As the nights draw in and leaves begin to cavort around the streets, Autumn is the perfect time to embrace the darkness and all the mysterious portents therein. With danger seemingly lurking in every shadow, there’s nothing for it but to closet yourself in a darkened room and immerse yourself in a world of horror. This month, Celluloid Screams, Sheffield’s Horror Film Festival, returns once again to shock, disturb, fascinate and terrify.
Still in its infancy, the festival has quickly grown into one of the most notable and well-loved horror film showcases in the UK. Taking place at the Showroom Cinema over the weekend of 21-23 October, Celluloid Screams brings together the best new horror features and shorts from around the world. Whilst the obvious focus is on the cinematic scares, there’s much more going on for your hardcore horror fan and casual observer alike. This year’s line-up looks stronger than ever.
Bookending the festival are two eagerly anticipated films. If you’re familiar with the work of Astron-6 (it’s not something you’d forget), you’ll be incredibly excited about The Void (directed by two of the collective), which opens proceedings. Pioneering a new sub-genre, Cannes favourite Raw will provide the meat for the closing gala. There’s also a midnight UK premiere of Cat Sick Blues. This Antipodean horror screened as a short in 2013 and is one for all you pet lovers out there.
Speaking of which, kidnap horror Pet is a must-see after generating a buzz at this year’s Frightfest. Kevin Smith’s Yoga Hosers is also likely to be extremely popular and you’ll never look at sausages the same way again. Some of the other highlights include the offbeat I Am Not a Serial Killer, We Go On, Dearest Sister and The Devil’s Candy. Personally, I’m really looking forward to Creepy. Kiyoshi Kurosawa made my ‘favourite’ horror film Kairo. Despite ventures into the mainstream with Tokyo Sonata and Journey to the Shore, he’s a master at knowing exactly how to give me the heebie-jeebies.
As for the Allnighter…we don’t talk about the Allnighter…
Pick up your festival passes now: http://celluloidscreams.co.uk/
Words: Rob Aldamr
