PRESS RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

White Knuckle Films to Premiere First Documentary, "Camp Darkmoon," at Saginaw's Court Street Theater

Saginaw native's eight-year journey to build an off-grid desert home debuts Saturday, Nov. 14

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SAGINAW, Mich., Oct. 7, 2026 — White Knuckle Films will premiere "Camp Darkmoon," its first feature documentary, on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Court Street Theater in Saginaw. The film follows Saginaw native Roan Shafo, who left modern life behind to live off-grid in the New Mexico desert and build earthbag homes: structures made from stacked, dirt-filled bags.

Filmed over eight years, "Camp Darkmoon" follows Shafo from his first days in the desert to the creation of Camp Darkmoon, the off-grid camp he now runs just south of Belen, New Mexico. Director Drake Whelton, owner of White Knuckle Films, documented the project from the very beginning.

"Camp Darkmoon is a radically inclusive space that celebrates alternative living and earthen architecture," Shafo said. "Mud and dirt enthusiasts welcome!"

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Shafo and his girlfriend, Ivy Griggs, who also appears in the film, will attend the premiere. Shafo and Whelton will host a Q&A after the screening.

The premiere is the only scheduled Saginaw showing of the full two-hour film. A screening in Albuquerque is being planned. The event doubles as a fundraiser to cover festival submissions and promotion for a 30-minute festival cut of the film.

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"I hope people come out and learn about earthbag and adobe architecture," Whelton said. "Even if you're not into off-grid living, there's a lot to relate to in Roan's story and his impact with alternative living in New Mexico. It'll be a great night."

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Details on an after-party will be announced at the screening. Tickets are $15 and on sale now at www.whiteknucklefilms.com. The Court Street Theater is located at 1216 Court Street, Saginaw MI. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Local businesses interested in sponsoring the premiere can contact Drake Whelton at whiteknucklefilms1@gmail.com or 989-928-7028.

Stills, the trailer and interviews with Whelton and Shafo are available on request.

About White Knuckle Films
White Knuckle Films is a Telly Award-winning video production company based in Saginaw, Michigan, specializing in music videos, commercials, content creation and wedding videography. Founded in 2013 by Drake Whelton, the company has produced music videos for Lee Greenwood, Peyton Parrish, Tommy Tutone, No Resolve, State of Mine, etc. and earned awards nationwide. For more information, visit www.whiteknucklefilms.com.

Media Contact:
Drake Whelton
White Knuckle Films - Owner
989-928-7028
whiteknucklefilms1@gmail.com

www.whiteknucklefilms.com

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