Award Winners of A Night of Horror 2026

The 18th A Night of Horror International Film Festival served up a terrifying bounty of the best and bloodiest genre films from around the world, at the Micon Downtown Cinema, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Today, the festival announces the winning films and screenplays of its 2026 event.

Full list of winning films here

Full list of winning, runner-up, finalist, and semi-finalist screenplays here

Mike Conroy, producer of SUNSET STRIP KILLERS, winner of “Best Film” at A Night of Horror 2026

Left: Dean Bertram ANOH festival director. Right: Tim Connery winner of “Best Director” for THE DRIFTLESS.

Victor Fink and Joshua Land, writers/directors of INCUBATION winner of “Best Thriller Film” and “Best Supporting Actor” (Josh Rutgers) at A Night of Horror 2026.

Left: Mark “the Movieman” Krawczyk interviewing Ed Shimborske writer/director ON GALLOWS HILLS, winner “Best of the MidWest” and “Best Practical Effects”, A Night of Horror 2026.

Aurelio Voltaire co-writer/co-director of THE DEMONATRIX winner “Best Horror Comedy” and “Best Visual Effects” A night of Horror 2026.

CREATURE FEAR Q&A at A Night of Horror 2026. Billy Chengary winner of “Best Actor” holding the mic.

Manny Gumina writer/director of CREATURE FEAR winner “Independent Spirit Award” A Night of Horror 2026.

Ed Shimborske about to take the stage at A Night of Horror to intro ON GALLOWS HILL winner winner “Best of the MidWest” and “Best Practical Effects”, A Night of Horror 2026.

Left: Aurelio Voltaire co-writer/co-director THE DEMONATRIX winner “Best Horror Comedy” and “Best Visual Effects” at A Night of Horror 2026.

Victor Fink (left) and Joshua Land (right) writers/directors of INCUBATION - winner of “Best Thriller Film” and “Best Supporting Actor” (Josh Rutgers) at A Night of Horror 2026 - lift festival director Dean Bertram. (Photo by Samantha Krause)

Far left: Thomas Slipsager writer/director of LIGHT IN THIS HOUSE winner “Best Short Film” A Night of Horror 2026.

Right: Gabriela Lopez winner of “Best Director - Short Film” for SOVEREIGN at A Night of Horror 2026.

Miles August co-director THE GIRL IN THE STREET, whose leading man, Shawn Roundtree Jr. won “Best Actor - Short Film” at A Night of Horror 2026.

Alex Havens whose screenplay HOISE OF FLIES was a finalist in A Night of Horror’s feature screenplay competition.

Left: Festival Director Dean Bertram. Right: Mark Jonathan Landau co-writer of THE PERSON YOU WERE BEFORE and DEHISCENCE finalists, respectively in A Night of Horror’s feature screenplay competition and short screenplay competition. (Photo by Victor Fink)

A Night of Horror 2026's Terrifying Program

Taking place for its third year in the USA, the 18th A Night of Horror International Film Festival runs March 5-8, 2026 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The festival's tradition of championing and screening the best and bloodiest new horror films continues, with another stellar line-up of feature films and shorts from around the world, including multiple premieres.

THE DRIFTLESS, written and directed by Tim Connery, screens as the festival’s opening night feature film, on Thursday, March 5, at 6:30pm. Followed by the opening night party, at the official bar of the fest The Mousetrap Tavern.

"THE DRIFTLESS was a labor of love that has really been resonating with audiences on the festival circuit so far, and our next stop couldn't be more perfect," says Connery. “Having its Midwest and Driftless Area premiere at A Night of Horror, I mean, you couldn't ask for a better place for it. I'm from Iowa, so I expect these stories will especially connect with our first Midwestern audience. Hell, "Dotted Lines," the accursed liquor store in the film, is right next to Eau Claire on the map when Antique Al points to it, so I mean, basically canon. And I promise that sentence will make much more sense when you attend next week. Get ready for an old school anthology that brings the macabre and the strange."

THE DRIFTLESS is just one of a plethora of amazing feature films and shorts to be showcased at the festival next month.

The feature films screening at the 2026 festival include:

[Films marked with an * are co-presented with MidWest WeirdFest]

ACOLYTE (dir: Cameron A. Tubbs / USA) - MIDWEST PREMIERE - A man returns home to rural Appalachia to re-connect with the brother he once abandoned. There, he is tormented by the sinister cult he left behind. ACOLYTE draws the audience into a dark spiral, that travels through shocking small town and familial secrets, before accelerating into devastating supernatural revelation.

ADORABLE HUMANS (dir: Anders Jon, Michael Kunov, Kasper Juhl, & Michael Panduro / Denmark) - MIDWEST PREMIERE - A couple move to the countryside looking for a new beginning. But a mysterious mirror turns everything inside out. A young care worker agrees to care for a dying man, only to stumble unto secrets that refuse to stay hidden. A musician struggling with writer's block is haunted by his own muse and a psychologist starts losing her grip on reality following a harrowing accident.Four separate yet interconnected chapters, each of them a contemporary horror-adaptation of a story by Hans Christian Andersen, tell four stories about fate and acceptance, about love and loss. ADORABLE HUMANS is an anthology film made in close collaboration between its four directors, looking to shine a new light on Denmark's most beloved author and showcase the darker side of Hans Christian Andersen.

CREATURE FEAR (dir: Manny Gumina / USA) - MIDWEST PREMIERE - A starving felon’s descent into madness turns violent after eating diseased venison, unraveling the lives of two musicians in a small Wisconsin town. This potent film was inspired by, and takes its name from, the song “Creature Fear” by Eau Claire's own indie folk band Bon Iver, and it was shot in the Wisconsin county that notorious serial killer Ed Gein lived and terrorized: Making it a perfect horror film to screen in A Night of Horror's new home town of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

THE DEMONATRIX * (Aurelio Voltaire, Jeff Ferrell / USA) - WISCONSIN PREMIERE - A Mexican priest comes to the aid of his good friend and neighbor, a dominatrix, when she unwittingly summons an incubus demon. Starring Doug Bradley (Hellraiser), Larry Fessenden (Jakob's Wife, Brooklyn 45), Hannah Fierman (V/H/S, Creepshow) and Nivek Ogre (Repo! The Genetic Opera, Skinny Puppy). Kinky chills and scares abound in this demonic thrill ride, which is sure to satiate the appetite of diabolic cinema lovers.

THE DRIFTLESS * (dir: Tim Connery / USA) - MIDWEST PREMIERE - Deep river valleys, tall limestone bluffs sawing through the sky... thousands of years ago, this unique portion of the Midwest escaped the crushing effects of the giant Ice Age glaciers. But with its scenic beauty, this preserved primal landscape also conceals unimaginable terrors. THE DRIFTLESS is a horror film that weaves through four terrifying Midwest tales of the macabre. Guided by a mysterious antique store owner, these stories delve into a Mississippi River cult of masked assassins, a grieving musician's struggle with a cursed bottle of liquor, a motel pool cleaner's uncanny ability to retrieve time-altering artifacts, and a woman's blood-thirsty revenge from beyond the grave. A Night of Horror presents not only the Midwest premiere of this terrifying anthology, but it's first ever screening in “The Driftless Area”!

