FrightFest 2024: A Feast of Genre Short Films

Images: Frightfest Press

By Jon Donnis

Since its inception in 2004, FrightFest has been the premiere destination for aficionados of genre cinema, offering a platform for the boldest and most innovative short films from across the globe. The 2024 edition, held at the iconic ODEON Luxe West End, continues this tradition with an exceptional lineup that showcases the best in horror, thriller, and dark fantasy shorts. This year’s selection includes fourteen World Premieres and spans an impressive array of themes, styles, and perspectives, affirming FrightFest's status as a hub for both emerging talents and established filmmakers.

Pre-Feature Shorts: A Glimpse into the Dark

One of the highlights of this year's festival is the collection of pre-feature shorts that will set the stage for the main features in both the Main and Discovery screens. Among these is the UK Premiere of Bella Thorne’s directorial debut, UNSETTLED. This haunting tale, based on a true queer revenge saga, delves into the horrors lurking within the conservative Bible Belt of Oklahoma. Other standout pre-feature shorts include Brea Grant’s MLM, a darkly humorous take on the perils of multi-level marketing, and Thom Newell’s FULL MOON GLORY HOLE, a twisted vampiristic tale that promises more than just a cheap thrill.

Adam Mason’s HOTLINE, which pays homage to the 70’s horror classic When A Stranger Calls, and Zach Parker’s BARISTA, a gory love letter to 70s exploitation cinema, further elevate the lineup. Each of these shorts, with their unique narratives and striking visual styles, perfectly primes audiences for the full-length features that follow.

Showcase Line-Ups: A Global Perspective on Genre Cinema

The short film showcases are where FrightFest truly shines, presenting a rich tapestry of stories from around the world. The first showcase features a range of international premieres, including FOREVER YOURS from Germany, a disturbing exploration of obsessive love, and THE COST OF FLESH from France, a visually stunning piece that immerses viewers in a tale of dark mysticism. The showcase also includes VHX, a U.S. entry that cleverly reimagines the horror potential of forgotten home movies.

From the surreal to the visceral, these films push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Colin Minihan’s TRIP, for instance, uses groundbreaking VFX to create a hallucinatory journey into the unknown, while SHADOW by Kamell Allaway employs atmospheric horror to tell a chilling tale of maternal terror. Meanwhile, FOMO/ARMAGEDDON from Denmark offers a poignant reflection on family illness and societal neglect, culminating in a moving and apocalyptic narrative.

Daniel Mays in THE AWAKENING

UK Shorts: Homegrown Horrors

The UK is well-represented this year with twenty-two entries, showcasing the diversity and talent within the local genre filmmaking community. THE AWAKENING, starring Daniel Mays, stands out as a highlight, bringing a chilling story of nocturnal mystery to life. Returning FrightFest directors like David Yorke (SAFE) and Tony Hipwell (BODY WORN VIDEO) continue to impress with their latest works, demonstrating a mastery of tension and psychological horror.

These UK shorts cover a wide range of themes, from the macabre DIY dentistry in THE VAMPIRE THEORY to the supernatural terror of NYCTOPHOBIA. The darkly comedic BREAKFAST and the eerie DELIVERANCE explore the horror that can lurk in everyday situations, proving that even the most mundane moments can become nightmarish in the hands of skilled filmmakers.

BREAKFAST 

A Celebration of Genre Diversity

FrightFest 2024 is not just a showcase of horror—it’s a celebration of genre filmmaking in all its forms. From the deeply unsettling to the darkly humorous, the films selected for this year’s festival reflect the broad spectrum of styles and stories that genre cinema can encompass. With filmmakers from around the world contributing their unique voices to this year’s lineup, FrightFest continues to be a vital platform for both up-and-coming talents and established genre masters.

As audiences gather at the ODEON Luxe West End, they can expect to be thrilled, terrified, and utterly captivated by the imaginative storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship on display. Whether it's through the psychological terror of a World Premiere or the gruesome fun of a pre-feature short, FrightFest 2024 promises to be a feast for fans of the genre.

Full Line-Up Details

For those eager to dive into the specifics, the festival offers a meticulously curated schedule. From the unsettling tension of UNSETTLED to the haunting beauty of OPEN YOUR EYES, each short promises a unique experience, ensuring that this year’s FrightFest will linger in the minds of its audience long after the credits roll.

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 runs from 22–26 August at ODEON Luxe Leicester Sq & ODEON Luxe West End. Don’t miss your chance to witness the future of genre cinema unfold on the big screen.

For full programme details & tickets: www.frightfest.co.uk

Black Water Pictures Announces the World Premiere of "Members Club" at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest

Black Water Pictures has announced that their latest horror comedy, Members Club, will celebrate its world premiere at this year's Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on August 24th. The film, both written and directed by Marc Coleman, showcases an array of prominent British actors.

The cast includes Dean Kilbey (ManFish, Boiling Point (2023), Top Boy), Perry Benson (Love Honour and Obey, This is England, Benidorm), Barbara Smith (EastEnders, Call The Midwife, Casualty), Juliet Cowan (Culprits, Cuckoo, Motherland), Mark Monero (Sid and Nancy, Free Fire, Happy New Year Colin Burstead), Steve Oram (Sightseers, The World's End, Aaaaaaaah!), David Schaal (The Inbetweeners, EastEnders, Down Terrace), Alan Ford (Snatch, Cockneys vs Zombies, Toast of London), Liam Noble (Peep Show, ManFish, Bridgerton), and Peter Andre (Dragged Up Dirty, On The Other Foot).

Members Club tells the story of Wet Dreams, a group of middle-aged male strippers who are struggling with a series of failed performances. As they contemplate disbanding, Alan, the group's optimistic leader, takes control and books them for a mysterious and lucrative gig in rural Essex. However, the night takes a sinister turn when they become entangled in a plot to resurrect a murderous 16th-century witch.

The film promises a journey from the mundane life of middle-aged strippers to an outrageous world filled with talking cheese and pineapple hedgehogs, whiskey-drinking toads, and OnlyFans for pensioners. The highlight is Peter Andre’s most unconventional role to date, contributing to a finale unlike anything seen before on screen.

Marc Coleman, the film's writer and director, expressed his excitement about the premiere: "I’m really excited for the world to see Members Club. We’ve been working on this project from script to screen for over two years, and I can’t wait to show audiences what we’ve been up to. It's a middle-aged ‘Magic Mike’ meets a British ‘From Dusk Till Dawn.’"

Producer Raghav ‘Gav’ Mukerji highlighted the film’s unique concept: "The world has been calling for a stripper-killing witch film for years, and we were brave enough to do it and make it as balls-to-the-walls mental as we could. It's a testament to our director's ability that there's enough substance, heart, and craft in the project to have the audience walk away feeling something too."

Kevin Harvey of Black Water Pictures also shared his enthusiasm: "When Gav and Marc approached Black Water with this project, we jumped at the chance to bring to market this highly original and frankly hilarious riot of a horror comedy."

With its world premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, Members Club is set to captivate audiences with its blend of horror and comedy, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Witness the Rise of Saint Clare: A Haunting Thriller at FrightFest

 

This August, prepare to be gripped by the chilling intensity of Saint Clare, a blood-soaked thriller set to make its UK premiere at London's FrightFest. Starring Bella Thorne, known for her roles in Blended, Midnight Sun, and Scream: The TV Series, this film promises a mesmerizing performance from the actress as she takes on the eponymous lead in a spiritually charged tale. Imagine the unholy blend of American Psycho meeting Joan of Arc in a small town, and you get a glimpse of what’s in store.

Saint Clare is an adaptation of the novel by Don Roff, brought to the screen by the visionary Italian director Mitzi Peirone, acclaimed for her work on Braid. Peirone co-wrote the screenplay with Guinevere Turner, renowned for her writing on American Psycho, ensuring a narrative that's as sharp and unnerving as it is profound.

The film boasts a stellar cast, including Ryan Phillippe (Crash, Cruel Intentions), Rebecca De Mornay (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Risky Business), Frank Whaley (Broken Arrow, Pulp Fiction), and Bart Johnson (High School Musical). Enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere is an original soundtrack by Zola Jesus, whose haunting melodies perfectly complement the movie's dark themes.

Set in a small town, Saint Clare follows a solitary young woman, Clare, haunted by voices that drive her to eliminate those with malicious intents who believe they can act with impunity. However, her final assassination plunges her into a nightmarish world of corruption, human trafficking, and otherworldly visions. As she spirals deeper into this dark abyss, the film questions whether Clare can save herself from the unimaginable horrors that her quest for vengeance unearths.

Don't miss the UK premiere of Saint Clare at FrightFest on 25 August 2024. For those who can’t attend, the film will be available digitally later this year, with the release date to be announced by 101 Films.

Prepare yourself for a journey into darkness and redemption, and witness the rise of Saint Clare.

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest Unveils 25th Anniversary Celebrations at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, the UK's premier horror genre festival, has announced its 25th-anniversary celebrations with a move to the prestigious ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. Alongside this exciting transition, the festival revealed the stunning poster art by renowned artist Graham Humphreys, promising an unforgettable experience for horror enthusiasts.

Graham Humphreys, the mastermind behind this year's poster, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the significance of the venue change. He drew parallels between the iconic ODEON Luxe Leicester Square and the legendary Art Deco Empire State Building in New York, highlighting the historical and architectural significance of the new location.

"In the 1933 movie 'King Kong,' the giant primate scaled the Empire State Building. It seems a fitting homage to have our own monster scale the Leicester Square landmark... the top of the world for the king of horror festivals," remarked Humphreys, capturing the essence of FrightFest's milestone year.

Co-director Ian Rattray echoed Humphreys' sentiments, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of leaving behind past successes while embracing the fresh opportunities afforded by the new venue. "As we celebrate 25 years, we look forward to welcoming FrightFesters to this exciting new chapter for the UK’s biggest, brightest, and most successful genre event," Rattray affirmed.

Rattray also commended Humphreys for his exceptional artwork, noting the artist's consistent ability to captivate and surprise audiences year after year. Humphreys' poster art has become synonymous with FrightFest, embodying the spirit of the festival with each new creation.

Bill Brock, Event Manager at ODEON Cinemas Group, expressed delight in hosting FrightFest's 25th-anniversary event at the iconic ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. "We share FrightFest’s passion for this genre and are honored to be hosting the event," Brock stated, emphasizing the venue's status as the home of UK premieres and its renowned luxury cinema experience.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square from Thursday, August 22, to Monday, August 26, 2024, coinciding with the annual Bank Holiday weekend. Attendees can expect five days filled with thrilling screenings, exclusive premieres, and immersive experiences, solidifying FrightFest's reputation as the UK's largest celebration of genre cinema.

The official lineup of films will be unveiled on Thursday, July 11, promising an eclectic mix of horror, fantasy, and suspense to enthrall audiences and commemorate FrightFest's remarkable journey over the past quarter-century. As horror finds its new home at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, fans eagerly anticipate an unforgettable celebration of the genre's most iconic moments and emerging talents.

www.frightfest.co.uk | FB: /FrightFestreal | Twitter: @frightfest | IG: @frightfestUK

Glasgow Film Festival 2024 line-up announced by Pigeon Shrine FrightFest

FrightFest, the premier horror fantasy event in the UK, is returning to the Glasgow Film Festival for its 19th year from Thursday, March 7th to Saturday, March 9th, 2024. We're excited to unveil the stellar lineup of talent set to grace the stage at the Glasgow Film Theatre.

Leading the pack is Emily Hampshire, known for her roles in "Schitt’s Creek" and "The Rig", who will be hosting the World Premiere of "MOM" alongside director Adam O’Brien. Emily not only stars in the film but also serves as Executive Producer.

Emily Hampshire

Joining us as well is the mega-genre talent Lauren LaVera, star of "Terrifier 2" and the upcoming "Terrifier 3", presenting her latest chilling movie, "THE WELL", alongside Italian director Federico Zampaglione.

Abigail Hardingham, acclaimed for her performances in "The Missing" and "Nina Forever", will also grace us with her presence for the World Premiere of "CUSTOM", a passion project in which she stars and co-produces. Director Tiago Teixeirin, marking his impactful feature film debut, and co-star Samantha Steel will also be in attendance.

Also marking their feature film debut with "KILL YOUR LOVER" are dynamic filmmaker duo Alix Austin and Keir Siewert, who will be in Glasgow alongside key cast members Paige Gilmour and Fair City’s Shane Quigley-Murphy.

While the monster in "THE INVISIBLE RAPTOR" may be unseen, the talent behind it certainly isn't. Joining us are writer, lead actor, and producer Mike Capes, as well as actor David Shackleford.

The genre is experiencing an influx of emerging new auteurs, and we're delighted to welcome two talented directors into the fold - Paul Duane, director of "ALL YOU NEED IS DEATH", and Alan Scott Neal, director of "LAST STRAW".

Please note that all films contain graphic scenes of strong violence and sustained threat.

How to Buy Tickets

Online: https://www.glasgowfilm.org/frightfest/

Telephone: 0141 332 6535 (£1.50 fee per transaction, voice-mail available during peak business periods.

