To be clear, Scary Earth is a pro-Sasquatch site. Not sure that’s a thing but if not, it is now!
That said, I have never found the Patterson-Gimlin film to be that convincing.
Why?
Circumstances. Nothing more – nothing less.
Of course there’s an endless barrage of experts who have weighed in over the years about “muscle movements” and “1967 costume technology” and they at times make compelling cases.
Still, something else always sticks.
Roger Patterson was in debt and was promoting his 1966 book “Do Abominable Snowmen of America Really Exist?” [my affiliate link].
Both well known facts which have always pushed my brain towards “hoax.”
Even more than these convenient facts is the whole aspect of “Patty” conveniently appearing in broad daylight on a smooth patch of creek bottom and then turning her head to pose for the camera.
Does this any of these prove this particular film is a hoax? Of course not but it does (and should) make you totally skeptical.
There are a lot more coincidences about the Patterson-Gimlin film and I encourage you to read about them. Here’s a good resource to review.
So, Marq Evans has made a movie about the Patterson-Gimlin film called “Capturing Bigfoot.” Originally shown to a select audience at the 2026 SXSW festival, the initial viewing creating quite the stir! Well no this film is set for a limited theatrical release via XYZ films (in major cities such as LA and NYC) as well as VOD release on Amazon Prime [my affiliate link] on October 20, 2026 (the 59th anniversary of the Patterson-Gimlin film.)
“Capturing Bigfoot” centers around the discovery of previously lost 16mm footage from 1966 which is said to show what are essentially dress rehearsals for the actual Patterson-Gimlin film. Viewers at SXSW say this 1996 footage show a rehearsal. One thing that jumps out to me is the existence of a Capturing Bigfoot Patreon. Make of that what you will.
I’ll reserve judgement until I’ve seen it.
Needless to say you’ll get a full review as soon as the film is viewed a few times here at Scary Earth HQ. While I’ve longed leaned toward the Patterson-Gimlin film being a hoax, if this film does prove a hoax what changes?
Nothing – except this film is no longer the best proof of the existence of Bigfoot.
In my mind, it never was.
Here’s the just released trailer for this film: