Genre icon Barbara Crampton, will attend the outlandish opener of Joe Lynch's film SUITABLE FLESH.
FrightFest 2023 tickets will be available for purchase starting from Saturday, July 15th at noon for passes. For single tickets, sales will begin on Saturday, July 22nd at noon.
The 24th edition of FrightFest, the UK's largest and most beloved horror and fantasy film festival, will make a gory and glorious return to Cineworld Leicester Square in London. This year, the festival is proud to announce Pigeon Shrine, a pioneering technology and entertainment company founded by Tom Paton, as its headline sponsor. Tom Paton is joined by industry finance veterans Jamie McLeod-Ross and Charley McDougall in this exciting venture.
Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, taking place from Thursday, August 24th to Monday, August 28th, is an exhilarating cinematic celebration of genre films. It offers a thrilling assortment of horror, shock, and terror on the big screen. Over the course of five days, audiences can immerse themselves in seventy carefully curated films across four screens, delving into the enchanting realms of menace, chaos, and mischief. The festival boasts an impressive lineup of twenty-five world premieres, twenty-three international/European premieres, and twelve UK premieres, showcasing films from fourteen countries spanning five continents.
According to co-director Alan Jones, FrightFest promises an incredible range of films in a diverse and inclusive lineup that serves as a catalyst for democracy, activism, social awareness, and inclusivity. With an open-minded philosophy, FrightFest aims to showcase the beauty of unexpected and delightful discoveries that occur when people from different cultures and backgrounds unite in the harmonious realm of horror.
Barbara Crampton
FrightFest kicks off with the highly anticipated European premiere of SUITABLE FLESH...
FrightFest kicks off with the highly anticipated European premiere of SUITABLE FLESH the latest chilling creation from beloved director Joe Lynch, who pays homage to the legendary Stuart Gordon, director of "Re-Animator." This outlandish love letter presents a fresh perspective on body horror and cosmic mayhem inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, making it a must-see for enthusiasts of 80s horror with a touch of raunchiness. Adding to the excitement, Barbara Crampton, an iconic figure in the genre, returns to FrightFest for the third time as both co-producer and co-star of the film.
The European premiere of THE SACRIFICE GAME will close Frightfest 2023.
The European premiere of "THE SACRIFICE GAME" will serve as the closing night film. Directed by Jenn Wexler, known for the FrightFest hit "THE RANGER," this demonically stylish second feature pays homage to the beauty and audacity of classic 1970s horror. With a wild and exhilarating storyline, the film takes audiences on another thrilling ride. In addition to "THE SACRIFICE GAME," FrightFest will also showcase "THE BLUE ROSE," a genre-bending fantasy thriller making its world premiere. Notably, the debut feature is helmed by 18-year-old George Baron and features Olivia Scott Welch in a leading role.
Making her FrightFest debut, 18-year-old transgender filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay presents the European premiere of the possession thriller "T BLOCKERS." Shot in Australia, this trans horror film features a predominantly queer, non-binary, and trans cast and crew. In another exciting addition, transgender icon Eddie Izzard takes on the title role of Nina Jekyll in "DOCTOR JEKYLL," a bold reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale, which will have its world premiere.
Eddie Izzard
FrightFest has joined forces with Warner Bros to commemorate their centenary.
In a special collaboration, FrightFest has joined forces with Warner Bros to commemorate their centenary through two remarkable anniversary retrospectives. This year marks the tenth anniversary of James Wan's "THE CONJURING," and we are thrilled to showcase it once again, just as we did in 2013, at a very special FrightFest screening. Additionally, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of William Friedkin's "THE EXORCIST," and our exclusive presentation of 'The Version You Never Saw' will be hosted by Mark Kermode, a world-renowned expert on this iconic and thrilling blockbuster.
This year's lineup exemplifies the festival's commitment to showcasing emerging and established talents from around the globe, while also welcoming back beloved filmmakers who have been discovered throughout the years. French director Xavier Gens, known for his films "Frontiere(s)," "Cold Skin," and "The Divide," presents his latest deadly blockbuster, "FARANG." The writing/director duo Erik and Carson Bloomquist, recognized for "She Came From The Woods," make a return with their holiday slasher, "FOUNDERS DAY." The Adams Family, acclaimed for their chilling film "The Deeper You Dig," unveils their latest creation, "WHERE THE DEVIL ROAMS," which delves into the lives of a family of murderous sideshow performers. Additionally, Marcel Walz, the cult director of "Blind" and "Pretty Boy," brings us more splatter mischief with "THAT'S A WRAP," while Mexican director Alex Kahuam, known for "Forgiveness," presents "FAILURE!" featuring a stellar performance by Ted Raimi, all shot in a single take.
Erik and Carson Bloomquist return with holiday slasher, FOUNDERS DAY
This year's line-up also welcomes the return of renowned UK filmmakers. Andy Edwards presents the seaside slasher "PUNCH," while Mitch Jenkins delivers the futuristic thriller "A MILLION DAYS." Stuart Sparke explores the world of flesh-eating creatures in "HOW TO KILL MONSTERS," and Airell Anthony Hayles brings us the biting horror caper "WEREWOLF SANTA." Sean Hogan offers an eerie folk horror mini-feature titled "TO FIRE YOU COME AT LAST," and Nicholas Vince takes the director's seat for the filmed version of his autobiographical one-man show, "I AM MONSTERS!"
Scottish filmmaker Graham Hughes returns with HOSTILE DIMENSIONS, a thrilling and twisted multi-verse experience, following his well-received FrightFest 2019 film Death of a Vlogger. Jake West presents the World premiere of his exceptional documentary MANCUNIAN MAN: THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF CLIFF TWEMLOW, making a welcome comeback. Additionally, actor Richard Brake returns in James Bushe's chilling campfire tale LORE.
Alice Maio Mackay
The Main FrightFest Screen becomes the stage for seven thrilling World premieres
The Main Screen becomes the stage for seven thrilling World premieres. Among them are Nick Psinakis's supernatural exploration of infidelity, "CHEAT," Matt Sampere's Halloween slasher, "CREEPING DEATH," and Raymond Wood's fierce feminist revenge-fantasy, "FACELESS AFTER DARK." Also featured is Steven Pierce's gripping zombie survivalist thriller, "HERD," Michael J. Hurst's mind-bending science fiction shocker, "TRANSMISSION," a chilling serial killer two-hander titled "COLD MEAT," and the haunting and nerve-tingling "HOME SWEET HOME: WHERE EVIL LIVES."
The Main Screen is set to host seven World premieres, showcasing a diverse range of films. Nick Psinakis presents the supernatural exploration of infidelity, "CHEAT," while Matt Sampere brings us the Halloween slasher, "CREEPING DEATH." Raymond Wood delivers a vitriolic feminist revenge-fantasy with "FACELESS AFTER DARK," and Steven Pierce offers a gripping zombie survivalist thriller titled "HERD." Michael J. Hurst brings us the wild science fiction shocker, "TRANSMISSION," while "COLD MEAT" presents a chilling serial killer two-hander. Lastly, we have the haunting and nerve-tingling "HOME SWEET HOME: WHERE EVIL LIVES."
Samuel Bodin
The Main Screen proudly presents seven highly anticipated World premieres.
The Main Screen proudly presents seven highly anticipated World premieres, each offering a unique cinematic experience. Nick Psinakis delves into supernatural infidelity with "CHEAT," while Matt Sampere delivers a bone-chilling Halloween slasher, "CREEPING DEATH." Raymond Wood presents the vitriolic feminist revenge-fantasy, "FACELESS AFTER DARK," and Steven Pierce takes us on a thrilling ride with the zombie survivalist thriller, "HERD." Michael J. Hurst shocks audiences with the mind-bending science fiction of "TRANSMISSION," while "COLD MEAT" delivers a chilling serial killer two-hander. Lastly, we have the haunting and nerve-tingling "HOME SWEET HOME: WHERE EVIL LIVES."
Takeshi Kushida,
Japanese visionary Takeshi Kushida returns with "MY MOTHER'S EYES."
Asian genre cinema takes centre stage with a rich line-up of films. Japanese visionary Takeshi Kushida, known for his debut feature "Woman of the Photographs," returns to FrightFest with his latest remarkable masterpiece, "MY MOTHER'S EYES." Junta Yamaguchi, director of "Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes," presents the quirky fantasy film "RIVER." "THE GHOST STATION" offers a unique blend of Korean and Japanese eerie atmospherics in a fright night hybrid. Additionally, FrightFest welcomes its first entry from The Philippines with the white-knuckle action thriller "TOPAAK / TRIGGER."
Scandinavian horror makes a welcome entry with Norwegian director Viljar Bøe’s riveting GOOD BOY, where puppy love isn’t quite what it seems, and in THE KNOCKING, the debut feature from Finnish directors Jonaas Pajunen and Max Seeck, family drama and damaged relationships enter new threatening realms of horror.
This year, FrightFest presents three Discovery screens showcasing a diverse selection of films.
Standouts to watch for include the quirky action comedy fantasy "MINORE," marking FrightFest's first Greek entry. "POUNDCAKE" offers a killer satire that cleverly blends stalk-and-slash elements with political discourse. The edgy noir thriller "WHAT YOU WISH FOR" delivers a gripping and suspenseful experience. Prepare for a hallucinogenic journey with the psychological horror film "BLACK MOLD." "SPOOKT" takes audiences on a thrilling paranormal ride, while the bloody sci-fi shocker "THORNS" offers a gory and intense viewing experience. Fans of FrightFest Glasgow will be delighted by the hit film "HERE FOR BLOOD." Lastly, "THE BLACK MASS" presents the highly anticipated directorial debut in the true-crime genre by Devanny Pinn, a staple in the genre community.
The U.S known for its abundant genre talent, continues to showcase innovative films at FrightFest. Zach Passero's "THE WEIRD KIDZ" offers a delightful blend of adventure, urban legends, and horror in a comedic animated experience. World premieres include Clare Cooney's "DEPARTING SENIORS," skillfully combining knife-edge terror with the horrors of high school, and Ariel Vida's "TRIM SEASON," inspired by true stories of missing women from Humboldt County, California. Additionally, Austin Jennings' "EIGHT EYES" presents its international premiere, twisting reality into nightmarish new shapes.
FrightFest's First Blood strand remains vibrant and will present a selection of four films from talented emerging directors.
Chris Cronin's eerie "THE MOOR" promises to leave a lasting impression, while Tariq Sayed's "ISAAC," starring Johnny Vivash and Catriona MacColl, offers a compelling and captivating narrative. Tony Devlin's "THE GLENARMA TAPES," produced through Northern Ireland Screen's New Talent Focus initiative, adds to the lineup with its unique storytelling. Lastly, Dominic O'Neill's "HAUNTED ULSTER LIVE" takes inspiration from the iconic BBC series "Ghostwatch," delivering an immersive and haunting experience.
Additionally, FrightFest will feature a special retrospective screening of Lewis Teague's cult monster movie from 1980, "ALIGATOR." Fans can enjoy this beloved classic once again. Furthermore, there will be an exclusive World Premiere event for the 4K restoration of "IT FOLLOWS," offering audiences a chance to experience this modern horror gem in stunning high definition.
Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of the festival guest line-up and complete details regarding the Short Film Showcase events. Exciting updates are just around the corner!