In person: Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RB.

Lauren LaVera

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest announces Halloween 2023 line-up

Following the sensational success of its five-day event in August, the UK's largest genre film festival is returning to Cineworld, Leicester Square with an exhilarating two-day Halloween event on Friday, October 27th, and Saturday, October 28th. The event will showcase nine premiere titles never before seen in the UK.

Kicking off the proceedings is the world premiere of "THE WATERHOUSE," an urban psychological chiller directed by Sam Clemens, making his debut in the director's chair. Sam, son of the renowned genre writer/director Brian Clemens, will grace the event, accompanied by the film's cast. The Friday lineup continues with the international premiere of the tense Halloween slasher "HE NEVER LEFT," marking the directorial debut of US-based director James Morris. Also on Friday night, Argentine director Gabriel Grieco presents the UK premiere of his shocking feminist revenge horror "MARIA," adding an exhilarating end to the day's lineup.

Saturday commences with the international premiere of the delightfully bizarre flesh-eating horror musical "ELDRITCH U.S.A.," with director Ryan Smith in attendance. Following is the UK premiere of "LOVELY, DARK AND DEEP," the feature debut of Teresa Sutherland, the writer of "The Wind" and "Midnight Mass," offering a disconcerting blend of folk horror, psychodrama, and cosmic fever dream.

Director Karoline Lyngbye makes her feature film debut with the haunting and twist-laden Danish thriller "SUPERPOSITION," which receives its UK premiere. Next in line is the UK premiere of "HOOD WITCH," the debut film of the emerging French director Saïd Belktibia. This gripping horror-thriller, exploring a malevolent mobile app, carries a dark, social, and feminist edge. This is followed by the UK premiere of "THE LAST VIDEO STORE," a fusion of The Monster Squad and Clerks, where die-hard genre movie enthusiasts must unite to survive the supernatural apocalypse at their doorstep.

Wrapping up the event is the world premiere of the chilling ghostly thriller "BLUE LIGHT," directed by Andy Fickman, known for "Race from Witch Mountain" and "Heathers: The Musical." The screening will be hosted by Andy, and plans for a prequel and sequel are already underway.

Alan Jones, FrightFest co-director, expressed excitement about the Halloween 2-day extravaganza, stating, "We’ve assembled nine new genre titles to make this year’s Halloween event a happy haunting ground with all treats – no tricks – to satisfy your jaundiced appetites".

Passes and tickets will be available for purchase starting at noon on Saturday, September 30th, at the following prices:

Two-day pass: £70

Friday, October 27th day pass: £35

Saturday, October 28th day pass: £55

Single tickets: £15

All ticket prices are subject to ticket costs.

To book: https://www.frightfest.co.uk/Halloween2023/frightfesthalloween.html

(Online booking only)

For full programme details: http://www.frightfest.co.uk

Frightfest launches its 6th sinister search for New Blood in 2023

 

FrightFest is back to haunt London's West End cinemas in August, unleashing new nightmares upon horror enthusiasts. As part of its New Blood initiative, the event aims to encourage aspiring writers in the horror genre to participate in the frightful festivities.

Now in its sixth year, New Blood collaborates with Giles Edwards of Queensbury Pictures to discover emerging UK-based writers dedicated to horror and support them in bringing their projects from script to screen. Instead of just seeking ideas, Queensbury Pictures is on the lookout for scripts ready for production. To be considered, applicants must submit a rough draft of the first ten pages of their script.

Eight successful candidates will be shortlisted and given the opportunity to workshop their ideas in a group setting under the guidance of esteemed industry professionals and genre experts. This year's mentors include actor, writer, and director Andy Nyman (known for Ghost Stories), Jennifer Sheridan (director of Rose: A Love Story and Disney+ show Extraordinary), and writer, producer, director, and actor Toby Poser (known for The Deeper You Dig and Where The Devil Roams).

The application process starts on Thursday, 20th July, with potential participants required to submit a 400-word proposal through the dedicated New Blood page on the FrightFest website. If selected, each writer will need to submit the first ten pages of their script idea.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 4th August. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday, 7th August, and will be asked to provide their sample script pages. However, all participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses in London.

The New Blood networking and workshop event is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, 24th August, the opening day of this year's festival. It will take place in a Central London venue.

The New Blood initiative has already yielded two successful projects: Broadcast Signal Intrusion, written by Phil Drinkwater and Tim Woodall and directed by Jacob Gentry, premiered to great acclaim at FrightFest 2021. Additionally, The Change, written by Carina Rodney, has been optioned by another renowned UK producer.

Giles Edwards of Queensbury Pictures expressed his pride in being part of the 6th New Blood session, working alongside a remarkable lineup of mentors to inspire and support new genre talents.

Co-director of FrightFest, Greg Day, emphasized the significance and success of the New Blood initiative, which continues to evolve and thrive. He wished the best of luck to the New Blood class of 2023.

FrightFest 2023 will take place from 24th to 28th August at the Cineworld in Leicester Square and The Prince Charles Cinema, promising an unforgettable experience for horror fans and enthusiasts alike.

For more information see www.frightfest.co.uk

FrightFest 2023 announces Glasgow Film Festival line-up

 

Be prepared to devour a devilish feast of dread-filled delights as the UK’s favourite horror fantasy event returns to the renowned Glasgow Film Festival for an 18th year, from Thurs 9 March to Sat 11 March 2023.

This year’s daring line-up, once again housed at the iconic Glasgow Film Theatre, embraces the latest genre discoveries from around the world, spanning nine countries with an eclectic mix of World, International and UK premieres.

Passes are on sale from noon on Wednesday 18 Jan.

Festival co-director Alan Jones says, “FrightFest is one of the most potent forces on the horror, science fiction and extreme thriller landscape, a reputation that has firmly placed it in the Top 10 Essential Fantasy Festivals List. And we aim to stay ahead of the chiller curve, returning to the incomparable Glasgow Film Festival with a shiver and shudder showcase of epic proportions”.

FrightFest kicks off with two special screenings on Thursday March 9, opening in grand Gallic style with the UK premiere of SMOKING CAUSES COUGHING, a quirky, absurdist comedy sci-fi fantasy from visionary director Quentin Dupieux, whose film Rubber caused a 2010 GFF FrightFest sensation. This is followed by the UK premiere of SISU, a pulverizing, nerve-shredding and spectacularly gory WW2 action epic by Finnish director Jalmari Helander of Rare Exports fame.

