Asylum: Not Abandoned - Sizzle Reel. A first glimpse at the story we’re bringing to the screen and some of the footage we have shot so far.
Summary
My name is Kate Arpke Houle, and there is a story that has been gently tapping me on the shoulder for years, until last summer when it started actively not just tapping, but shoving me around and demanding to be made. This is when my partner, Rob, and I had the chance to visit the mental hospital where my dad grew up, and we decided it was important to bring our cameras. This is a true family story about my dad and his siblings, and their wildly unique upbringing in a county mental institution in rural Wisconsin. My father’s parents (my grandparents) were the live-in superintendents and caretakers of what was once The Sheboygan County Hospital and is now dubbed “The Insane Asylum” for the various ghost hunters, haunted attractions, and airsoft players that the now closed facility plays host to in order to keep the building and property maintained. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​
We started pre-production and filming in the summer of 2024. We have already put a year of work into making this documentary film a reality. So far, this film has been entirely self-funded, and we need the resources to continue this project and finish the movie. Ask yourself if this is a film that you would want to see, and if it is a movie you would pay to see and consider helping fund this production now. This campaign is incredibly close to our hearts because it is focused on preserving not only a major piece of family history but also Wisconsin history, and mental health history, while exploring concepts in both paranormal activity and horror themed entertainment.
This film uncovers the whole truth rather than having my family’s legacy become nothing more than a haunted attraction. This project is incredibly urgent because of the nature of life, death, and cyclical fading of generations, the fact that we still have access to some of the people, and the location itself is not lost on us and we are acutely aware that time is limited and running out. Further, it is a timely story for the present day; between the arts and mental health programs being gutted and defunded right now, and sensational headlines splashing across screens, there is no better time for a movie that brings a very human story back into focus and examines history, family, and love through an empathetic rather than polarizing lens. It is our goal to have all filming completed by November of 2025 and a rough cut edited together by January 2026, and a final cut by the beginning of April 2026 and ready for festivals, educational licensing, community screenings, and eventually streaming services.
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Ways You Can Help
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Back the film:
We've started an IndieGoGo campaign for those who can and wish to support the making of this movie.
Spread the Word:
Share a link to this page with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who know about our project, the better our chances of reaching our goal!
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Make Some Noise:
​Use your voice to advocate for our documentary! Talk about it in person, on social media, or through any community groups you’re a part of. Your enthusiasm can inspire others to get involved.
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Stay connected with us for updates and news about the project. Your support, whether financial or through sharing, is crucial to our success!
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Every little bit helps, and we truly appreciate your support in any form. Thank you for being a part of our journey!