Film4 FrightFest hits not so sweet 16 years old this year. To celebrate, the festival is showcasing dozens of world, European and UK premieres, classic films, shorts and visiting talent for a scarily exciting five days of horror and fantasy cinema.
Over almost two decades, the festival has introduced mind-blowing movies to UK shores and 2015 promises to continue the proud tradition.
Opening proceedings at the Vue Cinema, Leicester Square on Thursday 27th August is Cherry Tree. A witches’ coven tale of “be careful what you wish for”, Cherry Tree also has the honour of being the first Irish movie to open FrightFest.
Closing the event on Bank Holiday Monday is Tales of Halloween. An anthology movie packing in ten tales of terror, boasting a new story from Dog Soldiers director Neil Marshall, it promises to end the festival on a high.
Across the weekend, there is also Candyman director Bernard Rose’s Frankenstein adaptation featuring Tony Todd, Candyman himself, the chilling teen thriller Another Me starring Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner, Over Your Dead Body by legendary Japanese director Takashi Miike and Inner Demon, an Australian genre-bending shocker that could be the film of the festival.
Proving the truth can be wilder than fiction, two acclaimed documentaries also get our recommendation. Future Shock! The Story of 2000AD is an irresistible telling of the British comic that introduced the world to a certain Judge Dredd, while The Nightmare is an insightful look at sleep paralysis, a bloodcurdling condition that makes sufferers slave to their own hallucinations.
Continuing the welcome tradition of bringing classic movies back to the big screen, this year FrightFest has Hellraiser, the must-see Hammer great Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter and the Italian masterpiece Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key (yes, it really is called that).
Elsewhere there are the traditional short films showcases, plus a panel discussion on low-budget filmmaking chaired by critic and documentary producer Catherine Bray that promises to be a fascinating masterclass on how to get a movie made in the age of Kickstarter and how to ensure it’s not lost in an insanely crowded marketplace.
Add in interviews with scream queen Barbara Crampton and renowned film artist Graham Humphreys (creator of the original UK Evil Dead artwork, plus the annual FrightFest posters) and you have a line-up to die for.
Festival co-director and horror expert Alan Jones says, “It is with great pride that we announce the line-up for the UK’s biggest, best and most renowned genre festival.”
So, if you’re in London this August Bank Holiday weekend, head over to the Vue and dive deep into the frighteningly fun, wild world of FrightFest.
For more information click here for the official FrightFest website.
Rob Daniel
T: @rob_a_Daniel
