COMPETITION: Win The FrightFest Guide to Mad Doctor Movies on Paperback

Mad medics, sinister surgeons and psychopathic psychiatrists…FrightFest and FAB Press once again join forces to exclusively launch THE FRIGHTFEST GUIDE TO MAD DOCTOR MOVIES, which went on sale during FrightFest 2023.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and a copy of the book on Paperback to give away.

Synopsis

Ever since the dawn of cinema, filmmakers have been depicting on screen the potential outcomes of medical madness and science gone sick. Now join surgeon, author, film critic and not-at-all-mad Doctor (at least according to him) John Llewellyn Probert as he takes a detailed look at the history of one of the most enduring archetypes in cinema, with an introductory overview of the genre followed by reviews of over 200 key mad doctor movies.

In addition to critical appraisal, the author’s own medical background allows him to provide a unique insight into just how well the filmmakers have done their homework. And who better to provide a foreword then notorious director Tom Six, who shocked filmgoers across the globe with his 100% medically accurate Human Centipede, and its sequels.

So, thrill to monsters and mutations, creatures and creations, horror hospitals, isolated mansions and underground laboratories as we enter a world of research gone rogue, of frightening philosophies and dread disease.

Following the success of the previous six editions: The FrightFest Guide to Exploitation Movies, Monster Movies, Ghost Movies, Werewolf Movies, Grindhouse Movies, and Vampire Movies, this is the latest in a series of wide appeal books for both the curious spectator and the cult connoisseur.

The FrightFest exclusive hardcover will be on sale for just £25, and people not attending the festival, which took place Thurs 24 August – Mon 28 August, won’t miss out as they have the option to pre-order the book from www.fabpress.com, pre-ordered books will ship the first week of September.

The Paperback publication date is 24 October 2023.

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 13-09-23

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Interview with Boo Rhodes - By David Kempf

When did you first become interested in horror stories and movies?

In the early 70s I would sneak up with my brother and watch Bob Wilkins on Creature Features on KTVU channel 2. I was 6 the first time I watched Night of the Living Dead on Creature Features and loved it. I became a fan of horror movies for a long time after. It was only natural because in the States we really celebrated Halloween back then.

At the time I was reading book like Black Beauty because I was really into horses but I think I started liking fantasy when our teacher read The Hobbit to us when I was 11 and my mom, knowing that I loved the Salem’s Lot mini series, bought me Salem’s Lot the book with pictures from the mini series and after that I was hooked on horror books. I think I was 13 when that happened.


What gave you the idea for your channel and getting on YouTube?

You know, I’m not even sure how I found out about the channel URMAKER, but I was listening to him while getting a story ready to send to a magazine and I realized he had tens of thousands of subscribers and was probably making some decent money. I thought how easy it would be so I turned my stories into videos and then realized how difficult it was to get views. I was totally wrong but I enjoy the process and reading to people.

Not all of the stories I tell are mine, but one day I hope to have more time to put more stories of my own out there.


I love the behind the scenes information. How do you research?

Google is my best friend when it comes to researching. It’s a little scary thinking about what if someone gets a hold of my search history because I search about horror and I’m sure that will scare a few people. Topics like “how long does it take the blood to pool at the lowest point of the body?” or “How long will it take a person to bleed to death with a small cut in a large vein?” or “What plants are illegal to dig up in a certain state?” might raise some eyebrows.

I also ask friends who work in the field I have a question on if I can’t find it on a website or encyclopedia. You try to make it reaslitic and believable but then again, it is fiction and it’s my fantasy world so some procedures or whatnot might be different than reality.

Sometimes, if possible, I will even go to the place I’m taling about or make a posterboard on Pinterest to work it out.


How did you develop an interest in fantasy/horror?

Pretty much the Stephen King book my mom brought home when I was home sick from school one day. I’m not sure she liked it much. She buys my books but doesn’t read them and reminds me of how I wrote that one mainstream story that brought her to tears. Maybe one day, but mainstream just isn’t as fun. Then again, she did take me to see The Omen and Jaws when I was 10. I love my mom!