INCUBATION * (dir: Joshua Land, Victor Fink / USA) - WORLD PREMIERE - In an isolated cabin amidst a devastating pandemic, Helen takes every precaution to protect her children Ethan and Lily. But when a mysterious stranger named Gideon arrives, the family's fragile reality shatters. As secrets unravel and a deadly confrontation ensues, Ethan must make a harrowing choice to protect his sister and mother. A shocking and brutal new addition to the home invasion sub-genre, from fest alumni Joshua Land and Victor Fink (BAD WITCH)

LILY'S RITUAL (dir: Manu Herrera / Spain ) - MIDWEST PREMIERE - Autumn Equinox, late 20th century. Four friends travel to an isolated house deep in the forest to perform a witchcraft initiation ritual and complete the circle of the four elements.Lily, a pale and introverted twenty-something who has just joined the group, has been chosen to represent the element of air. But what begins as a white witchcraft ritual in harmony with nature soon turns into a diabolical nightmare. A blood-drenched, sumptuous, and terrifying nightmare, which is a stunning and major addition to Spain's long history of Fantaterror cinema.

THE KIRLIAN FREQUENCY (dir: Cristian Ponce / Argentina) - MIDWEST PREMIERE - A small town is tormented by a radio show that reports horrible stories, terrifying the locals. Many even believe that it is the radio itself that causes these events. One of the guests of tonight's broadcast will try to obtain this power for himself... A mesmerizing descent into paranormal paranoia, driven by an interplay of gorgeous animation and atmospheric live action.

ON GALLOWS HILL (dir: Ed Shimborske / USA) - MIDWEST PREMIERE - After college screw-up Matt Bishop is bitten by a vampire, he discovers he can only survive on one thing: his own rare blood type. As his thirst grows, Matt descends into a coven underworld, rekindles an old flame, and uncovers the dark secrets of the blood business- forcing him to confront his own morality (and mortality) to stay alive. Told with practical FX, animation, and a dash of psychedelic surrealism, On Gallows Hill is a fever-dream exploration of identity, loneliness, and the existential horror of feeling lost in your 20s, made by a group of college kids in the Midwest.

SHADOWLAND (dir: Otso Tiainen / Finland) - MIDWEST PREMIERE - In a remote valley of the Pyrenees, where magic and ancient mysticism weave through daily life, seekers from around the world arrive to escape their pasts and seek rebirth through an occult-tinged faith. Among them is Richard Stanley (COLOR OUT OF SPACE, DUST DEVIL, HARDWARE), a once-celebrated filmmaker, turned spiritual leader after a dramatic fall from Hollywood. When allegations of domestic abuse come to light, his admirers must confront reality. Is the region truly transformative, or have they been manipulated by a false prophet? SHADOWLAND is documentary filmmaker Otso Tiainen’s haunting exploration of belief, escapism, and the quiet power of spiritual manipulation: Stunning, twisting, disturbing, and resonating.

THE PHILIP EXPERIMENT * (dir. Thomas Eliot / USA) - WORLD PREMIERE - Inspired by a parapsychology experiment from 1972, a team of paranormal researchers led by an unscrupulous documentary filmmaker try to summon the ghost of a fictional character. This found footage gem blurs the lines between real paranormal history and edge-of-your-seat terror.

THE RED MASK (dir: Ritesh Gupta / USA) - MIDWEST PREMIERE - When outspoken queer screenwriter ALLINA GREEN (Helena Howard) is chosen to pen the final installment of the legendary slasher franchise THE RED MASK, anger, outrage, and online death threats from die-hard fans causes a rift in her relationship with reticent fiancé DEETZ (Inanna Sarkis). Desperate for a creative breakthrough, the pair escape to a secluded Airbnb, where Allina concocts a DANGEROUS GAME for the two to play to unlock her writer’s block. But when two uninvited houseguests crash the scene, (Kelli Garner and Jake Abel) the weekend turns dark and a twisted game devolves into a duel to the death. A Night of Horror is delighted to present THE RED MASK as its closing night film for 2026. Followed by the after party at The Mousetrap Tavern, the official bar of the festival.

SUNSET STRIP KILLERS * (dir. Chad Ferrin / USA) - WORLD PREMIERE - From prolific modern master of horror exploitation, Chad Ferrin (THE CHAIR, DEEP ONES, ED KEMPER), comes this vicious true crime stunner. Los Angeles, 1980. Beneath the glittering lights of the Sunset Strip, a horrifying tale of obsession and bloodshed unfolds. Carol Bundy, a lonely nurse, crosses paths with Doug Clark, a charming but dangerously unstable man. Drawn into his web of deceit and depravity, Carol's quiet existence spirals into a nightmare she never imagined.

WE PUT THE WORLD TO SLEEP * (dir. Adrian Tofei / Romania,Turkey) – WISCONSIN PREMIERE - The highly anticipated, genre-bending film, from cult director Adrian Tofei (BE MY CAT: A FILM FOR ANNE) and Duru Yücel. Part reality-bending sci-fi, part chilling horror, part domestic drama, this film masterfully subverts and surpasses the conventional tropes of found footage. Adrian and Duru get lost in the characters they play in an apocalyptic film and embark on a secret mission to end the world for real. What follows goes beyond their wildest imagination.

Check out the fest’s full program and schedule for 2026 here

Buy discounted festival passes and tickets to individual sessions here

During the festival, tickets will also be available at the Micon Downtown box office.

18th A Night of Horror Announces First Programming Wave

A Night of Horror International Film Festival announces its first programming wave for 2026 today. Long admired as Australia's premier genre film event, the festival now takes place in the United States. This year, the festival's 18th edition - and third year in the USA - screens from March 5-8, at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“Get ready for the best and bloodiest new horror cinema from America and the world”, says festival founder and programming director Dean Bertram. “The incredible caliber of films submitted to this year's festival has made our programing decisions more challenging that ever. And while we are still agonizing over the final program, we are delighted to be able to share the first programming wave for 2026: Consisting of eight stand out features: All among the very best of the several hundred films that we have watched and considered for this festival season; all overflowing with originality, atmosphere, and edge-of-your-seat delights”.

Discounted festival passes are now on sale here

Individual tickets to each film will go on sale closer to the festival; both on the fest's website, and directly from the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

As with the last 2 years, A Night of Horror again takes place simultaneously to MidWest WeirdFest. Each festival has its own screen at the Micon Downtown twinplex. And a festival pass to A Night of Horror also allows the pass holder entry to films screening at MidWest WeirdFest, and vice versa. This interchangeability of fest passes is always a big hit with audiences.

