Usually Careful and Crafty Internet Commenters Fooled by ‘Hellaware’ Promotional Video

Some filmmakers know how to make the most of an opportunity. The group behind “Hellaware,” an independent comedy set to premiere at the BAMcinemafest on June 22, has released a YouTube video to promote their film. While not a revolutionary act per se, the execution has left many confused internet viewers wondering what, if anything, the video is about. 

Let’s start at the beginning. The film itself focuses on an “aspiring but less than ambitious” New York City photographer who discovers the Young Torture Killaz — an extremely vulgar band sporting excess amounts of clown makeup — on YouTube. He becomes fascinated with them and hopes they’ll prove to be his big break. Starring Keith Poulson (“Somebody Up There Likes Me”) and directed by Michael M. Bilandic (“Happy Life”), “Hellaware” is meant to be a satirical take of New York City’s underground art world.

Meanwhile, in the real world, the fictional Young Torture Killaz released a video on YouTube and WorldStarHipHop.com featuring the song, “I’ll Cut Yo Dick Off.” Despite the somewhat intimidating title, the song caught on quickly online, amassing more than 100,000 combined views and confusing many who saw the crude footage of makeup-wearing men chopping up pieces of their own anatomy. While many posts are too vulgar to replicate, some viewers expressed genuine concern over the masochistic musicians. 

Others were slightly more upset and/or very confused.

And then the veil was lifted…slightly.

Indiewire chose “Hellaware” as one of the five must-see discoveries at BAMcinemaFest, but apparently the article didn’t crossover to fans of Insane Clown Posse-esque music videos. Tickets are still available for the June 22 screening at BAM’s website. Watch their video below: