Spencer's Festival Thoughts
For a festival that’s only in its second year I certainly feel like we moved on an evolutionary cycle from last year, fingers crossed we deliver a festival that matches the hype that’s been generated for us. Last year we were given a warm welcome by local horror buffs and there was a vibe I’d not felt since the second Romford Film Festival, better still of course is to see so many of last years attendees coming back for more, both in terms of an audience to see the films and filmmakers who had a great time last year. While its hard to pick favourites when there is so much to choose from, I like to think I know the audience we cater for, so I’ve compiled a list of films I think this year’s audience will love.
Familiar – A masterclass in the delivery of a short horror movie, a film that sets a bar so high, you may wonder how we can excel it. Despite his relatively short CV David J. Ellison delivers an incredible atmospheric tale that feels like James Wan or David Fincher had a hand in it, influence I guess they may have had, but Ellison has a style all his own and you’ll love it.
Tales Of Creeping Death – A film that truly channels Amicus films but comes with a modern spin, a true anthology of tales set around a central story, a whole host of familiar faces come together to bring a film that is both funny and very dark.
Extraneous Matter & Visitors – Director Kenichi Ugana is a man who knows horror, but he’s also a rare breed that knows the value of comedy in the genre, two films back-to-back that will have a very big impact on our audience. Last years Extraneous Matter is expanded upon in ways you’d not expect, taking our now much-loved sex squid out of the wardrobe and into the outside world “put it away”. Visitors is a very different film, a real Evil Dead vibe but progressively more advanced with lightning-fast humour.
Doghouse – A truly outrageous tale that will resonate with anyone who’s ever lived in a house share, its snappy, ridiculous has some incredible humour. It’s a true testament that if you have good friends, you can make a good film with absolutely no budget.
Duyster – If you’re a fan of found footage but tire of the lack of originality then look no further, this incredibly well made Belgian feature has a special twist that refreshing to see.
Manfish – The film is barely two minutes in when you get your first big laugh, Manfish is a wonderfully unique feature film which pulls at your heartstrings and at times will make your chest hurt with laughter. We’ve shown director Marc Coleman’s Flytipper previously and that went down an absolute storm, Manfish is sure to be a big crowd pleaser too.
Wyvern Hill – Fans of Dario Argento will lap up this very British Giallo. From the exceptional opening credits sequence, you know you are onto a winner. Wyvern Hill is a slow burn that at the flick of a switch goes full velocity and you know there is literally no way back for anyone, let alone you. Director Jonathan Zaurin makes no secret the films meagre budget and it’s in this fact that Wyvern Hill shows what you can do with real talent and a very small budget.
That Old Misery – Last year Extraneous Matter quickly became a much talked about movie, here we definitely have this year’s discussion point and you cannot hide away from the fact that bath time will never be the same again.
Exit – Running in 4:3, with a 70s colour palette and the feel of something really dirty you picked in an early 1980’s video library special section, Exit exudes all things good and bad about 80s indie filmmaking and wraps it up in a hand grenade that feels like it’s been tossed by Michael Winner. I know that our late-night audience will get a real kick out of this.
Haunted Thrills – Last year we had a movie about banned literature, this year we stay on a theme, but instead of books, we look at the graphic novel, or comic if you prefer. History shows us that some things should not be censored, but this cool documentary focuses on a censorship many wouldn’t believe.
Echoes - A lone woman, a dark alley. Yes, we’ve been here before but I feel this definitely has an edge above what fell before it.
2.0 Lucy – We showed this last year at the Romford Film Festival, but we knew instantly, with a “horror” centric crowd this would play out well. Director Fenella Greenfield really does justice to a film with a very small cast, this is a great film to ponder over lunch.
The Haunted Hall & Doll – Daniel Attril and Louis Taylor are a neat double act, that are no stranger to the Romford Festivals making technically their 4th and 5th appearance. What do you do in a lockdown? Make smaller movies. With a budget or without one, these guys just love to make film and when it comes to being a filmmaker it’s important to learn that nothing should stand in your way to reach your dreams. Always the bridesmaids and never the bride will this double act win an award this year?
Sair Ane – I ask again, what do you do in a lockdown? You still make movies! And here we have Ian Gordon who is the true “Dennis Waterman” filmmaker, making it ALL. Well with a little help from your locked down family, which includes using your infant as a focus puller. Always “handy” to have a willing family to help regardless of age.
Moon Drops – It’s the film that most will question the inclusion of in a horror festival, but this delightful Oscar worthy short might just be the break from the horror of recent days, a romantic sci-fi tale that will lift moods as we begin to draw the festival to a close.
Believe – A found footage short that goes out of its way to make you uncomfortable right off the bat with its seizure inducing opening then its slow meander and sensory deprivation. I’m intrigued how this will play out on an enormous screen, because watching it in the dark on a small screen was to quote Carrie “truly terrifying”.
