“HORROR-FEST 2014” ENCOURAGES AND SUPPORTS LOCAL FILM-MAKING ALL WHILE RAISING MONEY FOR CHARITY

Adam Mast

SOUTHERN UTAH’S “HORROR-FEST” RETURNS FOR ITS 13TH YEAR!

A TRIBUTE TO LOCAL FILM-MAKING AND 2 FANTASTIC CAUSES!
Article by Adam Mast

Get ready Southern Utah! “Horror-Fest” returns for its 13th terrifying year this October. And while 13 might be considered an unlucky number in the grand scheme of things, it should prove to be a very lucky number for attendees. This promises to be Southern Utah’s biggest Halloween inspired event yet. In addition to encouraging local film-making talent and curating the best in horror cinema, “Horror-Fest” will also set out to do some good by raising money for “Dixie Scare and Share” and “The Happy Factory“. Both organizations are dedicated to helping out those who are a little less fortunate.

Here’s a look at the spine-tingling schedule of events;

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30TH AT “THE OVERLOOK HOTEL” (AKA “THE BEST WESTERN ABBEY INN”)–$5
(With proceeds going to “Dixie Scare & Share” and “The Happy Factory”)

Rather than holding this annual shindig at a movie theater this year, organizers decided to hold “Horror-Fest” at “The Overlook Hotel” (aka “The Best Western Abbey Inn”.) It’s more intimate and farcreepier. If the terrifying change of scenery wasn’t grand enough, “finger” foods, beverages, and other treats will be included in your admission price. Of course, this event is really all about having the wits scared out of you.Before getting to the line-up, let it be noted that since this is a Halloween festival, organizers hope that the majority of you attend this ghoulish celebration in costume. It certainly isn’t mandatory but highly encouraged. There will be prizes awarded for best costume so the more creative you are, the better.Now, on with the line-up;

4 PM– MYSTERY SCREENING

That’s right! In typical “Horror-Fest” fashion, programmers aren’t revealing the title of the opening movie. What we they can tell you is that while scary, it will be a horror film of yesteryear and it will be of the PG-13 variety so don’t expect anything too out of control. Rest assured though, it will still deliver the fright filled goods.

6 PM– THE 2014 HORROR-FEST EDITION OF THE GUERILLA SHORTS SHOWCASE

In early October, several passionate, creative, and supremely dedicated Utah based film-makers were given three weeks to make a 5 minute short film using the theme “Unlucky”. During “Horror-Fest”, attendees will see first hand what these talented individuals (novice and advanced alike) have come up with. This year’s illustrious batch of film-makers include; Shane Hecksel, Ben Zufelt, Darren Chase, Dan Fowlks, Kreigh Carter, Eric Campbell, Kipp Howard, Katie Maxwell, Brit Isheim, Cragun Clayburn, Alec Davenport, Ashley Harrison, Brandon Tippetts, Lonie Black, Mike Wiest, Christian Navarrete, Brianne Navarrete, Inti Chabert, Sheldon Demke, Peter Goodge, Derke Solberg, John Pugh, Briana Pugh, Shaun Labrecque, Don Barfuss, Zacharay Hume, Cathy Ford, Ned Cordery, Scott Goodrich, and more. Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite short as an Audience Choice Award will be revealed during “The Guerilla Awards”.

Here’s a look at our amazing (and terrifying) line-up of Guerilla Shorts;

“Holidaze” directed by Lonie Black and Brandon Tippetts
“The Baby Mirror That Escalated Quickly” directed by Zachary Hume
“Picnic at Pine Valley” directed by Ned Cordery
“Unrequited” directed by Cathy Ford
“The Keyhole” directed by Ashley Skye Harrison
“IH11” directed by Shaun Labrecque
“Jessie’s Girl” directed by Mike Wiest
“Hexcrement” directed by Eric Campbell
“Slender Puppet” directed by Ben Zufelt
“Unlucky 13” directed by Christian Navarrete and Inti Chabert
“Tenebra” directed by Don Barfuss
“I Can See You” directed by John Pugh
“Moonlight Drive” directed by Kipp Howard
“Unfortunate Bargain” directed by Derek Solberg

8 PM– THE LOCAL FILM-MAKER SPOTLIGHT

“A TALE TOLD HEART” (25 minutes)

Local talent Dan Fowlks sets his sights on a famed Edgar Allan Poe tale, but rather than doing a straight forward adaptation, he puts his own special twist on the proceedings. Through a solid cast including Rich Hill, Sheldon Demke, Kelly Olsen, Stephen Walters, Ryan Whitney, and Fowlks himself, “A Tale Told Heart” emerges as a moody, atmospheric, skillfully executed take on a classic.

“A TALE TOLD HEART” TEASER TRAILER:

MUSIC VIDEO FOR “RAVEN COMES A KNOCKIN”:

A SNEAK PEEK AT TREY PATERSON’S “A TELL-TALE HEART“ (5 minutes)

Dan Fowlks has dazzled the local film-making community with his adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “A Tell-Tale Heart”. Well clearly, Poe in the air this Halloween season because film-maker Trey Paterson has been working feverishly on his own adaptation of this iconic short story. While Paterson was unable to finish his short in time for “Horror-Fest”, he will be on hand to present an extended peek at the film. Between Paterson and Fowlk’s adaptations, attendees will have a unique opportunity to see how two distinctive talents can put their own unique spin on a legendary piece of literature.

A SPECIAL TRAILER FOR SAM PEREZ’S “OUT HERE“

Film-maker Sam Perez cut his teeth on short films but now, he’s well on his way. Mr. Perez will be on hand to share a brief but effective teaser trailer for his upcoming dramatic feature, “Out Here”.

“DEAL OR NO DEAL” (8 minutes)

Shane Hecksel may be young but his cinematic efforts represent a film-maker wise beyond his years. With “Deal or No Deal”, Hecksel has fashioned a thriller about a deal gone bad. What is the deal and who was it made with? Like we’d reveal the answer in this blurb…

“MY IMAGINARY FRIEND” (5 minutes)

Ashley Millet and Kreigh Carter’s “Imaginary Friend” is a darkly funny, deceptive little chiller about a stern father and mother who demand that their young son finally say goodby to his imaginary friend. Where this short film goes from there, is best left unsaid.

“THE PETER WOLF CHRONICLES: CRUTCH & CRUTCHS DBL. FEATURE” (13 minutes)

Two years ago, Sheldon Demke delivered an audacious Guerilla Short called “Crutch”. Now, he’s back with “Crutches”. Let’s just say that this sequel is to the original what “Aliens” was to “Alien”. This sick, twisted, and all together hilarious slasher homage features the great Peter Goodge as a physically impaired man who doesn’t take kindly to folks who drink and drive. The “Crutch” series is destined for cult status. Come and see for yourself.

“HEARD IT THROUGH THE WALLS” (9 minutes)

Cragun Clayburn’s “Heard It Through the Walls” is an edgy, visceral assault of a thriller starring Rich Hill as an old school jazz/blues loving chef and Sheldon Demke as the evil (and undesirable) neighbor who gets under his skin. This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but for everyone else, it’s perfect Halloween viewing.

9PM– THE GUERILLA AWARDS

Hang out for “The Guerilla Awards Show” as “Horror-Fest” programmers honor the most creative entries in “The Horror-Fest Edition of the Guerilla Shorts Showcase”. In addition to honoring the film-makers, there will be a prize awarded for most creative costume. “Horror-Fest” will also offer up a special Peter Goodge reading of Jeff Sanders’ “All Dead Things”– a poignant tale from the land beyond the living.

Spend October 31st trick ‘r treating but be sure to get a good night’s sleep because “Horror-Fest” will return on…

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST, AT “JAZZY’S ROCK N ROLL GRILL” “THE DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN HORROR MOVIE MARATHON” ($3 donations to go to “Dixie Scare and Share” and “The Happy Factory”)

Southern Utah’s favorite coffee shop presents an entire day devoted to horror film fans who like their scares on the edgier side. And if you enjoy 80’s horror, you’ll find this marathon of particular interest. In fact, two of the 80’s films screening are celebrating impressive milestones this year. Cryptic to be sure, but keeping the film titles a surprise is a heck of a lot more fun. In addition to “Horror-Fest’s” terrifying (and in some cases, hilarious) mystery horror programming, organizers will also present an encore presentation of “The Guerilla Shorts Showcase”. Side note; Bring your Jack-O-Lanterns to this special Jazzy event. Your Halloween creations will be lined up in front of the building and before the day is over, prizes will be awarded to the most creative pumpkin carvers.

Here’s an appropriately vague look at the day’s festivities;

10 AM– MYSTERY SCREENING (R)
11:30 AM– MYSTERY SCREENING (R)
1 PM– MYSTERY SCREENING (R)
2:30– MYSTERY SCREENING (R)
4 PM– “GUERILLA SHORTS SHOWCASE” ENCORE PRESENTATION (ALL AGES)
6 PM– MYSTERY SCREENING (R)
8 PM– MYSTERY SCREENING (R)
10 PM– MYSTERY SCREENING (R)

*Horror-Fest schedule subject to change.

“Horror-Fest” is Southern Utah’s ultimate Halloween inspired get together. Come on out and lend your support to both an extremely talented local film-making community and two truly important causes. In return, event organizers promise to scare the crap out of you!

“THE OVERLOOK HOTEL” (AKA “THE BEST WESTERN ABBEY INN”) ADDRESS AND INFO-

1129 S. Bluff St., St. George, UT, 84770, (435) 652-1234
http://www.bwabbeyinn.com/

“JAZZY’S ROCK N ROLL GRILL” ADDRESS AND INFO-

285 N. Bluff St., St. George, UT, 84770, (435) 674-1678
Facebook Page

Special thanks to JRI Insurance, Bear River Mutual, Recycled Consign and Design, Wilson and Whetten Orthodontics, Best Western Abbey Inn, Tom’s Deli, St. George Musical Theater, The Squatty Potty, KTIM Radio 95.3 FM, The Local Celebrity Show With Sheldon Demke, The Peter Gunn Show, Jazzy’s Rock N Roll Grill, Riggatti’s Pizza, Redstone Olive Oil, Jeff Sanders Films and Photography, The Independent, and Cinemast.net for their generous support.

For updated “Horror-Fest” info, be sure to visit one of the following;

Horror-Fest 2014 — Facebook Page

Suindependent.com — Visit Site Here

Cinemast.net — You’re Already Here

About Author

Adam Mast

Adam Mast has been a lifelong film enthusiast dating back to age 6 when his parents took him to see a little movie called JAWS at a drive-in theater in Northern California. This would lead him to several writing stints for various publications and outlets. Mast would also have a hand in several film projects of various shapes and sizes. In 2014, Mast would join forces with colleague John Pugh to create Cinemast.net as a means discuss film from a fan and analytical perspective. Together, Mast and Pugh would also create the 501 (C)(3) nonprofit, Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU) in 2017. FMASU’s mission is to encourage, inspire and educate filmmaking talent and to preserve film history. Adam currently resides in southern Utah with his amazing wife, Tonja, and their four wonderful children.

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