The other thing is that while I’m not a religious person really. I’d like to be I think, but I have a hard time believing the stories. With that said, I love the stries about the struggle between good and evil, angels and demons, or heaven and hell—and I love these stories mixed with a bit of dystopia. It could be because Mom used to take us to Saturday night church movies. They thought the movies would scare us but they were cool! Oh! Half of the population disappears and suddenly you need to get at tattoo to pay for your groceries and be accounted for or they will decaptiate you? And they showed the decapitation? That didn’t scare many of us, that made us want more horror movies.


Do you have any plans to make films or write fiction yourself?

I write a lot of short stories at this time. I have written a novel that is only about 50,000 words. I’m not sure if I will release it. I would like to write a short story every week for my YouTube channel and build my world of Sandcastle. Sandcastle is the gateway between heaven and hell and sits right in the redwood trees off the Northern California coast. It’s Purgatory for some, a life for demons and angels. It’s every day life for others.

One day I’d also love to write a screenplay but my brain wants to write all of it and describe it into words that normally the director would do, I guess. I just need to figure it out.


Why do you think horror and fantasy books remain so popular?

I think people are looking for an escape to their own reality and horrors. Every day life is also pretty boring when you think about it. You get up in the morning. You go to work or school. You come home. You go to bed. Most of the horror in your life is how to pay the mortgage or taxes. In the past we ran from lions and tigers. We didn’t know where our next meal was coming from whether it be from hunting or putting food on the table. We escaped dictotators and religious fanatics. Life was exciting! Our genes need excitement and we thrive on it so we feed that need with horrors, thrillers, and fantasy.


What inspires you?

Seeing my name somewhere and people telling me how scary a book or scene was for them. More than that, though, is having something to hand down to the kids even if they think I’m a little silly. I want to be successful so they and others can say “she actually did it!” and then tell others how I scared them in this scene or that. For some whacked reason I enjoy other people’s fear. Maybe it’s because I don’t get scared.


What do you think the difference between American horror and British horror is?

Besides the use of the letter ‘u’, I feel that British horror deals more with the supernatural and gothic or Victorian type literature and American horror is more centered toward serial killers and gore. British books seem to be more haunting and American authors want to gross you out. But this isn’t the norm or every single author out there. Every author has his or her own style. I personally like a bit of haunting and gore in my reading.


What are your favorite horror books?

I have so many that it is hard to decide, but I do enjoy shorter stories than longer. I used to have all of the Stephen King books in hardback but an old boyfriend gave them to his friends to read and I never saw them again and, even though I immensenly enjoyed them, probably wouldn’t read them again because they’re so long. My favorite books include: IT, Tommyknockers, Ghost Story (Peter Straub), The Changling, Come Closer just to name a few. The books aren’t scary to me though, I find the ideas fascinating.


What are some of your favorite horror movies?

Oooh this another hard question. I have so many favorites, but with that said I have favorites in different generes of horror. My favorite kind are psychological thrillers and on the flip side vampires are wonderful. My favorite is Queen of the Damned simply because of the music of the Lestat character because his hair and dark eyes make me swoon every time but, gosh there are so many for different reasons it is hard to list them all. Here it goes, not necessarily in this order:

The Lost Boys, An American Werewolf in London, Night of the Living Dead, The Omen, Fright Night, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Evil Dead (87), and there are so many more. I’m the kind of person who likes more of a plot and then the scare and gore, but I do enjoy ridiculously hilarious scenes like the head blowing up in scanners or that fan coming off of the car and hitting the guy in the convertible at the fast foot line in one of the Final Destination videos.


Do you have any advice for folks who want to create a YouTube channel?

Don’t take it personally if it doesn’t grow quickly. Never do sub for sub for it will ruin your channel in the long run but find people who are interested in your genre. Biggest thing, title your videos appropriately. No one is going to find you by the title of your book or your name unless you are already established. Sadly, the world is now an index and no matter how beautiful your cover is and how clever your title is or how fun your pen name is, they aren’t searching for you, they are searching for your keywords. I know, it’s an ugly way to go about it but it’s what works.


Do you have any advice for new writers or filmmakers?

