Sometimes, monster lovers prefer to watch a good indie horror film without putting on pants and walking to their local movie rental store. If you’re one of those people, then take a deep breath of fresh air, because MY GOD! is it a good time to be alive.
Here’s the news that’s been gouging a hole in our inbox.
Film Festival News
Optimus “A Touch of Horror” Convention (Buy Your Tickets) – ComicCon meets a touch of horror on Saturday, March 11, 2017 in Bristol, UK. Fans will have the chance to meet guest signers Caroline Munro, Emma Dark, Barbara Nedeljakova, and Madeline Smith. For hardened horror fans, the con invites you to the Optimus Asylum, a live horror walk through. Learn more and book your tickets at optimusconvention.com.
Stranger With My Face Returns May 4–7, 2017 (Call for Submissions) – Named after the dark YA novel by Lois Duncan, Tasmania’s Stranger With My Face International Film Festival focuses on female perspectives in genre film, with an emphasis on showcasing the work of women directors. The festival takes a broad approach to horror, with dark fantasy, Gothic melodrama, horror comedy, dystopian sci-fi, animation, documentary, and experimental hybrids.
The call for submissions is now open, with both feature-length and short films made after January 1, 2016 eligible for consideration. While submissions are open to filmmakers of all genders, only films by those who identify as women are eligible for awards. Learn more at strangerwithmyface.com.
Australia’s Monster Fest Returns November 22–26, 2017 (Call for Submissions) – Australia’s premier genre film festival celebrating cult, horror, and the fantastic, returns for its seventh edition from November 22–26 at the Lido Cinemas in Melbourne, mounted with the support of Screen Australia. Submissions are now open for features, short films, and expanded cinema projects, with an early bird deadline of April 21, and a regular deadline of June 16, 2017. Details and submission guidelines are available at monsterfest.com.au.
Monster Movie News
The Tribe (Now on VOD) – Three young sisters (Jessica Rothe, Mary + Jane, La La Land; Anne Winters, Tyrant; and Chloe Beth Jones) live out their days after a pandemic has consumed most of the known world. One day a stranger (Michael Nardelli, The Collection, Revenge), suddenly shows up and their world changes in ways they never could have imagined.
The award-winning film marks the feature directorial debut of Roxy Shih and is now available on a variety of VOD platforms. Watch the opening scene.
The Room at the Top of the Stairs (Now on Shudder) – Autobiographical in origin, “The Room at the Top of the Stairs” is a coming-of-age story told in the style of a gothic melodrama. In it, a young artist feels overshadowed by a charismatic girl she’s never met. Her life changes when she decides to follow in her nemesis’s footsteps. Director Briony Kidd was mentored by Jennifer Kent, director of The Babadook, and is now the director of the Stranger With My Face International Film Festival. Watch the 15-minute short film on Shudder now.
The Room at the Top of the Stairs
British Thriller Deadly Virtues: Love.Honor.Obey. Now on VOD – This home invasion thriller with a twist was directed by Ate de Jong and stars Megan Maczko, Matt Barber, and Edward Akrout. It was called “Fantastic…masterful…superb.” by Ain’t It Cool. This film is now out on many VOD sites. Watch the trailer.
Savageland (Out Tomorrow) – Terror Films will soon release the multi-award winning film, Savageland to many VOD channels. The film is centered on the night of June 2, 2011, when the largest mass murder in American history occurs in the off-the-grid border town of Sangre de Cristo, Arizona. The entire population of 57 disappears overnight, and the next morning, nothing is left but blood trails leading into the desert.
Savageland has already swept the festival circuit, including being an official selection at the San Diego Comic Con, the Independent Filmmakers Showcase, the Atlanta Horror Film Festival, and the NOLA Horror Film Festival. Look for it February 24 on iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play/YouTube, and more. Check out this sneak peek clip now.
Devil in the Dark (Coming Soon) – When estranged brothers Adam and Clint attempt to reconnect over a week-long hunting trip in remote British Columbia, they find the tables turned by a mysterious presence lurking in the forest. They will have to put aside their differences and work together if they plan on making it out these dark woods alive. Starring Robin Dunne (Syfy’s Sanctuary), Dan Payne (Star Trek Beyond), Daniel Cudmore (X-Men: Days of Future Past), and Briana Buckmaster (The CW’s Supernatural). Directed by Tim J. Brown (The Cradle). Coming to VOD March 7. Watch the trailer.
Garden Party Massacre (Coming Soon) – Horror meets comedy in award-winning Gregory Blair’s new film, coming later this year. Based on his FANtastic Horror Film Festival winning script, it’s a fast-paced romp where both ketchup and blood flow freely: A friendly backyard gathering goes awry when an unexpected guest shows up. With a pickaxe. And an attitude! Things go south from there as the guests try to survive. Watch the newest trailer.
The Ouija Board Secret (Watch Now) – This two-minute independent short film about a scary ouija seance was produced by only one person: the director, Andrea Ricca, who did the scripting, shooting, acting, editing, special effects, 3D modellation, and animation. Watch the horror short, below.
https://youtu.be/A3g3kh08clA%20
