A firm fixture of the cinematic culture of the city, FrightFest returns to the Glasgow Film Festival for its 14th year on 1 and 2 March with an extra film on 28 February.
It’s a smaller venture than its London sibling but in no way inferior, in fact it could be argued it led the way last year. When the highly acclaimed Tigers Are Not Afraid debuted to much positive feedback it was then presented at the London festival to a sell-out audience and similar high praise. The nerve-shredding Pyewacket also received a rare big screen presentation in London though that was a kind gesture on the part of the directors to the festival goers who couldn’t get to Glasgow thanks to the miserable weather. We can only hope there is no repetition of that!
So what do we have this year? On Thursday there’s a special presentation of Lords of Chaos. Based on the exploits of Norwegian Black Metal band Mayhem, notorious in the 80’s for their satanic leanings and violence it brings together genres (metal and horror) that are not strangers but never as uncomfortably close as this.
That’s a Swedish/UK production and the festival has a healthy international line up. Canadian horror is in rude health represented by three films: opening the first full day is Level 16 set in a rigid institution concealing dark secrets, there is the suburban sci-fi horror of Freaks, then The Hoard - which will close the Festival – a reality TV show that looks as if it is inspired by Ghostwatch and Hoarders.
From South Korea we have the domestic box office hit, child augmentation, superpower shocker The Witch Part 1: The Subversion. There’s the curious Swedish/Mexican, Black Circle and what happens when a supposedly life changing vinyl record is played. In Finale most of the population of Denmark are watching telly, concentrating on the national football team but not all, some have their own ideas about what are sports and games.
The UK offers up two world premieres with Here Comes Hell, shot in black and white with a 30’s setting, looks to be a twist on the 50’s creaky house B Movie. Then there’s Automata an interesting variation on the cursed doll sub-genre featuring a 300 year old clockwork doll.
The US line-up looks strong with suicide and body re-animation in The Dead Center. We are back to 80’s rock music in Dead Ant as a glam rock band hit the comeback trail only to find themselves fighting off a ravenous ant colony. And then there is the intriguing The Rusalka a love story of monsters, revenge and terror in a lakeside setting.
The all-important ticket details are:
FrightFest Passes are £75 and available from noon on Mon Jan 14, 2019. Passes cover all films on Fri 1 March and Sat 2 March ONLY.
Tickets for LORDS OF CHAOS, plus individual tickets for the Fri/Sat films are on sale Mon Jan 28 from 10am. Price: £11.00. £8.80 concessions.
To book tickets:
+44 (0)141 332 6535 / www.glasgowfilm.org/festival
