Ayvianna Snow Shines in Dual Roles at FrightFest 2024

British independent film sensation Ayvianna Snow, heralded by Sean Cronin as "fast becoming the British Queen of Horror," is set to captivate audiences with her performances in two highly anticipated films, Bogieville and Derelict. Both films will make their world premiere at the prestigious FrightFest 25th Anniversary event in London this August.

Bogieville: A Tale of Vampires and Intrigue

In Bogieville, Ayvianna takes on the role of Mary, a vampire in an eerie American trailer park. The film, directed by the accomplished British filmmaker and actor Sean Cronin, who also stars as the lead vampire, weaves a gripping narrative. It follows a young couple ensnared by the sinister caretaker Crawford, the guardian of the park's vampiric residents. The setting of a decrepit trailer park filled with blood-thirsty hillbilly vampires promises an atmospheric and chilling experience for horror aficionados.

Cronin's dual role as director and lead vampire adds a unique depth to the film, and Ayvianna's portrayal of Mary is set to be a standout performance in this dark, haunting tale.

Derelict: A Gritty Story of Revenge and Empowerment

Derelict, directed by Jonathan Zaurin, showcases Ayvianna's versatility as she portrays Anna, a drug-addicted woman trapped in an abusive relationship. This harrowing thriller dives into themes of revenge and empowerment, focusing on a daughter's quest for vengeance following her father's murder. The film is deeply rooted in the tradition of British film noir, presenting a series of complex characters and unforeseen repercussions.

Director Jonathan Zaurin commended Ayvianna's dedication to her role: "Ayvianna plays a drug-addicted woman in an abusive relationship. It's a challenging role, raw and very different for her, so it was mind-blowing to see her transform into the character without make-up and special effects—just pure dedication."

A Rising Star in Independent British Cinema

Ayvianna Snow expressed her excitement about working with both directors and being part of these groundbreaking films. “Both Sean and Jonathan are visionary directors, and I am thrilled to be part of this new wave of independent British talent,” she said. Her ability to seamlessly embody such diverse characters demonstrates her exceptional range and commitment to her craft.

With the world premieres of Bogieville and Derelict at FrightFest 2024, Ayvianna Snow is poised to further solidify her reputation in the horror genre. Audiences and critics alike eagerly await her performances, anticipating the unique blend of horror, suspense, and raw emotion she brings to the screen.

As FrightFest celebrates its 25th anniversary, the inclusion of these films highlights the festival's dedication to showcasing innovative and compelling works in the horror genre. Ayvianna Snow’s starring roles in Bogieville and Derelict mark a significant milestone in her career and promise an exciting future for British independent horror cinema.

Follow Ayvianna on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ayviannasnow/

Spotlight: https://www.spotlight.com/5817-5640-0092

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6757384/

Interview with Ayvianna Snow

Can you tell us a little about your latest film projects?

I star in cult director Michael Fausti's much anticipated second feature film, Burnt Flowers- it's a haunting and surreal Horror-Noir and I play a mysterious femme fatale, Alice Kyteller, who approaches Detective Franc Alban (Amber Doig-Thorne) to search for her missing husband. In Punch - a gothic, end-of-the-pier slasher film, which is streaming now, I make a cameo as an ill-fated party guest who becomes an unfortunate victim of the local seaside bogeyman, Mr Punch. I also star as a vampire in Sean Cronin's upcoming new film, Bogieville.

Which character/s have you enjoyed playing most in your films so far, and why?

I enjoyed my role in Yellow playing a sex worker; the film is about the misogyny and abuse faced by women who do sex work. I like being able to use my horror platform to shed light on a serious issue, and I am passionate about women's rights. Yellow screens at Romford Horror this month!

What has been your most challenging role to date?

The role of Anna in Derelict was challenging emotionally because of what the character is going through- she is struggling with drug addiction and being forced into prostitution as a result. Whereas Bogieville was challenging on a physical level; lots of jumping around in heavy prosthetic make-up; I even did my own stunts on set!

What recent (and/or classic) horror movie have you watched that has scared or unnerved you?

I love classic horror performances: Tom Cruise in Interview With The Vampire or Gary Oldman in Dracula.

Which horror film have you watched most and why?

I love to rewatch The Shining; it's such a multi-layered film I get something new from it with each viewing.

What's next for you?

Bogieville and Derelict are both out this summer!