Additional films, full schedule details, and filmmaker guests will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The first 8 feature films announced for A Night of Horror 2026 follow:

ACOLYTE (dir: Cameron A. Tubbs / USA) A man returns home to rural Appalachia to re-connect with the brother he once abandoned. There, he is tormented by the sinister cult he left behind. ACOLYTE draws the audience into a dark spiral, that travels through shocking small town and familial secrets, before accelerating into devastating supernatural revelation.

CREATURE FEAR (dir: Manny Gumina / USA) A starving felon’s descent into madness turns violent after eating diseased venison, unraveling the lives of two musicians in a small Wisconsin town. This potent film was inspired by, and takes its name from, the song “Creature Fear” by Eau Claire's own indie folk band Bon Iver, and it was shot in the Wisconsin county that notorious serial killer Ed Gein lived and terrorized: Making it the perfect horror film to screen in A Night of Horror's new home town of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

THE DEMONATRIX (Aurelio Voltaire, Jeff Ferrell / USA) A Mexican priest comes to the aid of his good friend and neighbor, a dominatrix, when she unwittingly summons an incubus demon. Starring Doug Bradley (Hellraiser), Larry Fessenden (Jakob's Wife, Brooklyn 45), Hannah Fierman (V/H/S, Creepshow) and Nivek Ogre (Repo! The Genetic Opera, Skinny Puppy). Kinky chills and scares abound in this demonic thrill ride, which is sure to satiate the appetite of diabolic cinema lovers.

THE DRIFTLESS (dir: Tim Connery / USA) Deep river valleys, tall limestone bluffs sawing through the sky... thousands of years ago, this unique portion of the Midwest escaped the crushing effects of the giant Ice Age glaciers. But with its scenic beauty, this preserved primal landscape also conceals unimaginable terrors. THE DRIFTLESS is a horror film that weaves through four terrifying Midwest tales of the macabre. Guided by a mysterious antique store owner, these stories delve into a Mississippi River cult of masked assassins, a grieving musician's struggle with a cursed bottle of liquor, a motel pool cleaner's uncanny ability to retrieve time-altering artifacts, and a woman's blood-thirsty revenge from beyond the grave. A Night of Horror presents not only the Midwest premiere of this terrifying anthology, but its first ever screening in “The Driftless Area”!

LILY'S RITUAL (dir: Manu Herrera / Spain ) Autumn Equinox, late 20th century. Four friends travel to an isolated house deep in the forest to perform a witchcraft initiation ritual and complete the circle of the four elements.Lily, a pale and introverted twenty-something who has just joined the group, has been chosen to represent the element of air. But what begins as a white witchcraft ritual in harmony with nature soon turns into a diabolical nightmare. A blood-drenched, sumptuous, and terrifying nightmare, which is a stunning and major addition to Spain's long history of Fantaterror cinema.

ON GALLOWS HILL (dir: Ed Shimborske / USA) After college screw-up Matt Bishop is bitten by a vampire, he discovers he can only survive on one thing: his own rare blood type. As his thirst grows, Matt descends into a coven underworld, rekindles an old flame, and uncovers the dark secrets of the blood business- forcing him to confront his own morality (and mortality) to stay alive. Told with practical FX, animation, and a dash of psychedelic surrealism, On Gallows Hill is a fever-dream exploration of identity, loneliness, and the existential horror of feeling lost in your 20s, made by a group of college kids in the Midwest.

THE KIRLIAN FREQUENCY (dir: Cristian Ponce / Argentina) A small town is tormented by a radio show that reports horrible stories, terrifying the locals. Many even believe that it is the radio itself that causes these events. One of the guests of tonight's broadcast will try to obtain this power for himself... A mesmerizing descent into paranormal paranoia, driven by an interplay of gorgeous animation and atmospheric live action.

SHADOWLAND (dir: Otso Tiainen / Finland) In a remote valley of the Pyrenees, where magic and ancient mysticism weave through daily life, seekers from around the world arrive to escape their pasts and seek rebirth through an occult-tinged faith. Among them is Richard Stanley (COLOR OUT OF SPACE, DUST DEVIL, HARDWARE), a once-celebrated filmmaker, turned spiritual leader after a dramatic fall from Hollywood. When allegations of domestic abuse come to light, his admirers must confront reality. Is the region truly transformative, or have they been manipulated by a false prophet? SHADOWLAND is documentary filmmaker Otso Tiainen’s haunting exploration of belief, escapism, and the quiet power of spiritual manipulation: Stunning, twisting, disturbing, and resonating.

A Night of Horror's 2025 Award Winners - Including New "Best Found Footage" Awards

The 17th A Night of Horror International Film Festival wrapped last week at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The festival once again served up a terrifying bounty of the best and bloodiest genre films from around the world. Today, the festival announces the winning films of its 2025 event.

A Night of Horror introduced two new awards this season: “Best Found Footage Film” and “Best Found Footage Short Film.” As films in this unique sub-genre of horror continue to thrive, A Night of Horror listened to the popular demand for such recognition. One long-time proponent for festivals to include “Best Found Footage” awards is Adrian Tofei; compiler of the popular “Top 100 Genre Film Festivals” web page, and also an award winning alum of A Night of Horror. (Tofei won “Best Film” in 2015, for his now cult classic found footage feature BE MY CAT: A FILM FOR ANNE).

The winner of the fest's inaugural “Best Found Footage” award is THE LOST EPISODE, an ingenious new example of the sub-genre. Playing like an episode of a COPS-esqe reality show, the convincing Canadian film follows two police officers on Halloween night. Their patrol uncovers the activities of a local cult and then spirals into a supernatural nightmare.

Nick Wernham director of THE LOST EPISODE winner of A Night of Horror’s inaugural “Best Found Footage Film”

“We are honored to learn that THE LOST EPISODE has won the inaugural 'Best Found Footage Film' award at A Night of Horror International Film Festival,” writes film producer Paul Fler and director Nick Wernham. “We think it is appropriate that ANOH is recognizing found footage films with a specific award. The festival has always had a great eye for programming films in this often under-appreciated subgenre. It was such a treat to screen our movie at the beautiful Downtown Micon Theatre in Eau Claire for a wonderful audience. The entire weekend will be an enduring memory as we watched many great films and met so many kind, hilarious, talented people. This festival is special and we are very thankful for the opportunity to have had our film included and for it to have received this award.”

NEW FOLLOWERS – a found footage film from New Zealand filmmaking team Guy Pigden and Harley Neville – travels with two married YouTubers whose latest hiking video leads them straight into a bloody nightmare. The short took the fest's inaugural “Best Found Footage Short Film” award.

Bari Kang, writer/directot/star of ITCH! winner of “Best Film” at the 17th A Night of Horror International Film Festival

The festival's prestigious “Best Film” award was captured by the contagious and claustrophobic ITCH! The film deftly spins the zombie sub-genre in new, skin-tingling directions, while staying grounded in a touching relationship between a father and daughter, who are trapped in a convenience store with other survivors trying to escape the apocalyptic pandemic taking place in the outside world.

