ICYMI Local filmmaker wants to hear your spookiest Cambridge stories

This article was previously published on CambridgeToday.

Waterloo filmmaker Dan McLeod had always been skeptical of the paranormal.

There was just something about ghosts and spirits that seemed too far-fetched and at times, ridiculous.

That was until a first hand experience six years ago.

It all began with weird noises coming from his bedroom closet that became so persistent it forced him to sleep on his couch.

A few days later, he saw something he'll never forget.

"One day I came out of my office and saw a cloudy human shape go up the stairs into the bedroom," McLeod said.

"It wasn’t scary, it was just confusing. My brain didn’t comprehend it. I didn’t tell anyone for years until co-workers and I were hanging out and one said their house was haunted."

The conversation got McLeod's creative wheels turning, wondering how common these occurrences are. As it turns out, more common than he thought.

The whole process has inspired him to film documentaries about different people's experiences. Having been in the film world for over 10 years, it was a natural way to bring the stories to light.

It's a venture that started by talking to friends and has slowly expanded. 

Now, he's on the lookout for people and places with stories to tell in Cambridge.

"Cambridge is an absolutely beautiful city," he said.

"I love the old armoury building. Wandering around that area, it has a feel that’s timeless. I'm a big history guy and being able to walk down those streets and see a modern coffee shop gets me wondering what it used to be and the mystery of it."

Through his work, McLeod has come across people from various walks of life, including from different cultural, religious and economic backgrounds.

For him, the ability to listen, immerse himself in and creatively share their stories is what he loves.

But as many stories as he's heard, he finds many people are still concerned about coming forward due to the fear of not being believed. It's part of what makes the entire concept worth exploring.

"I’m not concerned if you believe them," he said.

"Some people have seen it and don’t believe it. That, I find very interesting."

Anyone with a paranormal experience can contact McLeod at [email protected].

To view his previous documentaries, click here.