Check out Ayvianna Snow on Apple TV - https://apple.co/4bEZvV1

Ayvianna Snow takes center stage in a slew of upcoming movies:

The versatile performer and reigning queen of horror, Ayvianna Snow, known for her roles in films like "LOLA," "White Colour Black," "Black Lake," "Barun Rai And The House On The Cliff," "Hollow," and "The Lockdown Hauntings," is set to make a triumphant return with a lineup of highly anticipated new movies. Among them are "How To Kill Monsters" and "Punch," both set to premiere at this month's FrightFest, as well as the upcoming film "Wrath of Dracula."

In "How to Kill Monsters," Ayvianna takes on the character of Velma. The film, directed by Stewart Sparke (known for "Book of Monsters"), pays homage to the horror movies of the 80s and 90s that influenced the director's upbringing. This thrilling and humorous movie follows the lone survivor of a gruesome massacre as she joins forces with a motley crew of rookie cops and miscreants to protect a police station from an invasion of Lovecraftian monsters from a different dimension. The movie's practical effects bring an array of monsters to life, accompanied by copious amounts of fake blood and gore, satisfying the craving of horror aficionados for classic popcorn horror entertainment.

Director Stewart Sparke says, “Ayvianna brings a sinister allure to the role of Velma, a character whose devious actions unleash monstrous horrors”.

"Punch" narrates the tale of a young woman's decision to have a final night out in her coastal hometown. However, her departure isn't opposed solely by friends, family, and ex-partners; the local boogeyman, Mr. Punch, is lurking, ready to carry out his sinister intentions. As chaos ensues, Frankie and her companions must fight for survival in this end-of-the-pier slasher with a seaside-gothic twist. Ayvianna's appearance is noteworthy as she plays a striking yet unfortunate party guest who falls victim to Mr. Punch's horrors.

In "Wrath of Dracula," Ayvianna assumes the role of Maria, the primary Bride of Dracula. Led by Professor Van Helsing, Mina Harker (played by Hannaj Bang Bendz) embarks on a brave journey to rescue her beloved husband, Jonathan, from the clutches of the ominous Castle Dracula. As they navigate the shadows and uncover the castle's hidden secrets, they are resolute in their mission to free Jonathan from the clutches of the infamous vampire. However, Maria aligns herself with the Count's efforts to entice Mina into joining them at Castle Dracula.

Director Steve Lawson said, "I was delighted to be able to work with Ayvianna again (following Ripper's Revenge), and this time in a much more substantial role - as Maria, Dracula's favourite bride."

Interview with Ayvianna Snow

 
The UK horror/indie horror scene is a tight-knit community. Do you enjoy attending events like Frightfest, interacting with fans and meeting industry peers?

It really is such a tight-knit community and that's what I love about it! We all support each other's work. "Video Shop" just premiered at Horror-on-Sea and so many people came out to support it, they actually had to open two screens and play it on both simultaneously. The same thing happened at FrightFest with "LOLA". It is lovely to be part of that community. 

 

What are the best films you have watched recently (horror and any other genre) that you would recommend?

I loved last year's A24 horror "Lamb" as I thought it did something really interesting with the genre; it was about a childless couple living in rural Iceland, and how their desperation for a child leads them down a strange path. The cinematography is beautiful and it felt strange and ethereal; it blended horror with fantasy. And I think Cate Blanchett is astounding in "Tar".

 
What was the first horror film you ever watched, and how did it make you feel?

The first one was "The Shining" - I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to horror as it is such a well-made film with amazing performances!

 

Do you have any fears and phobias in real life?

I'm not great with spiders! 


In Video Shop Tales of Terror you star in the Vergessen segment, tell us a bit more about it?

I play Ilsa Lall, an unwilling participant in 'Operation Vergessen'. Together with the other occupants of the 'Frau Haus', I seek to escape, and exact revenge on my tormentors by any means possible!

It's based on a true story; during the war, the Nazis trained women as spies and placed them in a brothel frequented by high-ranking officers with instructions to record the men - the bedrooms were all wire tapped. It was part of the Nazis intelligence gathering.

Our film is about those women and their story, as they attempt to overcome their oppressors and escape.

It was important to me as I think women's stories often get overlooked and forgotten when we talk about the war. 

Video Shop Tales of Terror kickstarts a new horror anthology – will the team/cast be the same for the upcoming film/s?

I certainly hope so! I love working with Michael Fausti; he's an intelligent director with a great vision. And Kemal Yildirim who did the cinematography also writes and directs, so I would love to work with him too. 


What new projects do you have coming up that you would like to share with us?

