The Sgili Hunt | The Raven Mocker Screams | “A Raven’s Call” Film Premiere
Spend spooky season with us at Qualla-Ween! Hunt for the paranormal during the Sgili (Ghost) Hunt at Oconaluftee Indian Village or dare to traverse The Raven Mocker Screams haunted trail at Mountainside Theatre. Plus attend an exclusive film premiere on October 25th. Scroll down for more info!
Select a date on the calendar below to book your tickets
Ages: 10 and up (parent discretion advised)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour per attraction
2025 Dates: October 16th – 18th, 23rd – 25th, 30th – Nov 1st
Hours: 7pm – 10pm
Location: 688 Drama Rd, Cherokee, NC
Sgili Hunt: Tour Oconaluftee Indian Village after dark. Hear tales from our staff and hunt for the paranormal. $12 per person. Not recommended for children under 10.
The Raven Mocker Screams: Brave our haunted trail based on the Cherokee Raven Mocker and come face to face with the legendary creature. $22 per person. Not recommended for children under 13.
Spooky combo ticket: $28 per person – visit both Legendary Fears attractions on the same night and save!
A Raven’s Call Film Premiere: Set in the early 18th century, two Cherokee Indian friends encounter a sinister entity based on a real Cherokee legend: the Raven Mocker. One night only! October 25th. $10 per person.
Legendary Fears: The Sgili (Ghost) Hunt
“Sgili” is the Cherokee catch-all word for things like ghosts, witches, and the paranormal. Oconaluftee Indian Village, which has been open since 1952, has its fair share of sgili. Join us for exclusive access to the Village after dark, including spaces not typically open to the public, to see what sgili you encounter. Our staff members will lead small groups through the Village, stopping at some of the hotspots along the way to share things our employees have seen, heard, and felt while working. At each stop, you’ll have a few minutes to do your own investigation, so be sure to bring your recording devices. The hunt also includes the botanical trail adjacent to the Village, which was the site of a true crime. The Sgili Hunt is the perfect Halloween activity for lovers of all things paranormal.
Please note, The Sgili Hunt includes walking on uneven surfaces after dark and includes stairs. This activity is not recommended for children under 10-years-old.
Legendary Fears: The Raven Mocker Screams
Experience our haunted trail at Mountainside Theatre, based on the Cherokee legend of the Raven Mocker. Not for the faint of heart, this haunted attraction takes you down a wooded path and through the backstage areas of Mountainside Theatre. Along the way, you’ll encounter trapped souls and find out if it’s really the Raven Mocker or something more sinister lurking in the shadows.
The Raven Mocker Screams includes loud noises, fog, and flashing lights. The attraction includes walking on an uneven path. Not recommended for children under 13-years-old.
“A Raven’s Call” Film Premiere
Join us for the exclusive Cherokee premiere of “A Raven’s Call.” This one-night-only event features the premiere of the horror short film “A Raven’s Call,” directed by Corbin Rowell, as well as a talkback with the two Cherokee actors in the film. After watching the Raven Mocker on screen, brave our haunted trail to encounter the Raven Mocker in person.
Synopsis: Set in the early 18th century, two Cherokee Indian friends encounter a sinister entity based on a real Cherokee legend: the Raven Mocker.
Rachel Blythe (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
YonaRachel is a stage actor based in New York City. She is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee with Mexican American roots as well. Rachel has performed in “Unto These Hills” as Nundeyali, “The Gathering” as Lizzie, along with doing promotional ads for Cherokee Historical Association and The Eastern Band of Cherokee.
Taylor Wachacha (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
TawodiTaylor is an actor based out of Cherokee, NC and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He has years of experience working as a stage actor, most notably for his work in “Unto These Hills”, a drama that tells the triumphant story of the formation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from first contact with Europeans through the years following the infamous Trail of Tears. Taylor also works at Oconaluftee Indian Village, where he teaches visitors about Cherokee history and culture.
Taylor has also served as historical consultant and translator for ‘A Raven’s Call’, helping to maintain authenticity in regard to the film’s story, props, wardrobe, and more.
