THE FOLLOWING RELEASE COURTESY OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER CRYSTAL HUGHES
Hometown Horror Returns:
Children of the Cornfield
Premieres in Danville
Shot in Vermilion County | Featuring Local Talent, Crew, and Businesses
Plus Sneak Peek of Explosive Docuseries HELLthcare
Monday, December 29 | The Fischer Theatre | Doors 6PM, Show 7PM
DANVILLE, IL – Children of the Cornfield, a horror comedy short film by Oakwood native Crystal Lee Hughes, will have its local premiere at the historic Fischer Theatre on Monday, December 29. The screening celebrates Vermilion County as both a setting and a collaborator, with local actors, filmmakers, and businesses playing pivotal roles in the production.
The short film serves as the opening act for a planned feature, and was filmed entirely in the region, with scenes captured at the Fischer Theatre, Kickapoo State park, Sport Clips, & other local gems. This hometown horror comedy delivers eerie Midwest vibes and small-town suspense, with a nostalgic nod to the landscape and people that inspired it.
Guests will also be treated to a sneak peek of Hughes’ docuseries HELLthcare- a hard-hitting investigative series exposing the cracks in the U.S. healthcare system while spotlighting bold innovators fighting to fix it.
The evening includes:
- Red Carpet Arrival
- Screening of Children of the Cornfield
- Exclusive trailer debut of HELLthcare
- Raffle & Silent Auction (featuring local business donations)
- Reception with snacks and beverages
- Suggested donation at the door benefiting the Fischer Theatre
Attendees can support the upcoming feature film by participating in the silent auction or purchasing raffle tickets. T-shirts, project QR codes, and exclusive items will be available. Organizers are exploring live-stream options so that viewers can still support the project virtually.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Crystal Lee Hughes is a SAG-AFTRA actor, writer, and director currently based in Los Angeles. A graduate of Oakwood High School, she returned home to film and collaborate with local creatives. She stars in and directs Children of the Cornfield and created HELLthcare through her independent production company.
“This project means the world to me. We had a ton of fun shooting it and it wouldn’t exist without my family, friends, & this community,” said Hughes.
RSVP + Details: https://facebook.com/events/2323704068042882
For press inquiries, media passes, or donation info, please contact:
Crystal Lee Hughes — [crystalhughes03@gmail.com]
Date: Monday, December 29, 2025
Venue: The Fischer Theatre, 158 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL
Schedule:
- 6:00 PM – Doors open, red carpet photos
- 7:00 PM – Premiere screening begins
- 7:20 PM – HELLthcare trailer sneak peek
- 7:30 PM–9:00 PM – Reception, raffle, silent auction