Never ever quit even if you think your work stinks. Don’t let yourself be the judge. Just start writing and don’t stop, don’t edit, and don’t think about how others will perceive your stories until they’re finished and then find a small group of people who will read your stories and give you honest feedback. Most people who think their work stinks don’t finish what they started and never find out if it does or not.


What is your opinion of the new self-publishing trend?

I love the new self pubishing trend as long as people take care in editing their work. Sadly, the self publishing market has two very distinct stigmas it needs to overcome before people will take it more seriously. One is editing. I’ve read books that had great potential, but the lack of editing pulled me right out of the story. This doesn’t just happen in self-publishing though. I’ve seen it in books that were supposedly edited through publishing houses.

The other is that people think self-publishing is for those who are not good enough for a publisher or turned down by one and this is simply just not true. There are many reasons people don’t go to a publisher. My reason is that I want to keep the rights to my Sandcastle multiverse and I don’t want a publisher to tell me to do something else with it. Perhaps, when I’m ready to write on a different topic, then I’ll decide to try out a publisher.


What are your current projects?

The biggest one is that I just renamed my channel to Splatterday Nightmares and I’m working to get my podcast episodes down to once per week so I can focus more on writing. It needs to be done or I will never get to write as I have another business that takes up 80% of my life.

I also have a couple of secret YouTube channels I’m working on. I know, glutton for punishment!


Please in your own words, write a paragraph about yourself & your work.

Boo Rhodes is a podcaster and an author whose dream is for people to say “you scare the hell out of me!” She has created a multiverse which is one of the portals of Purgatory nestled between between the redwood forest and the rocky beaches of Nothern California. This area, once uninhabitable by man or beast, is now the town of Sandcastle where the crimes of everyday mankind meld with the world of the paranormal. She tells the stories of Sandcastle, along with the works of others, from the lighthouse overlooking Sandcastle Beach through her short stories available on Amazon and her podcast available on YouTube and other popular podcast platforms.

Website: www.scarystorytime.com

Youtube: www.splatterdaynightmares.com

Amazon Author Page:  https://amzn.to/3qJ67zf

'To Fire You Come At Last' from Sean Hogan Premieres at FrightFest 2023 on 26th August

Step back in time to 17th century rural England for a wickedly enthralling folk horror, To Fire You Come At Last, from writer-director Sean Hogan (Little Deaths, The Devil’s Business). This mini feature is an atmospheric homage to the great tradition of British supernatural television from the 1970s and gets its world premiere at FrightFest 2023 on Saturday, 26th August at 6pm.

A group of men have been entrusted to walk a coffin to the local graveyard for burial. However, the path they must tread is no ordinary route... it’s steeped in ancient folklore and superstitions that make many hesitant to walk it after dark.

Convinced to take on the challenging journey, the group – Squire Mallow (Mark Carlisle – The Crown), Ransley (James Swanton – The Thing That Ate the Birds), a drunken peasant, thuggish manservant Pike (Richard Rowden – Survive) and Holt (Harry Roebuck), the best friend of the deceased – set out on their trek.

As they venture forth, their mission turns dark and they find themselves entangled in quarrels, violence and a series of inexplicable and strange occurrences... As darkness surrounds them, disturbing revelations reveal that things are not as they seem. A malevolent force is after them, but its nature and motive remain shrouded in mystery. Will any of them survive the night?

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the film and its relationship to the history of folk horror and British genre television, featuring writer/director Sean Hogan and actor James Swanton, as well as renowned horror writers Kim Newman and John Llewellyn Probert.

Eerie, haunting and stunningly shot – To Fire You Come At Last will take you on a journey that you might not be expecting, a must-watch.

To Fire You Come At Last gets its Premiere at FrightFest on 26th August at 6pm

REVIEW: Insidious: The Red Door (2023)

Insidious: The Red Door embarks on a chilling odyssey into the depths of supernatural horror, deftly guided by director Patrick Wilson in his debut at the helm. As the fifth installment in the esteemed Insidious franchise, the film masterfully crafts a sinister narrative of forgotten memories, familial discord, and the malevolent specters lurking within the shadows.

