Local film "The Fuzzies" combines horror and comedy, premieres at Chico's Pageant Theatere

Written By Josh Funk

by Hannah Gutierrez

Wed, October 15, 2025 at 5:53 PM

Updated Wed, October 15, 2025 at 7:56 PM

CHICO, Calif. — Horror-comedy film "The Fuzzies" is premiering at Chico's Pageant Theater this week. It was filmed in Butte County with the assistance of several residents and over 40 Chico State students.

Set in the 1980s, the film follows a children's show host who passes away, leaving her estate to her childhood friends. These friends reunite to find the star of her show, "Sunny Smiles," when unexpected surprises arise. The film was shot mainly in Chico and Cohasset, combining stop-motion animation with live action.

We feel like this is totally unique and it’s own thing. You don’t have to be a fan of horror. If you just want to celebrate this community, you can. There are a lot of times in the movie where you’re going to be like ‘Oh, I know where that is’ or ‘Oh, I know where that is’ and you’re going to love that. If you are a fan of horror, especially a fan of 80’s horror, it’s definitely the Muppets meets the Evil Dead, I think is the best way to describe it," said Dustin Vaught, Producer and star of the film.

Directed by Chico State Digital Media Assistant Professor Josh Funk, "The Fuzzies" began as a short film in 2021, playing at 80 festivals in 15 countries before being expanded into a full-length feature film.

The film is being screened at the Pageant Theater on Wednesday and Thursday night, with more theatrical releases planned this year. It will then be available for streaming in 2026.

Josh Funk
I am an artist and filmmaker from Chico, CA specializing in dark and quirky creations that emphasize fantasy and imagination. Using practical methods such as stop-motion animation, illustration, props and elaborate sets, I strive for stunning and memorable images in all of my work. I began my career drawing and designing concert posters for bands, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Chico in 2007, founded the Design firm, Code Nine Design in 2008 and created an instructional Magic Graphic Novel (Sinful) in 2009 for Wayne Houchin (Discovery Channel Host of "Breaking Magic"). In 2013 I released my first stop-motion animated short film Wormholes and am currently developing a live action/stop-motion film titled The Spaceman. I am very passionate about creating and collaborating and look forward to the coming years and what challenges and opportunities they may bring. EMPLOYMENT: Producer, Director Heavy Signal January 2012 – Present (3 years)Chico, california area Producer and Director for Music Videos and short films including the stop-motion animated short "Wormholes". I am currently in production on the live-action / stop-motion film "The Spaceman" due out in February, 2015. Freelance: Illustration / Stop-Motion Animation / Design June 2000 – Present (14 years 7 months)Chico, California Area Illustration: My illustration work specializes in mixing pencil and digital mediums together. My subject matter is strongly based on character design, animals, and other worldly creatures. Stop-Motion Animation: I have experience animating, creating storyboards, puppet, & set design for stop-motion animated projects. Design: My design focuses on album covers, movie posters, and promotional materials within the entertainment industries. Songwriting & Music Production June 1996 – Present (18 years 7 months)Chico, California Area Songwriting and Music Production for albums, independent films and instructional DVDs released worldwide. Visiting Lecturer California State University, Chico September 2014 – September 2014 (1 month) Lectured on my experience with Stop-Motion Animation, book illustration, filmmaking and how to use your art degree after graduation. Freelance Writer Videomaker July 2013 – January 2014 (7 months)Videomaker Stop-Motion animation writer for Videomaker.com on the topic of Stop-Motion Animation Techniques. Creative Consultant WH Entertainment March 2013 – July 2013 (5 months) Creative Consultant and Art Director for the world touring production "Moments of Insanity". Owner, Designer Code Nine Design LLC July 2008 – December 2011 (3 years 6 months) A Northern California based Design Firm that focused on Illustration, Branding Campaigns within the Music & Entertainment Industry, & Web Design. EDUCATION: California State University-Chico B.A, Art Studio 2004 – 2007 In Drawing & Electronic Art. Minor in Art History. INTERESTS: - Stop-Motion Animation - Illustration - Filmmaking
www.joshfunk.com
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Pageant premieres ‘The Fuzzies’, a film shot, produced in Butte County
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'The Fuzzies’: How a Chico short film became a feature-length horror comedy