The dark comedy I Hate Myself and Want to Die is scheduled for a digital launch on October 6, 2026. David Castle stars in the production, which will also feature a limited theatrical run at Vidiots in Los Angeles.
Freestyle Digital Media to spearhead the October 2026 digital rollout
Freestyle Digital Media has officially acquired the digital distribution rights for the independent dark comedy I Hate Myself and Want to Die. This acquisition follows a successful run on the festival circuit, positioning the film for a wide audience reach via video-on-demand platforms. As the report notes, the digital release is slated for October 6, 2026, providing a clear timeline for viewers interested in the genre.
Producer Leonora Pitts expressed gratitude to the team at Freestyle Digital Media for their support of independent filmmaking. Pitts believes the film's "provocative humor" will resonate with a broad audience once it is available for digital consumption. The production team is looking forward to the dual approach of both a digital and a limited theatrical release.
Jacob’s journey from suicidal ideation to emotional connection
The film's narrative centers on a character named Jacob, played by David Castle, who is an unsuccessful and depressed artist. following a recent breakup, Jacob attempts to end his life, but his plans are derailed by a series of chaotic events and a new connection with a young woman.. Director Davis describes the film as a story of transformation, emphasizing that while the title is literal, the story is also about the people who want Jacob to live.
The production was led by a team including Leonora Pitts, Mark Myers, Bert Kern, John Hermann, Rick Rosenthal, Doug Matejka, and Samuel Henry Miller. The ensemble cast includes Ali Gallo, Andre Hyland, and Meredith Salenger, with Salenger previously known for voicing Supergirl in the 2018 film Teen Titans Go! To the Movies. According to the report,the film utilizes a whimsical undertone to explore Jacob's reconnection with his emotions and the humanity seen by his friends and family.
From Wilmington’s Best Feature win to a Los Angeles theatrical run
The film’s momentum was built through several high-profile appearances at various film festivals. It originally premiered at the Austin Film Festival and received subsequent screenings at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Most significantly, the production won the Best Feature award at the Wilmington International Film Festival, a milestone that helped secure its current distribution deal.
The upcoming theatrical component will be hosted at Vidiots in Los Angeles during October 2026. This limited run serves as a bridge between the film's festival success and its wider digital availability,allowing for a more traditional cinematic experience for select audiences.
Unconfirmed dates for the Vidiots theatrical window
While the VOD release date is firmly established for October 6, 2026, several details regarding the theatrical release remain unverified.. The report does not specify the exact calendar dates for the screenings at Vidiots in Los Angeles, nor does it name the specific VOD platforms that will host the film . Furthermore, it is currently unknown if the limited theatrical run will expand to other cities beyond Los Angeles.
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