Buffalo 8 has acquired the science fiction comedy “Free LSD” from punk rock supergroup OFF! and a trailer has been unveiled.
The film, which closed the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival, shares its title with the band’s album that debuted at #20 on the Billboard Album Sales Chart.
“Free LSD” stars Keith Morris (OFF!’s frontman) as an elderly sex shop owner who falls for a younger woman. His romantic escapades lead him to an unconventional erectile dysfunction doctor and an experimental drug. The drug’s side effects transport him to a parallel universe where he is not only OFF!’s singer but also the target of a relentless AI species bent on preventing the band from creating a consciousness-altering album.
The cast includes OFF! bandmates Dimitri Coats and Autry Fulbright II, along with the late Dead Kennedys drummer D.H. Peligro. Joining them are Jack Black, James Duval, Dana Gould, Barry Del Sherman, Chelsea Debo and Chloe Dykstra.
Coats wrote and directed. Kurt Kittleson produces, with Gill Gayle co-producing and Anthony Kiedis executive producing.
OFF!, led by Morris (Circle Jerks, ex-Black Flag) and Coats (ex-Burning Brides), has evolved from hardcore punk roots to a multifaceted psychedelic outfit over its 14-year run.
Coats said: “’Free LSD’ joins a short list of concept rock album/film projects like ‘Purple Rain,’ ‘Tommy’ and ‘The Wall.’ We grew up loving strange midnight movies and wanted to make an oddball cult film that shines a unique light on the band and album. It’s a love letter from a bunch of Los Angeles freaks to a style of cinema that inspired us to have fun and get weird.”
Kittleson added: “’Free LSD’ is about following your dreams and the dreadful things that can happen if you don’t. Dimitri and I spent our youth rummaging around video stores searching for weird films. During the pandemic, we decided to make one. Our mission was for everyone involved to have fun—mission accomplished.”
Gayle said: “Free LSD’ is such an adventurous and original story. Buffalo 8 is a dream partnership and home for the film. I am cautiously out of my mind with enthusiasm.”
Buffalo 8 president, Grady Craig, added: “Dimitri Coats possesses a unique ability to captivate audiences, whether it’s through his electrifying performances as a musician or his visionary storytelling as a director. ‘Free LSD’ is a testament to his creative prowess, blending punk rock energy with comedic filmmaking. We are thrilled to be partnering with OFF! and the talented cast, crew, and stupendous cameos behind this film.”
Watch the trailer here: