclusively a horror or mockumentary director," he stated. "I want to create stories with wide commercial appeal that defy easy categorization—genre-bending, genre-mixing narratives where audiences never quite know what to expect."
Hunting Matthew Nichols will screen at Vancouver's Park Theatre (3440 Cambie Street) on April 10, 11, and 14, offering audiences an opportunity to experience this innovative fusion of true-crime investigation and supernatural horror from Vancouver's growing independent film scene.