Enter the haunted ‘Devil’s Manor’ as FrightFest’s traditional two-day event kicks off on Friday March 10 with the International premiere of #chadgetstheaxe, Travis Bible’s Found Footage comedy horror. Then we travel into an ancient mythological world for the UK premiere of IRATI, a dark Spanish epic adventure from Errementari director Paul Urkijo Alijo, based on the graphic novel by J. L. Landa and J. Muñoz.

Next up is the UK premiere of MOTHER SUPERIOR, directed by Marie Alice Wolfszahn, making her feature film debut. This stylishly brooding occult chiller with the evils of nationalism rippling beneath the surface, won Best Feature at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival 2022.

This is followed by another directorial debut - Rhys Frake-Waterfield’s slasher parody WINNIE-THE-POOH: BLOOD AND HONEY. Pooh and Piglet are not happy and in this UK premiere, prepare for a journey into Hundred Acre Wood as you’ve never seen it before. And get ready for the very first Lithuanian slasher as Friday evening climaxes with the UK Premiere of PENSIVE, director Jonas Trukanas’ inventively gripping horror ride into the prom night from hell.

Saturday’s malevolent menu starts with the International premiere of HUNT HER, KILL HER, an intensely violent and breathtaking thriller from directors Ryan Thiessen and Greg Swinson, which uses time and space to maximize suspense, Served up next is the International premiere of ONYX THE FORTUITOUS AND THE TALISMAN OF SOULS. Based on his viral internet character of the same name, writer, director, and star Andrew Bowser ‘s wild comic ride is a creative and joyful celebration of weirdos of all kinds.

The next demonic dish is the European premiere of Christopher Smith’s CONSECRATION, which finds the Severance / Black Death director in a mysterious Scottish convent exploring the dark recesses of the mind. Smith’s graphic and psychologically disturbing supernatural thriller stars Jena Malone, Danny Huston and Janet Suzman,

The evening programme opens with the World premiere of LITTLE BONE LODGE, an atmospheric twisty thriller from Matthias Hoene, director of Cockneys vs Zombies. This highly effective bone-chiller stars Joely Richardson.

Next up is the International premiere of HERE FOR BLOOD, the tongue-in-cheek, extreme splatter, campy comedy horror discovery of the year. Directed by Daniel Turres and starring Shawn Roberts, this joyously outrageous celebration of the genre has the body-count going up as the blood rains down.

This year’s feast of fear ends with the International premiere of 13 EXORCISMS. Inspired by recent events in Spain, where it was a box-office smash, this supernatural chiller hits home with relentless suspense and skin-crawling horror.

The Guest list will be announced soon.

FrightFest Weekend Passes are £75 and available from noon on Wednesday 18 January 2023.  Passes will be exchanged for admission wristbands, which must be worn at all times to access all FrightFest films on Fri 10 March and Sat 11March ONLY.

Tickets for SMOKING CAUSES COUGHING and SISU, plus individual tickets for the Fri/Sat films are on sale Mon 30 January, from noon. Price: £11.50 / £9.30 (concessions)

How to Buy Tickets

Online: https://glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-film-festival

Programme details

THURS 9 MARCH – GFT Screen 1

18:30 SMOKING CAUSES COUGHING (UK Premiere)

Director: Quentin Dupieux. Cast: Gilles Lellouche, Vincent Lacoste, Anaïs Demoustier. France 2022 1hr20m N/C 18.

Synopsis: The Tobacco Force is a superhero quintet fighting evil by using cigarette cancer-causing substances as their weapon of choice. But Chief Didier has noticed friction in the team. Since there's an upcoming battle against evil conquerer Lezardin on the horizon, Didier sends them to a lake retreat for a team-building holiday where they tell each other scary campfire tales. Will they form a cohesive unit again in time for the final epic face-off?

Contains: Superhero comedy, mild threat, scary images, gore, gross-out humour.

20:45 SISU (UK Premiere)

Director: Jalmari Helander. Cast: Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack Doolan. Finland 2022 1hr31m N/C 18.

Synopsis: After a solitary prospector strikes gold in the wilderness of Lapland, he runs into a retreating detachment of Nazi soliders who set their sights on claiming the bounty. Unfortunately for the stormtroopers, this is no ordinary miner, but a mythic one-man army epitomising the quintessential Finnish concept of ‘sisu’ - white-knuckled courage and unimaginable determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

Contains: Explicit violence, accident trauma, sexual innuendo

FRI 10 MARCH – GFT Screen 1

13:45 #chadgetstheaxe (International Premiere)

Director: Travis Bible.  Cast: Michael Bonini, Spencer Harrison Levin, Taneisha Figueroa. USA 2022 1hr23m N/C 18.

Synopsis: Four social media influencers must decide if Internet fame is worth the danger in real time. Bros Spicy Steve and Chad team up with a pair of beauty tip streamers to visit the supposedly haunted Devil’s Manor, former home to a Satanic Cult. Soon they’re forced to wonder if it’s all a prank created by other streamers, by each other, or if there is something more sinister at hand… And as the violence ramps up… so do the views and likes.

Contains: Violence, gore, strong language, intense/scary images

15:50 IRATI (UK Premiere)

Director: Paul Urkijo Alijo. Cast: Edurne Azkarate, Eneko Sagardoy, Itziar Ituño. Spain 2022 1hr54m N/C 18.

Synopsis: Christian nobleman Eneko must fulfil the promise he made to his late father, to protect and lead his people into the new era. To do so, he must recover his father’s body, buried next to Charlemagne's treasure. However, despite his faith, he needs the help of his childhood friend, the pagan Irati. On this mythological and magical mission, the two young men venture into a strange forest where "Everything that has a name exists".

Contains: Strong violence, blood, gore, nudity, threat.

18:45 MOTHER SUPERIOR (UK Premiere)

Director: Marie Alice Wolfszahn Cast: Isabella Händler, Inga Maux, Jochen Nickel. Austria 2022 1hr11m N/C 18.

Synopsis: 1975, Rosenkreuz Manor. Sigrun Fink, desperate for information about her biological family, starts a new position as nurse to the aging, ill and eccentric Baroness Heidenreich. For a shared longing binds them together: the old lady’s memory contains the secret to Sigrun's true identity; the nurse’s lifeforce holds the key to the future for the Baroness. On the path to self-discovery, Sigrun is confronted with the sinister world of folklore occultism, carried out by the Baroness and her sinister groundskeeper Otto. One opening an unearthly, pagan abyss in which every moral and principle will be tested.

Contains: Bloody images, nudity, disturbing sequences.

20:45 WINNIE THE POOH: BLOOD AND HONEY (UK Premiere)

Director: Rhys Frake-Waterfield. Cast: Craig David Dowsett, Chris Cordell, Natasha Tosini. The Netherlands 2023 1hr30m N/C 18.

Synopsis: During childhood, Christopher Robin befriended Winnie the Pooh, Piglet and their friends, played games and fed them. But as he grew older, the visits stopped, leaving them increasingly hungry and desperate, eyeing Eeyore as food. Now Christopher has returned to the forest with his new wife hoping to introduce her to his old friends. But it sends Pooh and Piglet on a murderous scavenger hunt for human flesh when they antagonize a group of college girls on a rural cabin vacation. Will Christopher still get Pooh back on the right track?

Contains: Gore, threat, strong language, scenes of a sexual nature.

23:00 PENSIVE (UK Premiere)

Director: Jonas Trukanas. Cast: Šarūnas Rapolas Meiliešius, Gabija Bargailaitė, Marius Repšys. Lithuania 2022 1hr27m N/C 18.

Synopsis: Wooden sculptures of the Pensive Christ can be found in weird spots all through the Baltic States. They combine folk art and Christian traditions into a singular entity concerning the fear of being judged. And that’s what is about to happen to the usually risk-averse Marius as he organises the venue for his high school graduation party at a remote cottage. For his drunken and drugged classmates destroy some life-size wooden statues and a scarred, masked and mysterious killer starts picking them off one by mutilated one.

Contains: Bloody images, extreme gore, nudity, maiming, bad language, threat.

SAT 11 MARCH – GFT Screen 1

11:00 HUNT HER, KILL HER (International Premiere)

Directors: Ryan Thiessen, Greg Swinson. Cast: Natalie Terrazzino, JC Oakley III, Larry Bunton. USA 2022 1hr29m N/C 18.

Synopsis: Karen is a desperate young mother who has just filed divorce papers on her abusive husband. Forced to take a job as the night shift janitor at a large furniture factory, she is told she will be the only one working at this time. But, after seeing a strange vehicle idling in the parking lot and finding a door to the factory ajar, Karen gets the feeling she might not be alone after all.

Contains: Sustained threat, strong violence, gore, profanity

13:00 ONYX THE FORTUITOUS AND THE TALISMAN OF SOULS (International Premiere)

Director: Andrew Bowser Cast: Andrew Bowser, Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton USA 2023 1hr45m N/C 18.

Synopsis: Fledgling occultist Marcus J. Trillbury (Onyx) attends a black magic ritual at his idol Bartok the Great's dark mansion. But terrible things begin to happen and it soon becomes clear that Bartok’s intentions are way more nefarious. As Marcus battles to keep his soul, a question of great destiny looms. Is he doomed to remain a nobody or will he rise to defeat Bartok and save his fellow Satanist followers from damnation?

Contains: Comedy threat, scary images, gore, gross-out humour.

15:45 CONSECRATION (European Premiere)

Director: Christopher Smith. Cast: Jena Malone, Danny Huston, Janet Suzman. UK 2022 1hr31m N/C 18.

Synopsis: Grace is summoned to the Mount Saviour convent deep in the Scottish Highlands following the mysterious death of her priest brother. Refusing to believe he committed  suicide, Grace starts her own investigation as the nuns prepare a consecration ceremony to purify the holy site. Soon she inadvertently shines a light on murder, sacrilege and a disturbing truth, relating to the forgotten years of her own childhood, intertwined with that of the convent’s holy order and the secret it’s charged with protecting.

Contains: Strong bloody scenes, profanity, threat

18:15 LITTLE BONE LODGE (World Premiere)

Director: Matthias Hoene. Cast: Joely Richardson, Neil Linpow, Sadie Soverall.. United Kingdom 2023 1hr33m N/C 18.

Synopsis: During a stormy night in the Scottish Higlands, two criminal brothers on the run seek refuge in a desolate farmhouse. But after taking the resident family captive, they find the house holds even darker secrets of its own. Colour Out Of Space star Joely Richardson plays the fearsome family matriarch who will stop at nothing to protect her kin and the shocking mysteries that surround their very existence.

Contains: Gore, threat, strong language, disability taunts, menace.

20:40 HERE FOR BLOOD (International Premiere)

Director: Daniel Turres Cast: Shawn Roberts, Joelle Farrow, Dee Snider. Canada 2022 1hr40m N/C 18.

Synopsis: When his girlfriend is swamped with college exams, Tom O'Bannon, a rowdy pro-wrestler struggling to make ends meet, agrees to fill in as a last-minute replacement for her well-paying babysitting job. Tom arrives at an isolated family home where he meets the precocious 10-year-old Grace. But what starts off as a quiet night of pizza and video games quickly spirals into bloody, violent, demonic chaos as Tom and Grace find themselves fighting for their lives when an otherworldly cult of masked intruders descend on the home.

Contains: Extreme gore, violence, sexual imagery, profanity, child endangerment, torture, maiming.

23:05 13 EXORCISMS (International Premiere)

Director: Jacobo Martinez Cast: Maria Romanillos, Ruth Díaz, Silma López. Spain 2022 1hr38m N/C 18.

Synopsis: Shy, sensitive teenager Laura is tricked into taking part in a Halloween séance to contact the spirit of a mad doctor who murdered his family. From that night on, Laura's life is forever changed... Dark presences, terrifying visions, ominous voices, painful marks on her skin, and other paranormal phenomena haunt her. Laura's religious parents decide to call the local priest for advice, who claims she’s possessed. To set her free, he will have to perform a series of exorcisms - each more violent than the last.

Contains: Disturbing supernatural horror, gore, threat, strong language, scenes of a sexualnature.

For full programme details: http://www.frightfest.co.uk/

FrightFest announces line-up for Halloween 2022

Following on from its frightfully successful August five-day event, the UK’s biggest genre film festival is back at the Cineworld, Leicester Square with a bumper all-day Halloween event on Sat 29th October, featuring a six-pack of festive shockers.

Embracing three World premieres, the line-up is headlined by The Soska Sisters latest venture, ON THE EDGE. Taking a departure from medical horror, Jen and Sylvia delve into new ground with this tantalising psychological erotic thriller. ‘The Twisted Twins’, who also star in the film, will be hosting the screening, alongside lead actor Aramis Sartorio.

Also receiving its World Premiere is US actor Joe LoTruglio’s debut feature OUTPOST. This gripping, violent, ever-twisting mountain-set nightmare stars Beth Dover as a fire lookout volunteer forced to face her past demons. Both Joe and Beth will be in attendance for this gala screening.