Corbin Rowell
Director of A Raven’s CallCorbin Rowell is an award-winning indie filmmaker based in Richmond, VA, with expertise in directing, screenwriting, producing, and editing. Known for his innovative storytelling and meticulous craft, Rowell has earned recognition for creating atmospheric, thought-provoking horror films that captivate audiences.
Rowell’s journey as a filmmaker began in 2019 with ‘The Collector’s Chest’, a horror short crafted for the Richmond 48 Hour Horror Film Project. The film swept the competition, earning five awards, including 2nd Place Best Film, Audience Choice, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound Design.
In 2022, Rowell’s short film ‘Sutherland’, shot at a 200-year-old Civil War-era farmhouse, received the Best Virginia Film award at the Magic of Horror Film Festival. It also became a finalist for Best Cinematographer at the Montreal Independent Film Festival and won five awards at the Hollywood Blood Horror Fest, including Best Mystery, Best Director, Best Acting Duo, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design.
Rowell recently completed post-production for his ambitious period horror film ‘A Raven’s Call’, a gripping tale set in the early 18th century that explores Cherokee folklore. The short film follows two Cherokee friends confronting the sinister Raven Mocker, a legendary evil force. Years in the making, ‘A Raven’s Call’ premiered at a sold out screening at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, VA on September 13. The film is set to premiere in Cherokee, NC on Saturday, October 25, as part of the district’s Qualla-Ween fall festival.
Blending horror and comedy with a focus on tension and atmosphere, Rowell’s work avoids cheap scares, opting instead for stories that linger with the audience. Off set, he is a devoted cat dad, husband to his high school sweetheart, and a passionate movie buff and gamer, always drawing inspiration from the stories he loves.
In many films, Indigenous Americans are typically subjected to tropes & cliches, such as the usage of Indian burial grounds or delivering superstitious exposition. So we decided to break the status quo.
I wanted to tell an original story with Native lead characters, where they faced a threatening entity that wasn’t just another skinwalker or wendigo. After researching various Cherokee legends, I chose the Raven Mocker as the foundational piece to this film. I was captivated by the stories surrounding this legend – a spirit that could seemingly live forever by absorbing the life force of its victims.
‘A Raven’s Call’ was produced by an award-winning team of filmmakers based out of Richmond, VA. From the props & wardrobe, to the natively spoken dialogue, we worked closely with Indigenous artists & talent to make this film as authentic as possible.
Following a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised over $15,000, ‘A Raven’s Call’ completed production in mid-November 2023. The film wrapped post-production in June 2025 and had its world premiere at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, VA on September 13. In collaboration with the Cherokee Historical Association, my team and I are honored to premiere our film at Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee, NC on October 25, 2025.
Xavier Velasquez
ProducerXavier, a U.S Army Veteran, is a multi-talented cinematographer, steadicam operator, photographer, sound designer, and colorist. With a passion for capturing the essence of the human experience, Xavier blends technical expertise with artistic creativity to create visually stunning and emotional work.
Xavier is also a member of The Steadicam Operators Association (S.O.A) and a Society of Camera Operators “Associate Member”(S.O.C).. His film awards are listed below:
‘Payphone Payoff’ (2020)
Best Sound Design – Cooper Awards Competition
‘Dirty Laundry’ (2019)
Best Student Film – 2018 FIIFF Competition
‘VOID’ (2018)
2nd for Best In Show – 54 Hour Film Festival
‘Room 61’ (2017)
Award of Recognition – 2017 Accolade Competition
Award of Recognition – 2017 Best Shorts Competition
Platinum Award – 2017 LA Shorts Awards
Platinum Award – 2017 NYC Indie Film Awards
Xavier’s photography awards include the HONORABLE MENTION at the 2020 APA COMPETITION and OFFICIAL NOMINEE during the 2020 Fine Art Photo Awards for his “The Mannequin” series.
Check out Xavier’s website: https://www.eckzproductions.com/