SOUTHERN UTAH’S ANNUAL HORROR-FEST EVENT
Article By Adam Mast
On Saturday, Oct. 27th, The Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU)-a non-profit dedicated to the encouraging and nurturing of aspiring and seasoned filmmaking talent in the area-invites fans of the witching season to attend HORROR-FEST 2018 at the Electric Theater. This annual Halloween-inspired spooktacular is about to embark on its 17th consecutive terrifying outing and as always, this ghoulish shindig will be of particular interest to film-goers that appreciate all things Halloween. You needn’t look any further than the playful HORROR-FEST 2018 artwork created by the talented Jeff Sanders to see that! What can attendees expect this year?
A DOUBLE CREATURE FEATURE!
HORROR-FEST 2018 will be bookended by screenings of two delightfully entertaining creature feature films of yesteryear. The festivities will begin with an afternoon screening of a film that will definitely appeal to families and to those who prefer their cinematic trick or treats complemented by laughs and all-age appropriate antics.
FREE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING OF HOCUS POCUS
While Horror-Fest loves to scare the crap out of its patrons, programmers would also like to offer up a movie that families can enjoy and this tale of a trio of witches certainly fits the bill! This classic comedy stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy and it’s perfect for all ages! Bring the entire family out! Treats will be offered up to those who attend the screening dressed as a witch!
This special free screening is being presented by the gracious folks at Red Cliffs Dental!
For a deeper look into this beloved film, click here.
THE GUERILLA SHORTS SHOWCASE
The centerpiece of “Horror-Fest 2018” will be the increasingly popular Guerilla Shorts Showcase, a collection of short films put together by local storytellers. This Horror-Fest Edition of the Guerilla Filmmaking Challenge produced a record-breaking 26 short films! Aspiring filmmakers were given a limited amount of time to make a short film using any resources available to them. Additionally, these passionate storytellers were required to use the theme “Creature Feature” and include a pumpkin and the dialogue line, “You’re a monster.” in their wildly creative mini-movies. This showcase and the filmmaking challenge that inspired it has been going strong since 2005 and programmers suggest that this year’s Halloween Guerilla shorts collection will offer up a little something for everyone. It should also be noted that there will be cash prizes awarded to the strongest films of the bunch. Furthermore, attendees are encouraged to get in on the action and vote for their favorite as there will be an Audience Choice Award handed out as well. Most importantly, though, “Horror-Fest” attendees will have the rare opportunity to experience these films in a theatrical setting with a packed house, and at the end of the day, that’s one of the most exciting aspects of the filmmaking process!
Here’s the Guerilla Shorts Line-up:
1. “Another Brainstorm” directed by Lonie Black and Brandon Tippetts
2. “The Vanisher” directed by Rich Wealthy
3. “For Mom” directed by Chelle Nixon
4. “Lucid” directed by Alexis Vencill
5. “Halloween: A Documentary” directed by Chris Zollinger
6. “Carpe Duorum” directed by Mark Bracich
7. “The House on Church Street” directed by Eric Butz
8. “Hungry” directed by Briana Pugh
9. “Finished Long Silence” directed by Caleb Hatton
10. “The Mouse and a House” directed by Shaun Labrecque
11. “WKLA Special News Report” directed by Aimee Sanders
12. “Ravenous Creatures” directed by Christian Navarrete
13. “Waiting For Pumpkin” directed by Hollie Reina
INTERMISSION
14. “Living Nightmare” directed by Emily Holt
15. “Candy Corn” directed by Kipp Howard
16. “Deadline” directed by Matt Moon
17. “And You’re Mine” directed by Trey Paterson
18. “Carved 2” directed Derek Dowsett
19. “Occupied” directed by Chris Bringhurst
20. “Grace” directed by Aaron Crane
21. “Goat” directed by Dan Bringhurst
22. “The Gleaners” directed by Cassidy Tilden
23. “Family” directed by Dean Jones
24. “The Growl” directed by Sara Estridge
25. “Dina Caverns” directed by Hannah Cass
26. “Making A Friend” directed by Adam Mast
The Showcase will be followed by a short intermission and The Guerilla Film Awards.
JACK-O-LANTERN CONTEST
No carving allowed on the premises but attendees of all ages are encouraged to bring their already-decorated pumpkins to The Electric Theater. Writer/director Hollie Reina and select cast and crew members from the charming Guerilla short, WAITING FOR PUMPKIN, will pick the two most creative jack-o-lanterns of the lot and announce the winners during The Guerilla Film Awards.
COSTUME CONTEST
Halloween just isn’t the same without costumes and while it should be noted that dressing up is not a requirement, it is heavily encouraged. As an added incentive, patrons who attend HORROR-FEST in costume will be invited to take part in a masquerade ball. Prizes will be awarded to the two attendees with the most creative costumes during The Guerilla Film Awards.
A DOUBLE CREATURE FEATURE CONTINUED…
If you like your horror a little bit on the edgier side, fear not because HORROR-FEST will close out the evening with a screening of a horror gem that’s more geared towards an adult crowd: A picture perfect collaboration between two iconic titans of the genre.
FREE MOVIE SCREENING OF CREEPSHOW
This anthology film from the twisted minds of Stephen King and George Romero is the perfect blend of laughs and scares. It stars the likes of Ed Harris, Hal Holdbrook, Fritz Weaver, E.G. Marshall, Adrienne Barbeau, and King himself! This film is the very personification of Halloween! If you’ve never seen it before, now’s a perfect time! If you have seen it before, see it again! On the big screen!
For a deeper look into this cherished horror film, click here.
In addition to all the previously mentioned awesomeness, you can expect plenty of spine-tingling surprises throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. Bottom line: If you’re a fan of Halloween, you owe it to yourself to attend this epic cinematic event.
Advance tickets are only $8 and on sale now at www.fmasu.com. Tickets will be $10 the day of the event.
HORROR-FEST 2018… The most fun you’ll ever have being scared!
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