The third World premiere is TRIPPING THE DARK FANTASTIC, a documentary on the life and work of award-winning composer Simon Boswell, complete with a live performance filmed at Earth, London. The highly regarded composer, who can boast SANTA SANGRE, PHENOMENA, SHALLOW GRAVE, HARDWARE and PHOTOGRAPHING FAIRIES, amongst his credits, will be joining us.

Receiving its International premiere is Charlie Steeds H.P Lovecraft inspired FREEZE, in which an Arctic expedition is attacked by bloodthirsty fish creatures. It’s a chiller in every sense of the word! Leading members of the cast will be joining us including Johnny Vivash, David Lenik, Beatrice Barrila, Jake Watkins and Ricardo Freitas.

What’s the current exploitation hit on the fantasy festival circuit? Well, that would be MAD HEIDI, an action adventure horror comedy featuring death by lactose intolerance, mutilation by Toblerone, fondue torture and cuckoo clock death traps as our intrepid Alpine heroine battles a human cheese-fuelled machinery of dystopian hate. And FrightFest is pleased to welcome actor Alice Lucy, MAD HEIDI herself, to introduce the UK premiere, alongside the directors, Johannes Hartmann & Sandro Klopfstein, plus other leading cast and crew.

Completing the line-up is the International Premiere of THE OFFERING. Director Oliver Park’s shocker, in the tradition of THE VIGIL, turns the European legend of ‘Abyzou: The Taker of Children’ into an edge-of-the-seat, emotional rollercoaster ride with eye-popping special effects.

Alan Jones, FrightFest co-director, said today: “We’re thrilled to announce our Halloween Saturday extravaganza. We’ve assembled a six-pack of shocks to make this year’s Halloween a happy haunting ground with all treats – no tricks – to sate your jaundiced appetites”,

Passes and tickets go on sale at noon on Saturday 1st October.

Prices: Full pass: £55, single tickets: £15 + booking fees

To book: https://www.frightfest.co.uk/2022halloween/frightfesthalloween.html

(Online booking only)

FULL LINE UP:

SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER

10:45 TRIPPING THE DARK FANTASTIC (World Premiere)
Director: LG White. With: Simon Boswell, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Dario Argento, LG White. UK 2022. 93 mins.

Showcasing a live performance at Earth Theatre, London in 2021 and interviews with the artists he has collaborated with from over 35 years of scoring horror, fantasy and genre films, TRIPPING THE DARK FANTASTIC is a stunning record of musician Simon Boswell’s career. An exciting trip through such classics as PHENOMENA, DEMONS 2, STAGE FRIGHT, SANTA SANGRE, PERDITA DURANGO, LORD OF ILLUSIONS, SHALLOW GRAVE, HARDWARE and many others, peppered with interviews by the likes of directors Dario Argento, Alejandro Jodorowsky, the concert features Simon with his 12 piece band, Caduta Massi, filmed by acclaimed DOP Vince Knight.

13:10 FREEZE (International Premiere)
Director: Charlie Steeds. With: Johnny Vivash, Ricardo Freitas, David Lenik, Jake Watkins. UK 2022. 90 mins.

H.P. Lovecraft goes Arctic! On a rescue mission to the North Pole to retrieve an old friend and his lost expedition crew, Captain Mortimer gets more than he bargained for when his ship is frozen into the ice sheet and set upon by bloodthirsty fish-creatures. Mortimer and his surviving crew flee the ship, beginning a treacherous journey to find safety in an ice-bound desolate wilderness. Suffering from starvation, frostbite and a slow madness, they find shelter inside a snowy mountain, but are they as safe as they think, or have they entered the heart of the creatures’ lair?

Contains: threat, blood, gore and fantasy monster mayhem

Plus… GNOMES (Short) (UK Premiere)

Director: Ruwan Suresh Heggelman. With: Moïse Trustfull, Duncan Meijiring. 6mins.

Unknowingly, a girl enters the habitat of a tribe of killer gnomes during her daily run. Lured by mysterious glowing mushrooms, she'll soon wish she'd stayed on her usual tracks.

Contains: Contains splatter / gore.

15:35 MAD HEIDI (UK Premiere)
Directors: Johannes Hartmann, Sandro Klopfstein. With: Casper Van Dien, David Schofield, Alice Lucy, Leon Herbert. Switzerland 2022. 92 mins.

From the producer of IRON SKY, an action adventure horror comedy and the first Swissploitation film ever made. In a dystopian Switzerland under the rule of a fascist cheese magnate, Heidi lives a simple life in the mountains protected by her grandfather. Soon her longing for personal freedom sparks a revolution after abduction by brutal government storm troopers. Escaping prison, and the roving eyes of muscle bound inmates, the naïve Alpine girl must battle a human cheese-fuelled machinery of hate.

Contains: comedy violence, splatter slapstick, offensive language, nudity and sexual innuendo.

18:00 OUTPOST (World Premiere)
Director: Joe Lo Truglio. With: Beth Dover, Dallas Roberts, Dylan Baker, Ato Essandoh. USA 2022. 84 mins.

Veteran character actor Joe Lo Truglio, most recently owning the cult sit-com ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, makes a stunning feature debut as writer/director with this high concept, ever twisting mountain nightmare. Kate seeks recovery from a violent assault by taking a job as a fire lookout, but becomes increasingly overwhelmed by her isolation and tragic past. A story about pain, what happens when you run from it, how it always catches up and controls what you see, hear and governs what’s real. It commands what you do. If you don’t face your demons, the demons will come to face you.

Contains: domestic abuse, violence, serious threat, menacing suspense.

20:15 ON THE EDGE (World Premiere)
Directors: Jen & Sylvia Soska. With: Aramis Sartorio, Jen Soska, Sylvia Soska, Mackenzie Gray. Canada 2022. 114 mins.

Family man Peter gets more than he paid for when he books a 36-hour session with the sadistic Mistress Satana who seems more intent on making him suffer for his sins. Is it blackmail? Is it torture? Or is it the Devil come for his soul? Will Peter’s faith save him from his own personal Hell or is he already damned? A brilliant depiction of how Kink Culture can heal past trauma and be a source for shocking redemption.

Contains: Strong language, sexual content, violence, sexual violence, nudity,

23:00 THE OFFERING (International Premiere)
Director: Oliver Park. With: Nick Blood, Alan Corduner, Paul Kaye, Emm Wiseman. USA 2022. 93 mins.

In the tradition of THE VIGIL comes the European legend of ‘Abyzou: The Taker of Children’. Hoping to reconcile with his orthodox father, Art, the son of a Chasidic funeral director returns home with his pregnant wife Claire. But his intentions are put to the test when the family morgue receives the body of a mysterious corpse containing an ancient entity with a sinister plan for his unborn child. Blending authentic Jewish demonology and deep Kabbalistic secrets with classic horror, THE OFFERING provides super shocks and an all-stops-out chilling climax.