“It was a true honor to screen ITCH! at A Night of Horror Film Festival,” says film's writer/director/star Bari Kang. “The incredible venue, engaged audience, and the dedicated efforts of festival director Dean Bertram transformed this into an unforgettable experience for our Midwest premiere. ITCH! is a deeply personal film, and winning 'Best Film' at ANOH inspires profound gratitude. This achievement is a testament to the passion and commitment of everyone involved in making the film.”

An overview of the festival's other award-winning films follows:

“Best Director” was taken by modern master of horror Chad Ferrin for his terrifying and at times disturbingly sympathetic biopic about titular serial killer ED KEMPER. It was co-written by Ferrin with Stephen Johnston.

LEAD BELLY, from writer/director Stephen King Simmons, captured the festival's “Independent Spirit Award”; an award which recognizes the tenacity and creativity of independent filmmakers producing amazing films, regardless of budgetary and other limitations. The film begins as a potent family drama set in 1997, focussing on a dysfunctional relationship between a father and his two sons, then slowly descends into a nightmarish third act that leaves the audience devastated.

P.J. Starks (writer/director) and Eric Huksisson (director) at the screening of NEW FEARS EVE, A Night of Horror 2025

“Best Horror Comedy” was awarded to NEW FEARS EVE - a side-splitting and gore-spilling horror comedy, that grabs the slasher sub-genre by the throat and bleeds it dry - from writer/director P. J Starks and director Eric Huskisson,

Recognizing its Australian roots, A Night of Horror reintroduced it's “Best Australian Film” award this year, which was won by THE MATRIARCH. This feature debut from Jayden Creighton, tracks a 13 year old girl's brutal battle for survival against her own drug-addicted mother, capturing that raw and visceral potency that Australia's top genre filmmakers deliver better than anyone on the planet. The “Best Australian Short Film” award, also reinstated this year, was awarded to writer/director/star Dean Butler's incredible demon-battling thrill-ride, TERROR BY NIGHT.

The darkly erotic German feature TRAUMNOVELLE - a potent adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's novel of the same title (the inspiration for Stanley Kubrick's EYES WIDE SHUT) - from director Florian Frerichs, won “Best International Film”.

While Mexico's Alejandro G. Alegre captured “Best Director” for his artful realization of the atmospheric and terrifying supernatural chiller THEY WERE WITCHES.

Anthony Grant winner of “Best Actor” for his role in THE LOST EPISODE, at A Night of Horror 2025

“Best Actor” was awarded to Anthony Grant for his pitch-perfect portrayal of a police officer, haunted by his own past just as much as the macabre case he is investigating, in “Best Found Footage” winner THE LOST EPISODE.

Scottie Thompson won “Best Actress” for her captivating role as a nineteenth century woman on the brink of committing adultery with her first husband, in the mesmerizing Gothic horror chamber piece SÉANCE, from writer/director/actress Vivian Kerr. Kerr herself captured the fest's “Best Supporting Actress” for her potent portrayal of an unloved wife, on the brink of either madness or supernatural obsession.

Talented character actor Shelley Valfer won “Best Supporting Male Performance” for his charismatic portrayal of the owner of a junk-ladened digitizing studio, in body horror chiller VIDEO VISION, from visionary writer/director Michael Turney.

For the first time in the fest's history, both “Best Practical Effects” and “Best Visual Effects” were awarded to the same film: Writer/director Stuart Ortiz's terrifyingly convincing, and at times stomach-turning, faux-documentary come horror masterpiece, STRANGE HARVEST: OCCULT MURDER IN THE INLAND EMPIRE

“Best Short Film” was won by the darkly gorgeous and paranoia inducing THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AT THE END OF THE WORLD, from producer Jon Warne and writer/director Shane Day.

While “Best Director – Short Film” was won by Elliot Louis McKee for his beautiful if disturbing film about the extremes of romantic obsession, FOREVER YOURS.

The “Best International Short” award went to the stylish and creepy STALKER from French auteur David Cholewa. And Juanjo Avi captured “Best International Director - Short Film” for his frenetic slasher come fight movie mash-up TURNO DE NOCHE: THE WRONG PLACE.

YOUR PARASITE AND YOU a hilarious “how to” video about coping with an alien parasite, from US animator Jamie Gower, won “Best Animated Short”.

The festival's long-standing “Best Lovecraft Short” award, went to the riveting cosmic body horror short THE LAST WORD, from Spanish filmmaker Alejandro Moreno.

“Best Horror Comedy Short” went to hilarious and action-packed THE MILK SITUATION, about a duo of paranormal-busters who fight everything from possessed clergy to werewolves, from UK writer/director to watch John Ferrer.

Director and animator Nick Rohr winner of “Best TV / New Media” for WEEKEND DAD - “HALLOWEEN”

While “Best TV / New Media” was awarded to an animation from director and animator Nick Rohr, for the 2nd year in a row, this time for his hilarious WEEKEND DAD – “HALLOWEEN”. And the 2025 “Best Music Video” award was won by the darkly humorous and perfectly paced HATMAN, directed by Andrew Ducky Dutkiewicz for the catchy song from indie alt-rock band Capital Vice, out of Austin, Texas.

(L) DOP Mathew Hughes (R) Writer/Director Benjamin Capps of TERMINAL EMULATOR winner of “Best of the MidWest” and “Best Practical Effects - Short Film”, at ANOH 2025.

And this year's “Best of the MidWest” is the demonically erotic sci-fi short TERMINAL EMULATOR from writer/director Benjamin Capps, and lit and shot by DP Matthew Hughes.

TERMINAL EMULATOR also won the fest's “Best Practical Effects – Short Film” award, for its stunning array of practical effect work: from space ship miniatures and retro-futuristic sets, through hideous gore, to terrifying life-size stop motion demons.

“Best Visual Effects – Short Film” was taken by the jaw-dropping steam-punk spectacle APOCALYPSE IMMORTAL from French auteur Fabrice Hourlier.

The festival's “Best Male Performance – Short Film” went to the pitch-perfect performance of Corey Walls, in the darkly comedic CHEAT MEAL from US director Drew Bierut. Walls also wrote the hilarious film's screenplay that deals with an inept man's attempts to extract his girlfriend from a cannibalistic fitness cult. While Sar Cohen won “Best Female Performance – Short Film” for her role in the hirsute shaming allegory come body horror film BUSH, from writer/director Emma Mazurek.

A Night of Horror also hosts both a feature and short screenplay competition.

Owen F. Russel writer of DILL, the winner of A Night of Horror’s 2025 Short Screenplay Competition.

