The highly reputable horror film festival, Fright Fest,
currently in its fourteenth year returned with an impressive line-up of films from
all around the world. Set up by film experts and enthusiasts; Alan Jones, Ian Rattray, Paul McEvoy and Greg Day and sponsored by the iconic Film4 channel,
Fright Fest has grown immensely popular because it is an alternative to the
Notting Hill Carnival every August Bank Holiday weekend.
Having spoken to various Fright Festers this weekend, they
are truly the friendliest crowd with genuine commitment to the horror genre.
The Festival organisers roam around freely speaking with festival goers; there
are DVDs and film posters for sale in the foyer, interviews are held in an
accessible manner that puts you right in the heart of the film festival
experience. The atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed; strangers strike up
conversations as they eagerly await their next screening.
Horror is by far the most interesting genre in film and
sharing it among genre devotees is a completely refreshing and exhilarating
experience. Fright Festers travel from
all around the UK and the world to attend this festival. “Horror is OUR fairground ride” one festival
goer told us as he sat outside Empire, admiringly watching the crowd. An
interesting comparison that tied in quite nicely to Alan Jones opinion of
horror; “Everyone responds in different ways to their fears... a safe darkness,
a way to deal with what scares us communally and at a manageable distance”.
We spoke to Alan regarding the perfect location for Fright
Fest and he described London as “such a
cosmopolitan crowd, the foot fall through Leicester Square is over a million a
day so we’re in the centre, reaping the benefits.” Indeed they are, the
five day festival takes place at the luxurious Empire Leicester Square and
offers audiences a jam packed eclectic weekend of premiers, previews, quizzes
and interviews with Directors and stars.
This year the fest opened with British film, The Dead 2: India, directed by The Ford
Brothers, the film tells the story of zombies in a post-apocalyptic land. Speaking
with Alan he told us; “It’s
vital we showcase British Product, we are Britain’s leading genre festival so
we see it as our duty. Most of the time we are submitted the titles at an early
stage, other times we hear on the grapevine”. Next was another from the Child’s Play franchise, Curseof Chucky. The ginger haired, blue eyed doll is back with more vengeance
than ever.
Friday conjured up Brit-film, Dementamania, filmed all around London Bridge tells the story of a mentally decaying, utterly bored office
worker, fed-up with the repetitive nature of his days and irritating co-workers.
The Variety spotlight award event was granted to our very own London based Director,
Ben Wheatley. Audiences were invited to
the event where Wheatley discussed his impressive and fiercely unique films to
date.
 |
| Director and Cast of Dementamania |
The English Premiere of US film, Cheap Thrills stole the show on the
Saturday, described as a “Michael Haneke
feature filtered through an American Dream”. Self-funded feature, On Tender Hooks, visually speaking, was the most gruesome film of
the day which as the title suggests, adopts a fly on the wall style of filming
following individuals whom challenge themselves to intense body modification.
Sunday welcomed another British film, the intuitive Film4
backed, In Fear. A simple plot; following a young couple’s
drive around country lanes and their inability to find their way. Not in the
slightest gruesome, this is a well-crafted psychological thriller outlining the
absolute talent that is required in building up tension and suspense in film.
From the Retro Screening stem of Fright Fest, we particularly enjoyed the
German Expressionistic feature, Nosferatu.
Released in 1922, this is an unauthorised adaptation of Bram Stokers, Dracula.
This classic, gothic feature is an absolute visual treat.
| Film Still from 1922 classic, Nosferatu |
The last day was by far the strongest with the US remake of
Mexican art-house film, We Are What WeAre; Follows the Parker family and after the loss of their mother, teenage daughters
must continue with their ritualistic, family tradition of cannibalism. Stunningly
shot, exceptional performances and one of the most gruesome and comedic ending
sequences.
The festival came to a close with the immensely hyped up
Israeli thriller / horror comedy, Big Bad Wolves. The film takes place after a series of brutal murders that brings
the lives of three men together, a rogue cop, a suspected pedophile and a
victim’s father. Aside from the thrilling and comic aspects, there are serious
insights into Israel’s aggressive sense of victim-hood and preoccupation with
revenge. A truly brave and sophisticated
feature with an incredible soundtrack. This was the last year the festival will
reside in Screen 1, with plans of the space being divided into two separate auditoriums;
Big Bad Wolves was the perfect send
off.
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