Contains: supernatural threat, bloody imagery, body horror.

For full programme details: http://www.frightfest.co.uk/

Neil Marshall leads FrightFest's New Blood panel

 

The search is over as this year’s New Blood participants have been unearthed and will be attending Arrow FrightFest for a special mentoring session in a Central London venue at the start of festival on Thursday 25th August where they will pitch their feature script ideas to a panel of industry professionals

After a record number of submissions, eight projects have been chosen to be presented to the four mentors. They come from all over the UK and amazing imagination unleashed in their script ideas.  The grateful eight and their respective projects are Hail Santa by Jonny Grant, She Knows Why!!! by Alix Austin and Keir Siewert (AK), Caravanserai by Ayad Andrews , Crave by David Yorke, This House Is Fucked by James M. Macleod, Crawl To Me by Penelope Yeulet & Ruby Abbiss, Ovipositor by Elizabeth Parikh, and Vessel by Ellena Loughrey

The successful shortlisted applicants will workshop their ideas in a group setting under the guidance of top industry professionals and genre experts. Regular mentor Queensbury Pictures’ Giles Edwards is joined this year by Neil Marshall, Emmy-nominated director of Dog Soldiers and this year’s opening film, The Lair; Aaron Koontz, producer of Pale Horse, and the Scare Package franchise, and James Moran, prolific screenwriter of Severance,  TV’s Curfew series as well as FrightFest’s very own Turn Your Bloody Phone Off campaign

Following the selection, Giles Edwards, Head of Development at Queensbury Pictures, said: "I'm thrilled with our, once again, fabulously diverse torrent of New Blood for 2022. This year's crop is as wild and wicked as ever. It proves that the creativity of the UK's undiscovered genre talent is a roaring, rampaging river of pure, palpable and delectable terror...."

New Blood is the new writer’s initiative jointly held by Arrow FrightFest with Giles Edwards of Queensbury Pictures with its mission to find emerging UK-based writers dedicated to the genre and nurture their projects from script to screen.

Arrow FrightFest 2022 runs 25th to 29th August at the Cineworld, Leicester Square and The Prince Charles Cinema.

Arrow FrightFest 2022 returns to London this month

 

Arrow FrightFest, the UK’s most popular horror and fantasy film festival, is back at London’s Cineworld Leicester Square and the Prince Charles Cinema from Thursday August 25 – Monday 29 August for five days of the very best of global genre cinema. With tickets starting from £15, this is one festival you don't want to miss.

Celebrating its 23rd blockbuster edition with thirty-two world, twenty-two International / European and eighteen UK premieres, the world renowned event leads the way in attesting to the versatility of the genre and this year is no exception, with seventeen countries represented, spanning five continents.

The festival opens with the World premiere of THE LAIR, an action-packed gore shocker from Neil Marshall, who calls his latest monstrous creation “The Dirty Half Dozen meets THE THING”. Neil will be attending with star Charlotte Kirk and will also introduce a special 4K restoration screening of his modern classic, DOG SOLDIERS.

The Closing night film is the European premiere of Scott Mann’s FALL. Get ready for a pulse-pounding, vertigo-inducing experience as two best friends, stranded at the top of a remote, abandoned 2000-feet high radio tower, fight for survival.

One of this year’s special guests, making a welcome return, is horror icon Dario Argento, introducing the UK premiere of his latest giallo DARK GLASSES, which compares to the extreme thrillers he pioneered in the 1970s with THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE and DEEP RED. 

SOMETHING IN THE DIRT, from Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (SYNCHRONIC, MOON KNIGHT) is a fusion of DIY science fiction, pre-apocalyptic vibes and overwhelming paranoia. The visionary dream-weavers are currently filming Loki in the UK and SciFiNow will be hosting, and running Q&A's, at the UK premiere screenings of their latest title, SOMETHING IN THE DIRT, on August 27th. 

Also attending the festival is Brea Grant, here as director of twisted rock horror TORN HEARTS and star of NIGHT SKY, Jacob Gentry’s provocative indie science fiction fantasy.

Tom Felton, star of the Harry Potter franchise as Draco Malfoy, will be appearing to present his role in the latest Ben Parker film, BURIAL, which has it's World premiere on Monday the 29th.

This year’s main screen line-up is chock-a-block with shock and awe, grindhouse style classics Ryûhei Kitamura’s sensational THE PRICE WE PAY and John Swab’s extraordinary CANDY LAND, the UK premiere of buzz title BARBARIAN, starring Georgina Campbell and Bill Skarsgård, the World premiere of anticipated slasher sequel TERRIFIER 2, continuing the gory misadventures of Art the Clown, Dominic Brunt’s hair-raising WOLF MANOR, also a world premiere, the Sundance sensation PIGGY, Travis Steven’s Tribeca hit A WOUNDED FAWN, Cannes Film Festival opener FINAL CUT, the French remake of ONE CUT OF THE DEAD, and H4Z4RD, the turbo-charged, splatter action movie of the year.

It’s a rich year for ambitious and quirky sci-fi movies and the main screens light up with Mali Elfman’s warm-hearted science fiction epic NEXT EXIT, the sensational sci-fi horror hybrid THE VISITOR FROM THE FUTURE, Quentin Dupieux’s quirky comedy time travel fantasy INCREDIBLE BUT TRUE.

Other main screen World premieres include TERRIFIER 2, continuing the gory misadventures of Art the Clown, MIDNIGHT PEEPSHOW, a twisted portmanteau threesome exploring the nightmare side of psychosexual fantasy, horror anthology sequel SCARE PACKAGE II: RAD CHAD’S REVENGE, Andy Mitton’s menacing supernatural horror, THE HARBINGER, Erik Bloomquist’s coming-of-age horror SHE CAME FROM THE WOODS, starring Cara Buono and stylish psychological chiller MASTEMAH from director Didier Daarwin, who will be attending. Also attending is THE CHAMBER director Ben Parker, for his latest thriller BURIAL. He will be bringing along the cast, including Tom Felton.

The documentary strand is as bright and bold as ever and FrightFest welcomes French cult icon Brigitte Lahaie, who will introduce the fascinating in-depth Jean Rollin documentary ORCHESTRATOR OF STORMS. The subversive and explicit is also explored in CULT OF VHS, which takes a trip down Memorex lane to nostalgically relive the allure and passion for straight to video titles and yes, those Video Nasties. Another cult favourite is Chucky, who is the subject of Kyra Gardner’s LIVING WITH CHUCKY. Kyra, daughter of FX designer Tony Gardner, explores what it was like growing up amongst this creative family of stars, eccentrics, technicians and a serial killing doll.