"Once again, a fantastic selection of scripts to dip into for this year's ANOH,” says returning screenplay competition head, Sevé Schelenz, the writer/director known for SKEW and PEELERS. “From sadistic sibling rivalries to viral zombies, cannibal farmers to old lady serial killers, and many many more. The words of all these amazing storytellers leapt off the pages and stabbed me right in the heart. It was hard to pick the finalists alone, let alone the winners, from so many unique and ambitious screenplays."

The winning feature screenplay DOROTHEA was written by the prolific Chad Ferrin, who also won the festival's “Best Director” award, this year. Bruce Griffiths' TOILET SHARKS took the 1st Runner-up spot. And the competition's 2nd Runner-up was awarded to Adrian Castro and Georgina Neville for their screenplay THE EIBON PHENOMENON.

The short screenplay competition was won by Owen F. Russel, for DILL. The 1st Runner-up was PET by N'cee van Heerden. And Samuel Vogel-Seidenberg's THE SABBATH OF THE DEAD was awarded 2nd Runner-up.

A full list of the finalists and winners of both the short and feature screenplay competitions is available here

The 18th edition of A Night of Horror International Film Festival will again take place simultaneously with MidWest WeirdFest, at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, March 5-8, 2025.

Filmmakers and screenwriters can enter their work to the 18th A Night of Horror International Film Festival, here:  https://filmfreeway.com/ANightOfHorror

A NIGHT OF HORROR'S FULL 2025 PROGRAM REVEALED

A Night of Horror International Film Festival announces its full program and schedule for 2025 today. Taking place for its second year in the USA, the 17th edition of the festival runs March 6-9, 2025 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The festival's tradition of championing and screening the best and bloodiest new horror films continues, with another stellar line-up of feature films and shorts from America and around the planet, including many world, international, and US premieres.

ED KEMPER is one such feature film, and the latest from modern master of horror, and A Night of Horror alum, Chad Ferrin (NIGHT CALLER, THE DEEP ONES, PIG KILER). Ferrin's latest film is a powerful and terrifying biopic about the film's titular serial killer . It is scheduled to world premiere as the festival's closing film on Sunday, March 9, at 8pm. And will be followed by a closing night after party at the official bar of the festival The Mousetrap Tavern.

ED KEMPER from director Chad Ferrin. World premiere at A Night of Horror 2025.

“Having ED KEMPER premiere at A Night of Horror is aces,” says Ferrin. “From an amazing script by Stephen Johnston to the fantastic cast and crew, everything on this journey has been the best of my career. As the days near for it to flicker upon the big screen, I sit here chain smoking on pins and needles in anticipation for the moment that the lights come up in the theater and the audience either cheers or jeers. I hope they cheer.”

ED KEMPER is just one of a plethora of amazing feature films and shorts to be showcased at the festival next month.

The feature films screening at the festival include:

ED KEMPER (dir. Chad Ferrin) WORLD PREMIERE

An unflinching if eerily sympathetic portrayal of the life of American serial killer Edmund Kemper, who murdered his grandparents at age 15. Then, years later, after being paroled for that crime, killed eight women in 1972 and 1973, including his own mother. Chad Ferrin - fest alum and modern master of horror - delivers what might just be his most compelling, and his most disturbing, film yet. Sure to become a staple of the serial-killer sub-genre, it's a must see for anyone with an interest in true crime and real-life horror stories.

ITCH! (Dir: Bari King) In this gripping tale of survival, a horrific outbreak known as the ITCH! spreads like wildfire, turning its victims into frenzied, self-destructive shells of their former selves. Trapped in a department store, a widower must fight to protect his young daughter. And in the best tradition of George Romero's DEAD films, they soon discover the biggest threat isn't the inhuman infected, but their fellow, human survivors.

LEAD BELLY (dir: Stephen King Simmons) Horror writer/director ‘Stephen King Simmons’, of the critically acclaimed and award winning feature THE PARKER SESSIONS, returns with his sophomore nightmare. Flashback to 1997, for a period coming-of-age horror film about two brothers visiting their recently divorced and estranged father during summer vacation. With plenty of bumps, twists, and terrifying turns along the way, LEAD BELLY keeps the audience guessing until the final frame, and then leaves them shattered.

THE LOST EPISODE (dir: Nick Wernham) Assembled by XPU$HER and made available through the Black-Torrent Release Group, The Lost Episode offers a raw and unsettling look at unaired footage captured during a police ride-along on Halloween night, 2004. The film follows officers Paul Massaro and Terrence Williams as they navigate the sleepy streets of Franklin, uncovering a chain of horrifying events and a disturbing conspiracy rooted in the heart of the small town they swore to protect.

THE MATRIARCH (dir: Jayden Creighton) A thirteen year old girl kills her addict mom's abusive boyfriend in self defense, and is subsequently terrorized by her own mother. Australian writer/director Jayden Creighton explodes onto the horror scene with this feature debut, with the type of raw and visceral potency that Australia's top genre filmmakers deliver better than anyone on the planet. Brings to mind the debuts of Creighton's legendary fellow country men, from George Miller and Geoffrey Wright to Greg McLean and Steven Kastrissios. Do not miss.

NEW FEARS EVE (dir. Eric Huskisson and P.J. Starks ) Three best friends involuntarily prepare for a corporate New Year's Eve party. Soon the party turns deadly when a masked murderer sets his sights on them. A side-splitting and gore-spilling horror comedy, that grabs the slasher sub-genre by the throat and bleeds it dry. Don't miss what is already a cult hit on the fest circuit.

SÉANCE (dir. Vivian Kerr) In 1892 California, a Victorian woman contemplating adultery is forced to take refuge from a storm at the home of her first husband and his unstable wife, who claims to be haunted by their dead child. A pitch-perfect four person ensemble cast, haunting cinematography, and a mounting atmosphere of paranormal dread mixed with shocking twists and turns, makes this sophomore feature from writer/director Vivian Kerr (who also co-stars) the must see supernatural chiller of the year.

STRANGE HARVEST: OCCULT MURDER IN THE INLAND EMPIRE (dir: Stuart Ortiz) Two detectives pursue an infamous serial killer named Mr. Shiny, who terrorized Southern California for almost two decades. The latest horror hit from award winning writer, director, producer and editor, Stuart Ortiz (GRAVE ENCOUNTERS, GRAVE ENCOUNTERS 2, EXTRATERRESTRIAL) which DREAD CENTRAL calls “a pitch perfect found footage film”.

TIM TRAVERS & THE TIME TRAVELERS PARADOX (dir. Stimson Snead)

It is called the Time Travelers Paradox. In which a scientist creates a Time Machine and kills their younger self. So now a man who should not exist, somehow does. That is the Paradox, and Paradoxes are impossible. And the man who has created it, is Tim Travers: a reclusive, mad scientist. In the course of his adventure, Travers will take on the mercenary gang whose stolen plutonium powers his machine, challenge a conspiracy podcaster to a battle of wits, create a black hole, meet the one woman alive crazier than him, clone himself, destroy the universe, make a new one, and maybe - just maybe - learn to love himself at last.