I appear in Steve Lawson's "Ripper's Revenge" which is out on 3rd April. I am also lucky to appear in "How To Kill Monsters" directed by Stewart Sparke, a horror comedy, later this year! And "The Final 45"; a period drama set during the Second World War where I play a French resistance leader fighting Nazis!

Interview with Ayvianna Snow

 

Is there a horror film that scarred you as a child?
I have always been terrified by 'The Shining.'

What is your favourite horror film, and why do you love it?
My favourite horror film is 'Little Joe', directed by Jessica Hausner. The cinematography has a Kubrickian quality; lots of long, slow pans zooming into two characters talking and then creepily continuing past the actors, focussing on the background as if the actors are only incidental to the scene. The camera is forever peering round corners, giving us the impression of eavesdropping on conversations we weren't meant to hear.

What I love about this film is that it's a slow burner; it's not all jump cuts and gory, bloody deaths; instead, Hausner manages to build a growing sense of unease. The film is disturbing and unsettling rather than flashy. There is a question over whether the lead character, Alice, can truly trust her own perceptions.

In terms of working in independent film, what are the most creative or funny things you or cast colleagues have had to do to make a scene work / be scary?
When I made 'The Lockdown Hauntings' with Howard Ford, he was acting as a one-man camera crew to comply with the Covid restrictions, which meant he had to do every job himself. I remember him having to pull a bit of string to make a door close on cue while also having to operate the camera, record the sound and say the other actor's lines! When the ghost appeared behind me briefly in one scene, he had to set the camera up, put the mask on and then play the ghost himself!

What appeals to you about working in the horror genre?
I think it is such a versatile genre. Many different topics can be explored through a horror lens. And horror has traditionally featured strong leading roles for women.

You recently narrated Orchestrator of Storms, a documentary about the life and work of Eurocult director Jean Rollin…
As an actress who works mainly in the horror genre, I am thrilled to be involved in Orchestrator of Storms, as Jean Rollin is, in many ways, the father of modern horror. His influence on horror has been so far-reaching.

What else do you have coming up?
'Video Shop Tales of Terror' is out in January 2023

Links
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ayviannasnow/
Spotlight: https://www.spotlight.com/5817-5640-0092
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6757384/

INTRODUCING ACTRESS AYVIANNA SNOW - NOW STARRING IN NEW HORROR FILM ‘BARUN RAI AND THE HOUSE ON THE CLIFF’

Ayvianna Snow is a multi-talented actress who is taking the UK by storm and will be starring in numerous films this year and in 2022, including new horror film Barun Rai And The House on The Cliff, out in cinemas from 29th October. 

Filmed in Essex, Barun Rai And The House on The Cliff follows newly-weds who have just moved into their dream home, where they face an unexpected and terrifying turn. Their love is tested by unexplained chilling incidents, with Barun Rai, a detective who solves paranormal activities uncovering hidden, chilling, and supernatural truths about the house. In the film, Snow plays Polly; a newly-wed bride in the 1920s who meets a tragic end...!

Snow is no amateur when it comes to leading roles in horror films.  Her mysterious persona and powerful eye contact instantly absorbs viewers and  has ultimately led to her being  cast in numerous horror films. 

Snow also landed a leading role in recent 2021 feature film 'Black Lake', which was selected to be screened at the Women in Horror Film Festival in Atlanta in February 2020 and also winning  the Best Cinematography award. It was also selected for ShockFest, Salem Horror Fest 2020, Montreal Requiem FearFest, and Cine-Excess where it was a Semi-Finalist.

Ayvianna also starred in 'White Colour Black', which screened at the BFI London Film Festival, and was nominated for a BIFA (British Independent Film Award), in 2016 and was released in cinemas in 2020. 

Snow will also be appearing in hotly anticipated releases in 2022 including; 'L.O.L.A.', a sci-fi film about the relationship between two sisters, staring alongside Emma Appleton. 'Hollow’, an indie horror feature shot in Hereford, written by 'Dr Who' TV writer Keith Temple, and 'The Lockdown Hauntings', which was shot during the first lockdown, directed by Howard Ford. Snow has also filmed both lead roles in 'The Good Wife', directed by Dean M. Drinkel, a psychological horror about two women; a modern woman, Fiona, and her evil doppelganger ghost, Elizabeth, both played by Snow. 

Ayvianna began her career by training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama's Youth Theatre course. Following this, she gained a B.A. (Hons.) in Acting from The Arden School of Theatre in Manchester. Ayvianna is also currently filming 'The Final 45'; where she plays a French Resistance leader during the Second World War, directed by Ian Manson.