Set nine years subsequent to the events of Insidious: Chapter 2, the story introduces us to a fractured realm where Josh Lambert's haunting history remains concealed within his suppressed recollections. Patrick Wilson's portrayal of Josh navigates a life scarred by divorce, bereavement, and strained relationships. The passing of his mother, Lorraine, marks the commencement of unsettling encounters that plunge into the core of unresolved family dynamics.

The plot gains momentum as Josh's son, Dalton, embodied by Ty Simpkins, unwittingly sketches an ominous depiction of the eponymous red door—a portal to the disquieting realm known as The Further. As spectral phenomena unfurl, the magnitude of the red door's legacy transcends mere superstition. Josh's clash with the vengeful spirit of his estranged father reveals layers of emotional turmoil, melding the supernatural with deeply ingrained familial discord.

In parallel with his father's journey, Dalton's path takes a foreboding twist as he wrestles with his burgeoning ability to astral project. The fusion of contemporary technology, such as YouTube videos expounding astral projection, with the sagacity of Elise Rainier from preceding films ensures a seamless continuity within the franchise. The juxtaposition of a frat party scene—blending the mundane with the paranormal—amplifies tension as Dalton and his friend Chris stumble upon a ghastly presence.

The film thrives on meticulously choreographed sequences that ratchet up suspense, leaving audiences perpetually on edge as maleficent forces tighten their grip on the characters. The return of the red-faced demon, a specter haunting both Josh's past and Dalton's present, serves as a chilling reminder that certain horrors defy the confines of time.

The intricate interplay between Josh, Dalton, and the supernatural culminates in a climactic showdown within The Further. Josh's veiled memories resurface, paralleled by Dalton's escalating astral projection proficiency, as past trauma and paranormal dread coalesce in an exhilarating confrontation. The hellish lair of the red-faced demon serves as a visceral backdrop, heightening the dread enveloping the characters.

Insidious: The Red Door adeptly pays homage to its franchise's legacy while forging a distinctive trajectory. Patrick Wilson's dual role as both director and actor adds nuanced depth to the film's eerie ambiance, while the screenplay by Scott Teems and Leigh Whannell delves into the psychological terrors of suppressed memories and fractured bonds. The film's adept fusion of the mundane with the supernatural underscores the filmmakers' commitment to the genre's evolutionary progression.

Positives:

Outstanding visual effects and makeup design evoke an unsettling unease. The script is well-crafted, buoyed by a compelling performance from Patrick Wilson.

Several well-executed jump scares contribute to the film's tension, adding to its allure.

Negatives:

Occasionally, the film takes itself too seriously, and its PG-13 rating limits the gore that horror enthusiasts might anticipate.

Overall:

Insidious: The Red Door emerges as a commendable addition to the Insidious saga, offering a spine-chilling narrative that lingers long after the final credits. While it may not align with the tastes of more discerning critics, general aficionados of horror will undoubtedly relish it.

While it may lack the gore sought by some, it maintains a sufficiently eerie ambiance to satisfy.

I rate Insidious: The Red Door a respectable 7.5/10.

Now playing in theaters!

In cinemas now!

And also available on Apple TV at https://apple.co/3KvRoOJ and Amazon at https://amzn.to/3OHVaak

REVIEW: Quicksand (2023)

 

Under the direction of Andres Beltran and penned by Matt Pitts, Quicksand immerses viewers in a compelling odyssey through the emotional and physical trials faced by an American couple ensnared in the lush wilderness of Colombia.

At its core, the film revolves around healthcare professionals Sofia (Carolina Gaitan) and Josh (Allan Hawco), a couple grappling with the brink of divorce. This strained relationship forms the backdrop for a gripping narrative of survival and self-discovery. Sofia, a doctor, returns to her homeland after an extended absence to deliver a conference lecture. Accompanied by Josh, who experiences Bogotá for the first time, they leave their children behind in the United States. Will this journey offer them an opportunity to mend their fractured marriage, or will it lead to their literal undoing?

A pivotal twist unfolds during a fateful rainforest hike, where their encounter with a car thief and a subsequent gunpoint confrontation leave them trapped in a pit of quicksand. Their desperate escape attempts lead to immobilization, and in the process, they must grapple with their inner demons while battling the relentless jungle elements. Amidst their struggle, a looming giant snake adds an extra layer of danger to their dire predicament.

