The man caught holding the gun that fired the shot across the diegetic bow of cineastes everywhere? Look no further than writer-director-dream factory foreman James Nguyen. One of cinema’s most persistent dreamers, Nguyen (legally trademarked as “The Master of the Romantic Thriller”(TM)) funded his masterwork with personal funds accrued from his day job as a Silicon Valley software salesman. No less than five years in the making, Birdemic stands as a testament to Nguyen’s dark, enduring vision.

Following Birdemic’s heartless official rejection at the hands of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, Nguyen took matters into his own hands, engaging in a one-man blitz of Park City, Utah. Nguyen’s van-based publicity campaign caught the attention of Severin Films, who took one look at the film and immediately locked up its rights for the next two decades.

Following the screening, Tim & Eric will also lead a Q&A with director Nguyen and stars Alan Bagh and Whitney Moore. Finally, in keeping with Birdemic’s immersive appeal, Severin will feature a display of props and costumes from the film that promises to put the Arclight to shame.

Why did the birds attack? Who will survive? All questions will finally be answered on the final Saturday in February.