Overview: Dark Sanctuary: The Story Of The Church is the story of one of the longest run goth clubs in the US and community of artists and misfits who call the Dallas TX club, The Church, their sanctuary.

A feature-length documentary about the historic Dallas, TX Goth club - The Church, Dark Sanctuary exposes the incredible, shocking history of one of the longest running goth clubs in the U.S. as well as the world-renowned artists who performed there.

Blu-ray Verdict: Through interviews with world-famous music artists, local bands, and patrons, the film tells the story of the community that formed over nearly three decades of the legendary club’s existence. The motto of The Church became Enter Without Prejudice meaning no matter who you are, how you look, how you dress, your sexuality, your gender identity, the color of your skin, your body type, all are welcome and embraced at The Church.

“It’s the place where you can go and be accepted,” says Don Nedler, the Lizard Lounge’s owner and founder, “where no one’s going to judge you.”

Follow DJ in residence, Joe Virus, on his journey from aspiring musician to headlining the main stage for over 20 years and through the events of the global epidemic which lead to a neighborhood buyout from a multimillion-dollar real estate company, threatening to claim the beloved building at 2424 Swiss Avenue.

Just what will happen when the deep south’s premiere goth club of nearly thirty years stands on the brink of being lost forever? Well, directed by Timothy Stevens and produced by Austin Hayes, the beyond fascinating story - one that dutifully balances between action, comedy and drama oh-so perfectly - opens its doors and brings forth 86 minutes of pure visual wonderment.

Inspired by Carlos Menendez and his successful long running theme night, which began in Miami “Velvet” nightclub, The Church provided Dallas with the most unique nightclub experience. The Miami Church still exists, although in a different location, of course, but this brilliant documentary focuses moreover on its history.

Throughout the years, past luminaries have included Trent Reznor & Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Peter Hook, Andy Laplegua, Combichrist, cEvin Key, Voltaire, Rubberdoll, Torture Garden, Korn, Disturbed, Depeche Mode, Lords of Acid, Dita Von Teese, Midori, Benny Benassi, Abney Park, Fischer Spooner & Front 242, to name but a few.

I mean, there are just so many stories from The Church’s visitors that Stevens has amiably compiled them here in this new crowdfunded documentary (and which had its premiere at the Violet Crown theater as part of the Dallas International Film Festival.

Stevens says the idea for a documentary about The Church first came to him during a phone call with Austin Hayes, a regular patron of The Church who became one of the film’s producers. “At the time I was making another film, actually my first feature,” Stevens says, “and my first thought was someone should do that.”

In closing, any documentary about The Church would be incomplete without focusing on Virus’ influence. Stevens took it one step further by hiring Virus to write the score and soundtrack for his film. Just like the trajectory at The Church, Virus’ role in the film expanded and shaped the sound of the Dark Shadows doc. He ended up creating 75 new tracks for the movie over six months!

Cast & Crew:
Bill Leeb of Front Line Assembly as self
cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy as self
Patrick Codenys of Front 242 as self
Paul Oakenfold as self

Bonus materials included Slide Show, Trailers & more!

DARK SANCTUARY: The Story Of The Church (Official Trailer)