THEY WERE WITCHES (dir. Alejandro G. Alegre)

A paranormal radio show host and self-proclaimed witchcraft expert, meets a group of 20-somethings when she stops at a rural motel during a road trip. Soon, they will be murdered, one by one, to bring an evil spirit back from the dead. A taut, haunting, and violent offering from writer/director Alejandro G. Alegre (THE DEVIL TOLD ME WHAT TO DO, ÁNIMA), which cements his place as one of the most talented genre filmmakers in the Spanish speaking world.

TRAUMNOVELLE (dir. Florian Frerichs)

A potent adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's novel of the same title (the inspiration for Stanley Kubrick's EYES WIDE SHUT). Equal parts erotic and disturbing, a woman tells her husband that she has fantasies about other men, triggering a desire for his own sexual adventures. Set in modern, kinky Berlin, the film is much more than a mere reboot of Kubrick's last film.

VIDEO VISION (dir. Michael Turney)

Kibby (Andrea Figliomeni) works in a junk-laddened digitizing studio, transferring analog media to modern formats. But on the cusp of a new romantic relationship, her life and body begin to transform, when she unwittingly unlocks an alternative dark dimension, through an old VCR, and unleashes Dr. Analog. Turney has painstakingly crafted a retro-tech, horror-romance that evokes and homages 80s horror, while remaining grounded in the present. The result is one of the most effective, and unique, horror films you'll ever see.

There will also be a very SPECIAL SECRET SCREENING at the festival, of a brand new feature film, never before seen by any audience. The film is from a well known horror filmmaker and festival alum. It’s still not the final cut of the movie. But the director will be at the fest in person, and wants to hear audience feedback. It screens Friday March 7, 6pm at the Micon Downtown.

The full line-up of visiting filmmakers will be announced next week.

A Night of Horror's full 2025 program and schedule can be viewed here.

Tickets to all films, along with discounted festival passes, are available to purchase here.

17th A NIGHT OF HORROR ANNOUNCES FIRST PROGRAMMING WAVE

A Night of Horror International Film Festival, announces its first programming wave for 2025 today. Long admired as Australia's premier genre film event, the festival now takes place in the United States. This year, the festival's 17th edition - and second year in the USA - screens from March 6-9, at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“A Night of Horror was so well received in Eau Claire last year, with multiple sold out screenings, incredibly receptive audiences, and a plethora of visiting filmmakers, that it was a no-brainer to keep the gorgeous college town, and the amazing Micon Downtown Cinema, as the festival's new, US, home” says festival founder and director Dean Bertram. “And this year marks a record year for submissions to the festival; which is reflected in the incredible strength and diversity of the 2025 program, evident in our first wave. Audiences can expect a bloody buffet, from serial killer biopics and blood-drenched slasher comedies, through supernatural thrillers and occult chillers, to explorations into familial pathologies and cyberpunk/horror romances. And that's just from the fest's first programming wave!”

Discounted festival passes are now on sale here

Individual tickets to each film will go on sale closer to the festival; both on the fest's website, and directly from the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

As with A Night of Horror in 2024, the festival again takes place simultaneously to MidWest WeirdFest. Each festival has its own screen at the Micon Downtown twinplex. And a festival pass to A Night of Horror also allows the pass holder entry to any film screening at MidWest WeirdFest, and vice versa. This interchangeability of fest passes was a big hit with audiences last year.

Additional films, full schedule details, and filmmaker guests will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The first seven feature films announced for A Night of Horror 2025 follow:

ED KEMPER (dir: Chad Ferrin) An unflinching if eerily sympathetic portrayal of the life of American serial killer Edmund Kemper, who murdered his grandparents at age 15. Then, years later, after being paroled for that crime, killed eight women in 1972 and 1973, including his own mother. Chad Ferrin - fest alum and modern master of horror - delivers what might just be his most compelling, and his most disturbing, film yet. Sure to become a staple of the serial-killer sub-genre, it's a must see for anyone with an interest in true crime and real-life horror stories.

LEAD BELLY (dir: Stephen King Simmons) Horror writer/director ‘Stephen King Simmons’, of the critically acclaimed and award winning feature THE PARKER SESSIONS, returns with his sophomore nightmare. Flashback to 1997, for a period coming-of-age horror film about two brothers visiting their recently divorced and estranged father during summer vacation. With plenty of bumps, twists, and terrifying turns along the way, LEAD BELLY keeps the audience guessing until the final frame, and then leaves them shattered.

THE MATRIARCH (dir: Jayden Creighton) A thirteen year old girl kills her addict mom's abusive boyfriend in self defense, and is subsequently terrorized by her own mother. Australian writer/director Jayden Creighton explodes onto the horror scene with this feature debut, with the type of raw and visceral potency that Australia's top genre filmmakers deliver better than anyone on the planet. Brings to mind the debuts of Creighton's legendary fellow country men, from George Miller and Geoffrey Wright to Greg McLean and Steven Kastrissios. Do not miss.

NEW FEARS EVE (dir. Eric Huskisson and P.J. Starks ) Three best friends involuntarily prepare for a corporate New Year's Eve party. Soon the party turns deadly when a masked murderer sets his sights on them. A side-splitting and gore-spilling horror comedy, that grabs the slasher sub-genre by the throat and bleeds it dry. Don't miss what is already a cult hit on the fest circuit.

SÉANCE (dir. Vivian Kerr) In 1892 California, a Victorian woman contemplating adultery is forced to take refuge from a storm at the home of her first husband and his unstable wife, who claims to be haunted by their dead child. A pitch-perfect four person ensemble cast, haunting cinematography, and a mounting atmosphere of paranormal dread mixed with shocking twists and turns, makes this sophomore feature from writer/director Vivian Kerr (who also co-stars) the must see supernatural chiller of the year.

THEY WERE WITCHES (dir. Alejandro G. Alegre) A paranormal radio show host and self-proclaimed witchcraft expert, meets a group of 20-somethings when she stops at a rural motel during a road trip. Soon, they will be murdered, one by one, to bring an evil spirit back from the dead. A taut, haunting, and violent offering from writer/director Alejandro G. Alegre (THE DEVIL TOLD ME WHAT TO DO, ÁNIMA), which cements his place as one of the most talented genre filmmakers in the Spanish speaking world.

VIDEO VISION (dir. Michael Turney) Kibby (Andrea Figliomeni) works in a junk-laddened digitizing studio, transferring analog media to modern formats. But on the cusp of a new romantic relationship, her life and body begin to transform, when she unwittingly unlocks an alternative dark dimension, through an old VCR, and unleashes Dr. Analog. Turney has painstakingly crafted a retro-tech, horror-romance that evokes and homages 80s horror, while remaining grounded in the present. The result is one of the most effective, and unique, horror films you'll ever see.

Winners of A Night of Horror's 16th Edition Announced

The 16th A Night of Horror International Film Festival wrapped last week at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The festival served up a terrifying bounty of the the best and bloodiest genre films from around the world. Today, A Night of Horror announces the winning films of the 2024 event.

IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS captured the festival's “Independent Spirit Award”; an award which recognizes the tenacity and creativity of independent filmmakers producing amazing films, regardless of budgetary and other limitations. The film, a unique found footage offering, deftly blurs the line between documentary and narrative filmmaking, utilizing 20 years of real archival footage, and starring the filmmakers themselves.

Nick Toti (center) and Rachel Kempf (right) at the Q&A for IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS. Left: Festival Director Dean Bertram. Photo by Samantha Krause.

“A Night of Horror is the kind of festival where two maniacs who made a movie with no money and no crew can find an appreciative audience among their fellow weirdos...which is exactly the kind of festival that the horror genre needs,” write Nick Toti and Rachel Kempf, the filmmaking duo behind IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS. “We're honored to have won the 'Independent Spirit Award' for our film. Our only hope is that we inspire more people to move to the middle of nowhere, buy a rundown old squatter's hovel, and make the kind of horror movies that no Hollywood executive in their right mind would ever greenlight.”

An overview of the festival's other award-winning films follows:

James Morris on the set of HE NEVER LEFT, “Best Film” at A Night of Horror 2024. Photos courtesy of Witching Hour Films.

The festival's prestigious “Best Film” award was won by the brilliant and refreshing HE NEVER LEFT, from filmmaker James Morris. The film deftly spins the slasher sub-genre in new and pulse-charging directions.

“Best Director” was taken by Richard Elfman for his side-splitting and subversive horror comedy BLOODY BRIDGET. The titular role is played by Anastasia Elfman, who won “Best Female Performance” for her gutsy and priceless portrayal of a burlesque dancer turned gore-hungry vampire.

Writer/director Tyler Eaton at the world premiere of MYSTERIOUS WAYS at A Night of Horror 2024. Photo by Luong Huynh.

“Best Horror Comedy” was awarded to MYSTERIOUS WAYS from writer/director Tyler Eaton, the hilarious and irreverent feature, about a church youth group that inadvertently summon world-ending demonic spirits.

The stunning Macedonian feature M - part touching coming-of-age tale / part dystopian nightmare – from Varda Tozija, won “Best International Film”. And Russia's Anna Zaytseva captured Best Director for artfully weaving the thrilling social media-fueled narrative of #BLUE_WHALE.

ALEC BONK, director of BLIND COP 2 at the Q&A of the film’s sold-out screening. Photo by Luong Huynh.

“Best Male Performance” was awarded to George Fearing for his pitch-perfect, dead-pan portrayal of the visually challenged, and vengeance seeking, titular action anti-hero of BLIND COP 2 (from director Alec Bonk).

Genre icon Tony Todd (CANDYMAN) won “Best Supporting Male Performance” for his charismatic portrayal of a psychic in the emotion-ladened supernatural thriller THE ACTIVATED MAN, from writer/director Nicholas Gyeney. While “Best Supporting Female Performance” was awarded to the UK's Katie Sheridan for her nuanced portrayal of a meek - then empowered and vengeful - wife in the terror-ific British anthology LORE, from directors James Bushe, Patrick Ryder, and Greig Johnson.

“Best Practical Effects” was awarded to the stunning Japanese monster movie from Doug Roos, for its incredible visceral creature effects. And “Best Visual Effects” was won by the potent, moving, and nightmare-inducing THE ACTIVATED MAN.

“Best Short Film” was captured by the touching father and son drama, come terrifying werewolf flick, SCRATCH, from writer/director Michael Trainotti.

Left: Ben Manhanke introducing his short SMILEY. Right director of SENTINEL Jake Viaene. Photo by Luong Huynh.

While “Best Director – Short Film” was won by Ben Manhanke for his incredible realization of the bloody and gorgeously stylized SMILEY.

The “Best International Short” award went to Denmark's THE CURSE OF THE VELVET VAMPIRE, a sumptuous homage to 70s and 80s horror from Christoffer Sandau Schuricht. And Spanish director Javier Chvanel captured “Best International Director - Short Film” for the pulse charging and sleep destroying NAP.

SAPERE AUDE, a stunning Lovecraft inspired piece, from Australian animator Chadai Chamoun, won “Best Animated Short”.

Animator Nick Rohr (center) at the 16th edition of A Night of Horror International Film Festival. Flanked by filmmakers Jake Viaene (left) and Steven C. Chappell (right).

On the topic of the influence of horror maestro H. P. Lovecraft, the festival's long-standing “BEST LOVECRAFT SHORT” was awarded to the evocative and nightmarish AMYGDALA from Swedish filmmaker Oskar Johansson. While “Best TV / New Media” was awarded to director Nick Rohr for his touching and comedic WEEKEND DAD – “LOVECRAFT”.

Erik Bauer introducing I WANT YOU at the 16th A Night of Horror International Film Festival. Photo by Luong Huynh.

And “BEST OF THE MIDWEST SHORT FILM” went to the bloody mesmerizing I WANT YOU from director Joe Greening. The film was gorgeously lit and shot my DP Derek Bauer.

A Night of Horror also hosts both a feature and short screenplay competition.

“Dead babies, faith, caves, pigs, clowns, dogs, owls, gangs, creatures, serial killers, aliens, vampires, Elvis, ninjas, curses... 2024 was chock-full of amazing and unique scripts submitted to A Night of Horror”, said returning screenplay competition head, Sevé Schelenz, the writer/director know for SKEW and PEELERS. “Making this year one of the strongest competitions I've ever seen at the festival.”

The winning feature screenplay MORBIDLY was written by Don Stroud. Mark Steensland's A CHINESE VAMPIRE STORY took the 1st Runner-up spot. And the competition's 2nd Runner-up was awarded to Chad Ferrin for his screenplay UNSPEAKABLE: BEYOND THE WALL OF SLEEP, based on the work of H. P. Lovecraft.

The short screenplay competition was won by Jason Rice for R.I.P. JENNY LEE. The 1st Runner-up was HIDDEN by Taiyen Stevenson. And Christopher Eric Outridge's TEDDY CUDDLES was awarded 2nd Runner-up.

A full list of the finalists and winners of both the short and feature screenplay competitions is available here.

The 17th edition of A Night of Horror International Film Festival will again take place simultaneously with MidWest WeirdFest, at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, March 6-9, 2025.

16TH A NIGHT OF HORROR OPENS THIS FRIDAY - FIRST TIME IN USA!

For over 15 years, A Night of Horror International Film Festival, has screened and championed the best and bloodiest genre films from around the world. This year, it moves from Sydney, Australia to the USA. Its 16th edition will see the screens of Micon Downtown Cinema, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, run red with blood. And it's this weekend: March 1-3, 2024!