Carolina Gaitan and Allan Hawco deliver decent performances, they portray well the complex emotional journey their characters are forced to endure. The chemistry between the two actors is strong, making their struggles and revelations all the more believable. As the plot unfolds, the quicksand becomes a powerful metaphor for the couple's deteriorating relationship, forcing them to confront their grievances and rediscover the value in one another.

Andres Beltran's direction shines as he expertly balances the heart-pounding suspense of the survival aspect with the intimate, character-driven moments of introspection. The lush cinematography captures the beauty and treacherousness of the Colombian wilderness, intensifying the sense of vulnerability felt by the characters.

Throughout the film, a great deal of effort is made to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat, unsure of whether the couple will succumb to the perils of the jungle or find strength in each other to overcome their challenges. This gripping uncertainty adds layers of tension and depth to the plot, keeping the audience engrossed until the final moments.

Quicksand serves as a thought-provoking exploration of marriage, redemption, and the human spirit. It delves into the complexities of relationships and the transformative power of life-threatening situations. The film's powerful message reminds us of the importance of valuing our loved ones and finding strength in unity when confronted with life's most daunting obstacles.

The Good

Despite the low budget, everything looks and feels real and believable. I liked both the performances of Allan Hawco and Carolina Gaitan, and there is a true feeling of peril when they ultimately end up trapped.

The film is a beautiful 80 minutes long, which for a horror/thriller is about the perfect length.

The Bad

Some of the arguments between Sofia and Josh are very cliche. The film is called Quicksand, but it is more mud that they are trapped in.

Overall

Quicksand is a decent horror/thriller film that does a fair job in both its storytelling and performances.

Another decent release from the good people at Shudder, and available now at the following links.

I score Quicksand a fair 7/10

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3rQpkPM

Apple TV - https://apple.co/3OhJI3F

REVIEW: Resident Evil: Death Island (2023)

 

Resident Evil: Death Island elevates the Resident Evil animated series to new heights of excitement and terror, delivering an action-packed experience that will not disappoint fans of the franchise. As an avid follower, I can confidently affirm that this film captivates from start to finish, immersing the audience in its gripping narrative.

The plot skillfully intertwines various timelines and characters, seamlessly taking us back to the intense events of 1998 during the Raccoon City incident. This sets the stage for the high-stakes action that unfolds in the present day. Familiar faces from the Resident Evil video games, including Leon S. Kennedy (Matthew Mercer), Jill Valentine (Nicole Tompkins), and Chris Redfield (Kevin Dorman), evoke a sense of nostalgia for long-time enthusiasts, while newcomers swiftly become engrossed in the compelling storyline.

The animation quality in Death Island is truly exceptional. The meticulous attention to detail in portraying the infected creatures, biopunk technology, and intense action sequences is commendable. Each frame plunges the audience into the perilous world of Resident Evil, where danger lurks around every corner.

The film adeptly strikes a balance between horror and action, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with terrifying zombie encounters and gripping showdowns. The fight scenes are exhilarating, and the incorporation of advanced T-virus strains and drone technology adds a fresh and intriguing dimension to the biopunk horror genre.

The climax of the film is a true spectacle, featuring a heart-pounding battle against the formidable Dylan, who becomes one with a bio-organic weapon. The teamwork and camaraderie among the protagonists as they confront this overwhelming threat embody the spirit of the Resident Evil series.

In summary, Resident Evil: Death Island is essential viewing for franchise enthusiasts and a thrilling cinematic experience for animated action-horror aficionados. Its masterful storytelling, stunning animation, and well-crafted characters establish it as a standout installment in the Resident Evil series. This film showcases the enduring popularity and creativity of the franchise, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating future chapters.

Whether you're a devoted Resident Evil fan or simply seeking pulse-pounding entertainment, this film is guaranteed to leave you thoroughly satisfied and craving more.

Rating: 8.5/10

Apple TV - https://apple.co/44ShqnG
Amazon - https://amzn.to/3KlZOYR

Watch the first 8 minutes below.

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."

