Since 1989, the Washington Psychotronic Film Society has been devoted to promoting offbeat, independent and just plain weird movies in the D.C. area. It has become a fixture in Arlington over the past few years, holding weekly screenings at Dr. Dremo’s bar in Courthouse. President Carl Cephas, who has led the group for the past five years, met with The Examiner.
So what exactly does “psychotronic” mean, anyway?
I’d say films of peculiar interest, perhaps a good film gone bad or a bad film gone good. We tend to like independent, underground horror films, something like “Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter.”
What’s the best movie I’ve never seen?
Possibly “Switchblade Sisters,” which is about this female girl gang called the “Dagger Debs” who want to take over this male gang in California. Of course, anything by Ed Wood is great. Or maybe “Slaughterhouse Rock,” which has Toni Basil as a rock ‘n’ roll-playing ghost in Alcatraz — with a soundtrack by Devo.
Can you think of a recent movie that kind of embodies the psychotronic spirit?
“Snakes on a Plane,” of course. But there really aren’t many out there right now.
Do you guys know where you’re headed next, since Dr. Dremo’s is supposed to be closing next year?
We’ve got some great offers, so I don’t want to jinx us. But the thing is, we’re a cash cow — we bring in people who buy drinks, get food. The places we end up love us.
What’s your first film-related memory?
I remember being a child and trying to stay up late to watch “Godzilla” at night and all those old giant monster films. My mother would give me money to go to church on Sundays to give to the collection. … I ended up going to the movies every Sunday for 15 years.
