Dead Bigfoot: A True Story Reviewed

If you follow bigfoot research, you’ve no doubt heard the controversial name of Justin Smeja. Smeja is, of course, the bear hunter who claims to have shot and killed a juvenile sasquatch in the Sierra mountains in 2010. Since coming forward, his story has been widely spread on the internet (through both interviews and a small documentary), and lately featured in several television shows including Bigfoot: The New Evidence. The DNA evidence has been analyzed, but still the question remains: did Smeja actually kill a bigfoot?

These type of stories tend to polarize the bigfoot community as researchers struggle to sort out the truth. In an effort to do just that, bigfoot researcher and independent filmmaker, Ro Sahebi, in association with The Sierras Evidence Initiative, has created a new feature documentary titled Dead Bigfoot: A True Story. In the doc, Sahebi interviews the witnesses, initiates a polygraph test, and takes a look at the various shreds of evidence that have thus far been presented.

As part of the investigation, Sahebi interviews Smeja at length, asking him to take us step-by-step through what allegedly happened. Sahebi also interviews the “Driver,” the second participant in the “shooting.” This is significant, since this is the Driver’s first taped interview, although he still chooses to remain anonymous by not showing his full face or giving his name. But regardless, hearing his side certainly provides a better perspective on the whole story. Sahebi also returns to the “kill site” along with Smeja and bigfoot researchers, Bart Cutino and Sanh Oriyavong, to tape a recreation of the event. In the process, they end up experiencing something strange.

Dead Bigfoot is a solid piece of documentary film work that brings the whole incident under scrutiny. The presentation is engaging and does a good job of presenting the facts, allowing both Smeja and the Driver to tell their full stories. No matter which side you take in this controversial case, Dead Bigfoot is undoubtedly the most comprehensive examination to date.

Dead Bigfoot: A True Story
Presented by MuldersWorld.com
In Association with The Sierras Evidence Initiative
Starring Justin Smeja, The Driver, Bart Cutino, Ro Sahebi and Sanh Oriyavong
Written and Directed by Ro Sahebi

Lyle Blackburn About Lyle Blackburn
Lyle Blackburn’s research and writing on the subject of legendary creatures and unexplained phenomenon has been widely recognized as some of the best in the field of cryptozoology. His previous books, including The Beast of Boggy Creek and Momo: The Strange Case of the Missouri Monster, offer a balanced view of the subjects while delivering gripping accounts of real-life mysteries. Lyle is a frequent guest on radio programs such as Coast To Coast AM, and has appeared on television shows such as Monsters and Mysteries in America, Finding Bigfoot, and Strange Evidence. Lyle has also been featured in several award-winning documentary films, including Boggy Creek Monster and The Mothman of Point Pleasant. For more information, visit Lyle's website at: www.lyleblackburn.com

Email • Facebook • Twitter • Youtube • Instagram •