Konstantinos Koutsoliotas' new monster movie "Minore" gets European Premiere at FrightFest 2023

Prepare yourself for an unparalleled creature feature experience with Minore, the latest masterpiece from the acclaimed director and visual effects virtuoso, Konstantinos Koutsoliotas. Known for his exceptional work on blockbuster films like Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities, 1917, West Side Story, and Guardians of the Galaxy, Koutsoliotas brings his artistic brilliance to this extraordinary Greek monster movie.

Infused with local flavor, a captivating old-school style of special effects, hauntingly melodic music, nightmarish creatures, and copious amounts of gore, this enthralling horror flick is set to have its European premiere at FrightFest on Saturday, August 26, followed by an additional screening on Monday, August 28.

The story unfolds on a sultry summer night in Greece when sailor William (played by Davide Tucci from Napoleon and Barbarians), on a break from his duties, arrives in a charming coastal village in search of his long-lost father. The town is alive with music and revelry, and in a bustling taverna, William is captivated by the waitress Aliki (Daphne Alexander from The Ghost and The Fourth Kind). However, what starts as an enjoyable evening quickly takes a sinister turn as a mysterious mist envelops the town, and unearthly monsters from the deep begin to invade, luring the locals into the sea with disturbing and eerie dreams.

As things take a freakish turn, William and Aliki shift from flirting to fighting, teaming up with the vibrant locals, including the bar owner Pantelis (portrayed by Eurovision contestant Christos Callow), to take on the menacing beasts. From musicians to bodybuilders, tourists to criminals, and even a priest and a granny, everyone must stand united to defend their tranquil town, leading to non-stop clashes and exhilarating gore-filled battles.

Seamlessly blending Greek authenticity, mesmerizing special effects, and an enchanting rebetiko soundtrack, Koutsoliotas weaves a tapestry of fantasy, blood, gore, and folklore, infused with intense action and the darkest of humor.

With a harmonious mix of everyday life and the extraordinarily extreme, brace yourself to confront the monstrous beasts from beyond in Minore, and you'll undoubtedly be embracing Greek cinema this summer.

On Discovery Screen 3 on Saturday, August 26, at 5.50 pm and Monday, August 28, at 3.20 pm.

More info at https://www.frightfest.co.uk/2023FrightFestLondon/minore.html

Interview with George Baron, director of the murder thriller THE BLUE ROSE

Ahead of the World Premiere of THE BLUE ROSE, which he made whilst still at school, George Baron talks about overcoming self-doubt, the concept of ‘pastel-noir’ and the influence of David Lynch as a male role model.

George, THE BLUE ROSE marks your feature film debut. What would you say were the biggest challenges in getting it off the ground?

The biggest challenge was probably overcoming my own doubts and anxieties I had about the project. Getting the right people on board for the cast and crew actually fell into my lap pretty easily.

When you started shooting the film in 2021 you were only sixteen years old, joining a very select band of teenage feature film makers. How did you find coping with all the pressures at the time?

Yeah, I don’t think there are many of us out there. I’ve only heard of like two others, so it feels nice to be spearheading this new generation of filmmakers. I literally shot the film over my summer break and then went back to school like two days after we wrapped. I think the biggest pressure I had to cope with was the feeling of being underestimated.

The film is based on an immersive theatre Art Show you directed in 2020. What was it like making the leap from theatre to film? Did it feel like a natural transition?

Well, I think the film itself is very theatrical. And my roots are grounded in theatre. I think the most challenging part was trying to bring over those immersive, obscure, and intimate elements into a film. The transition was definitely just that, a transition.

THE BLUE ROSE is visually stunning and dazzlingly provocative and inspired by David Lynch in particular. Why?

Davd Lynch is kind of the only male role model I’ve ever had. I always had these far-fetched ideas and surreal stories that I thought were just things that interested me and no one else, and then I saw “Blue Velvet” for the first time, and I was like “Oh my god, there’s a market for this!”. There are obvious inspirations from David Lynch throughout the film.

What other directorial inspirations did you draw upon?

