Thursday 28 September 2023

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