Growing up in Northfield, Sam Studer focused his energies on soccer, worked at Knecht’s landscaping, preparing for a Rotary exchange program to Slovakia and eventually completing his studies in philosophy, religion and psychology at Hamline University.
Becoming a filmmaker was not on his radar, at least not until the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns made him realize he wanted more.
“Covid put a pause on life even though time kept passing,” he said. “I felt stagnated.” To resist staying in place, Studer said he started making YouTube videos and watching movies more closely to study camera angles, dialog and storytelling.
“I started to take film seriously,” he said. From February 2023 to April 2024, Studer and his 11-member cast, that included his brother Nate, worked on the film “The Most Dangerous Gains” that will be screened on July 11 at Cannon Valley Cinema 10 in Dundas.
“This is a dry satirical homage to slasher films of old with ironic modern day sensibilities,” said Studer in a phone interview. “This film is sure to delight viewers of all ages who enjoy that B-movie, midnight at the movies kind of vibe.”
Studer grew up in Northfield after moving here when he was 2. He attended Greenvale Park Elementary School, beforeHis first job at Olympus Athletic Club in Northfield created a foundation for his love of the gym, which is an integral part of the film’s satirical plot surrounding a weight lifting community.
Studer graduated from high school in 2007. Hans Bjorklund, who has been friends with Studer since they were kids, said they both liked Italian action/horror movies from the 1970s and 80s that used corny action sequences and dubbed dialog.
Recreating that type of film “was a pretty big undertaking,” said Bjorklund. “Especially since he did all the over dubbing himself.”
The 48-minute film follows the lives of two friends, Johnny and Rig, who are bound by brotherhood and iron, as they embark upon an adventure to a remote bodybuilding competition. When they arrive, they find, not only the promise of glory, but of blood.
Bjorklund, a professional chef at St. Olaf College who studied at New York’s Culinary Institute of America, said that on May 5 he went to the film’s premiere at the Heights Theater in Minneapolis where the 200-seat theater was filled with friends and supporters — including many from Northfield.
Every moviegoer who purchases a ticket to see “The Most Dangerous Gains” at the Cannon Valley Cinema 10 on July 11 will be entered into a raffle for a signed and framed movie poster. Additional raffle tickets will be available at the July 11 screening for $5. The proceeds will help defray production costs.
Bjorklund said he’ll likely see the film again as he prepares to bid farewell to his longtime friend. In a few weeks, Studer will be moving to England to attend the London Film School to earn a masters in filmmaking.
“I’m feeling a bit sentimental,” he said. “This is a big move. I’ll be far away for two years with an option to complete my final program in the third year.
The showing in Dundas will be Studer’s way of saying goodbye to many friends and supporters in the community.
“I want to thank everyone for being a part of my artistic journey,” he said.
Pamela Thompson is the associate editor for the Northfield News. Reach her at 507-645-1115 or pamela.thompson@apgsomn.com.
IF YOU GO Cannon Valley Cinema 10 in Dundas is hosting a screening of Sam Studer’s film “The Most Dangerous Gains” on Thursday, July 11. Check the theater’s website for details. 599a17dc-18c5-4a1e-968a-42f76b7ca5dc
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