Well, there's classic noir inspirations like Hitchcock and films like “Mildred Pierce” and “Sunset Boulevard”. Another film inspiration of mine would probably have to be Melanie Martinez. Seeing her film “K-12” made me realize that you can write, direct and act in your own film. And that you can make a movie with visual emphasis and an excess of colour theory. I would also say that I’m very inspired by pop-surrealism artwork. My childhood best friend’s surrealist artwork is featured throughout the film, and she’s always been a longtime collaborator of mine, so it was fun to weave the story around her paintings.

You describe the film as ‘pastel-noir’. Can you elaborate?

Yeah! So essentially the concept of a “pastel-noir” is that you take the structure or general idea of a noir film, but you don’t make it look like a noir film. So, I was really influenced by shades of pastel pink and green and blue. All of these really soft yet vibrant colours that you just never want to take your eyes off of. So, it creates this really interesting juxtaposition where the content of the film is dark, but the visuals are the complete opposite. There was a brief time when I thought about making the film in black and white, but I think that would have been a very different movie.

Although THE BLUE ROSE is set in the fifties, it feels very contemporary with its themes of gender fluidity. Is it important to you that the film is embraced by the post-millennial generation?

Well, I mean obviously, I’m Gen Z so that Gen Z voice is gonna come through somehow. I didn’t want the story to be about gender fluidity or sexuality, and it’s not a really big part of the story either. I do however think that the film has many queer elements and I think a lot of LGBTQ+ people (and even those who are not) are going to find things they resonate with in this film no matter what generation they come from.

The horror elements of the film have a dark splash of deviance about them. Have you always embraced the horror genre and who are your greatest influences?

I’ve been a horror fan since I was a little kid. I think all of the films I plan to make in the future will have horror elements. Some of my favourite horror movies would probably have to be “House Of 1000 Corpses”, “Carrie”, and “Sleepaway Camp”. There’s actually a really small “Sleepaway Camp” reference in the movie and I’m curious to see if anybody notices it. But when it comes to horror literature, I am a huge fan of Stephen King and VC Andrews.

The casting is terrific. There is a real team spirit. Did the process fall naturally into place?

Thank you! I have to hand it to our casting director, Michelle Lewitt. She’s incredible. The process definitely fell naturally into place. I’m very grateful and thankful to our cast members for their performances.

You also star in the film. What was it like playing opposite Olivia Scott Welch?

Olivia is great! She’s really fun to work with and she brought a lot to the table. She’s the perfect partner in fighting crime.

The film has its World premiere at FrightFest 2023. Excited or what?

I literally cannot express how thrilled I am! Although I do have to say that I am very anxious about it though.

Can you tell us about future plans for the film?

Honestly, no, I just hope the distribution gods are kind to me.

And looking ahead, what new projects are you working on?

-I have the script completed for my second film. So that’s definitely something I’d like to do soon. But what I really want is to act in something that I have no directorial influence in.

THE BLUE ROSE is showing online on Sunday 27 August, 6.25pm, in Discovery Screen 1, as part of Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2023.

Talk To Me (2023) - New Clip Released

Introducing the highly anticipated horror film, "TALK TO ME," which premiered in the UK and Irish cinemas on July 28. This spine-chilling masterpiece has taken the industry by storm, smashing box office records for Altitude with an astounding opening weekend gross of over £640,000. Critics have showered the film with acclaim, declaring it the scariest and best-reviewed horror movie of 2023, making it an impressive directorial debut for Michael and Danny Philippou.

"Talk to Me" has captivated audiences ever since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, drawing them into its electrifying story. The plot follows a group of friends who stumble upon the ability to summon spirits using an embalmed hand. Initially drawn in by the thrill, their fascination takes a dark turn when one of them unknowingly unleashes terrifying supernatural forces by pushing the boundaries.

To celebrate the film's immense success, Altitude has released an exclusive clip, further fueling excitement around this terrifying tale. In a groundbreaking marketing move, Altitude collaborated with the popular video game Fortnite, creating a first-of-its-kind horror movie tie-in. Now, players can immerse themselves in the eerie world of "Talk to Me" within the Deadpines Zombie Survival game, intensifying the suspense and horror for fans everywhere.

The stellar cast includes Sophie Wilde, Joe Bird, Alexandra Jensen, Otis Dhanji, Miranda Otto, and Marcus Johnson, who have brought life to the gripping characters in this unforgettable cinematic experience.