Blood-thirsty hounds, rampaging reptiles, a teacher-eating pupil and a gore-filled talent show…Brit horror hits a bloody sartorial vein this year with the World premiere of HOUNDED, starring Samantha Bond and Larry Lamb, Liam Regan’s EATING MISS CAMPBELL, Pat Higgins’ POWERTOOL CHEERLEADERS VS. THE BOYBAND OF THE SCREECHING DEAD and Paul W. Franklyn’s CROC! Also, there are outings for Paul Wilkins’ THE GHOST WRITER, Steve Johnson’s STALKER, and Christopher Hatton’s RAVEN’S HOLLOW.

Plus, we have the UK’s ‘First Blood’ class of 2022 – THE CREEPING, starring Sophie Thompson, Scott Lyus’s apocalyptic vision WALKING AGAINST THE RAIN, BITE a horror story of entrapment and cannibalism, Will Hugo’s THE GROUP and CEREBRUM starring Steve Oram.

The festival has a proud track-record for the depth and diversity of its Discovery Stand and this year three screens will be devoted to bringing the best new films from around the world. From Luxembourg there is the savage thriller WOLFKIN, from Mexico and Peru is the much anticipated HUESERA from director Michelle Garza Cervera and FrightFest’s first entry from Cyprus is the World premiere of paranormal thriller THE GHOSTS OF MONDAY. Other World premieres in the Discovery strand include Japan’s bold, unique fantasy NEW RELIGION from director Keishi Kondo, the subversive mockumentary EVERYBODY DIES BY THE END, and DAUGHTER, which marks the distinctive feature film debut for Corey Deshon and stars Casper Van Dien.

Plus, there are UK premieres for erotic spookfest HYPOCHONDRIAC, real-time black comedy thriller HOLY S**T!, gruesome murder mystery THE BREACH, serial killer drama THE LAST CLIENT, SUPER Z, which injects new blood into the zombie genre, FAMILY DINNER, which puts gut-punching shocks on the menu and THE ONCE AND FUTURE SMASH + END ZONE 2, Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein’s spoof documentary and END ZONE sequel in a double bill that is simply fake GRINDHOUSE heaven.

FrightFest was one of the first festivals to focus on the fresh and delightful work of Austin-based director Emily Hagins when it premiered MY SUCKY TEEN ROMANCE in 2011. Now she’s back big time with SORRY ABOUT THE DEMON, a supernatural horror comedy that is movingly funny. Having always embraced dedicated genre directors returning with new films we also welcome back Patrick Rea with his haunting domestic abuse chiller THEY WAIT IN THE DARK, Eric Pennycoff with THE LEECH, starring FrightFest favourite Graham Skipper, BUTTBOY’s Tyler Cornack with TINY CINEMA, a weird, fun and twisted look at humanity, and Alexis Bruchon with THE EYES BELOW, the second in his noir trilogy following THE WOMAN WITH LEOPARD SHOES

The monstrous and macabre line-up of films go on with a record entry of International and European premieres, which includes BITCH ASS, Bill Posley’s black exploitation horror, with Tony Todd, Tom Ryan’s award-winning frightener SPLINTER, kickass rocking gore-fest PUSSYCAKE, dark Faustian morality tale THE SUMMONED, home-invasion thriller, WHO INVITED THEM?, psychological family horror THE ONES YOU DIDN’T BURN, Spain’s EVERYONE WILL BURN, starring SEXY KILLER’s Macarena Gomez, John Ainslee’s human flesh-eating DO NOT DISTURB, new body horror SWALLOWED from Carter Smith (THE RUINS), Grégory Beghin’s survival horror DEEP FEAR, and packed shocker NIGHT OF THE BASTARD, from Erik Boccio and London May, creators of the multi-award winning BRUTAL REALITY, INC.

Plus, the live streaming age is given deadly digital treatment in Hannah Barlow’s SISSY, Joseph Winter’s DEADSTREAM and twisted social media thriller FOLLOW HER. Director Sylvia Caminer will be attending.

There are plenty of special events taking place this year – THE DEVIL’S HOUR is an upcoming six-part mind-bending thriller for Amazon Prime Video and FrightFest will be hosting a special exclusive preview with talent in attendance. The cast and crew will also be gracing the FrightFest stage for a special exclusive preview of WRECK, an upcoming comedy horror series coming soon to BBC Three. And even more talent will be on display when director Simon Sheridan reveals exclusive footage from his upcoming saucy 70s documentary series, KEEPING THE BRITISH END UP!

For the first time ever Alan Jones and national treasure Mark Kermode bring their stage show DUELLING EGOS: AN AUDIENCE WITH ALAN AND MARK to the Prince Charles Cinema, and Alan also takes the stage in his role as artistic director of the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, to introduce the World premiere of CONTROL, the first Canadian sci-fi thriller to use real-time virtual production tools, and which will also play at Trieste.

Could it get any better? Well, yes, after three years THE DUKE MITCHELL FILM PARTY is back, so expect trailers, scary PSA's, delightful celluloid discoveries but most importantly: utter chaos. There’s also a welcome return of the ARROW VIDEO PODCAST with co-host Dan Martin live at FrightFest to chat to the great and the bad.

Finally, there’s an extra pre-festival treat this year…Do you know your Cronenberg from your Carpenter? Your Pinhead from your Pumpkinhead? THE EVOLUTION OF HORROR, the UK's biggest horror podcast, will be hosting a special horror pub quiz on the Wednesday night at the Phoenix club. So come join host Mike Muncer and podcast pals for the ultimate evening of horror trivia!

Festival co-director Paul McEvoy said today: “We are absolutely delighted with this year’s fantastic Arrow FrightFest line-up. This is the wildest and most diverse selection we have ever assembled. The mix includes a stunning variety of the latest must-see SF, thriller, fantasy and horror titles from around the world. With a vast array of premiere screenings, special events and incredible guests the Cineworld Leicester Square and The Prince Charles Cinema will be the ONLY places for film lovers to be over the late August Bank Holiday weekend and we cannot wait to unleash our prime selections to our wonderful audience.”

Arrow FrightFest is pleased to announce two new presenting sponsors – SHUDDER and 101 FILMS. The Super screen at the Cineworld Leicester Square will be known as The Shudder Screen and the three Discovery screens will be known as 101 FILMS Discovery Screens 1, 2, & 3.

Arrow FrightFest will take place between 25th - 29th August.

For tickets and more information head to frightfest.co.uk