Rachel Kempf on location for IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS

“When we made It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This, we knew that it was going to be a weird movie,” writes filmmaking team Rachel Kempf & Nick Toti. “Was it a horror film? Was it a documentary? Was our approach too experimental? Would anyone care about this uncomfortably personal, odd little movie from two unknown filmmakers in rural Missouri? Thankfully, the fearless programmers at A Night of Horror have been beyond enthusiastic in their support for our movie, and we're honored to be involved with such a terrific festival.”

Nick Toti co-creator of IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS

Kempf and Toti will introduce their compelling documentary-come-found-footage horror feature when it screens Friday, March 1, at 10pm. The duo join dozens of other filmmakers presenting their films this weekend at the Micon, when A Night of Horror's first US edition, screens simultaneously with its sister festival MidWest WeirdFest.

Taking advantage of the Micon's two screens, each festival will run its own array of new cutting edge genre and underground cinema; Offering audiences constant choices throughout the festival, with a different film playing on each screen throughout the long weekend. There's also an added bonus for festival pass holders. A Night of Horror passes also allow entry into any MidWest WeirdFest session, and vice versa.

Full list of attending filmmakers of the 16th A Night of Horror along with head-shots and biographies here

View A Night of Horror’s full 2024 program here

MidWest WeirdFest's full 2024 program and schedule can be viewed here: https://www.midwestweirdfest.com/program

Tickets to all films screening at A Night of Horror, along with discounted festival passes, are available to purchase here (and during the festival will also available to purchase at the Micon Downtown Cinema box office):

A NIGHT OF HORROR'S FULL 2024 PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

A Night of Horror International Film Festival announces its full program for 2024 today. Taking place for the first ever time in the United States, the 16th edition of the festival runs March 1-3, 2024 at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The festival's tradition of championing and screening the best and bloodiest new horror films continues, with another stellar line-up of feature films and shorts from around the world, including several world, international, and US premieres. One such feature film is MYSTERIOUS WAYS, an irreverent and bloody hilarious horror comedy, world premiering at the fest Saturday, March 2, at 4pm.

MYSTERIOUS WAYS

“Getting MYSTERIOUS WAYS from the initial germ of an idea I had in 2019 to the finished movie we have now was equal parts exhausting and therapeutic,” says the film's writer/director Tyler Eaton.

“I grew up a homeschooled pastor’s kid in Texas churning through Left Behind books, praying that demons would attack my youth group so I could save the day while the rest of the world read Harry Potter. So this movie allowed me to process a lot of childhood weirdness while also fulfilling a super normal fantasy. It was 11 overstuffed shoot days with a phenomenal crew and supportive friends all hellbent on making the funniest, most demonic movie we could. We truly can’t wait to premiere the movie for the first time ever at A Night of Horrror.”

MYSTERIOUS WAYS is just one of a bevy of amazing feature films to be showcased at the festival next month, along with dozens of short films.

The other feature films screening at the festival include:

THE ACTIVATED MAN (dir: Nicholas Gyeney ) MIDWEST PREMIERE

As Ors Gabriel struggles with the grief and pain from losing his best friend and beloved dog, Louie, to cancer, the shock from the trauma brings on strange visions only Ors can see. While he questions whether his mind has fractured or if it's actually real, a mysterious rise in murder-suicides takes hold of the city, and Ors becomes haunted by images of a shadowy figure known to many as “The Fedora Man”. Evoking a mood akin to the best 80s “nightmare” films, THE ACTIVATED MAN thrills and chills with a killer cast including horror icons Tony Todd and Kane Hodder.

BAKEMONO (dir: Doug Roos) MIDWEST PREMIERE

A multitude of guests visit the same cheap Tokyo airbnb at different times, unaware of the gruesome monster waiting for them. A terrifying, gore-drenched, and unique creature feature, told with a disjointed and unsetting narrative structure: Think PULP FICTION or MEMENTO as a bloody Japanese monster film. Loaded with incredible practical FX (and no CGI), the film delivers a visceral and unsettling experience.

BLIND COP 2: (dir: Alec Bonk ) THEATRICAL WORLD PREMIERE

A sequel to a film the doesn't exist, this is a riotous homage and parody of 80s action cinema. Blind Cop, the former beacon of justice, is consumed by grief after the mysterious death of his partner in the first movie. (Again there is no first movie.) His once-illustrious career has been reduced to drunken disorderly conduct, putting him at odds with the police force. Fired for his reckless behavior, Blind Cop ventures into the dark underworld of the city to continue his investigation into his partner's death. The truth he seeks may not be what he expects, but he will stop at nothing to avenge his fallen partner and bring the criminals responsible to justice.

BLOODY BRIDGET (dir: Richard Elfman) MIDWEST PREMIERE

Voodoo deity Baron Samedi transforms a down on her luck burlesque dancer into a "Valentine Vampire." But blood only whets her appetite; to satiate her gory desires she must eat her victims' beating hearts! A bloody - and bloody fun - horror comedy from director Richard Elfman, music by Danny Elfman and Ego Plum. Fans of comedic horror and camp will delight!

#BLUE_WHALE (dir: Anna Zaytseva) MIDWEST PREMIERE

Rebellious schoolgirl Dana grieves for her younger sister, a once-happy kid who suddenly stepped in front of a train. Desperate to learn what happened, she explores her sister's online history, discovering a sinister social-media game. A non-stop, brutal, and twisting thriller that draws you into a sinister and masterfully crafted online world.

EROS THANATOS (dir: Felipe Eluti ) US PREMIERE

Eros Thanatos is a self-destructive journey, narrated in a choral way in which each character is dominated by their emotional shortcomings. Florencia, Gustav, Judith and Martin are incomplete people who bond in a sickly affective and sexual way. The encounter of each of them with Joseph, who carries a supernatural secret, will force them to fight with an entity that will bring out their worst demons. This film disturbs and resonates, striking the audience at the most visceral of levels.

H. P. LOVECRAFT'S THE OLD ONES (dir: Chad Ferrin) MIDWEST PREMIERE

In 1930, sea captain Russel Marsh saw the light, and for 93 years his body was not his own. Inhabited by a Great Old One, he committed unspeakable acts in the name of the Esoteric Order of Dagon. Now free, he is in search of a way to go back in time to reverse the horrors wrought upon the world. But the cult has other plans and will stop at nothing to destroy him. The latest gore-drenched nightmare from fest alum, and modern master of the genre, Chad Ferrin (PARASITES, NIGHT CALLER, THE DEEP ONES).

HE NEVER LEFT (dir: James Morris) WISCONSIN PREMIERE

After hearing strange noises coming from an adjoining motel room, a federal fugitive and his girlfriend inadvertently become targets of the notorious "Pale Face" killer, whose legend has consumed and haunted the local community for decades. The most impressive, inventive, and refreshing take on the slasher sub-genre that A Night of Horror's programming team have seen in over a decade.

IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS (dir: Rachel Kempf & Nick Toti)

Blending fact and fiction, this compelling found footage horror film features nearly 20 years of archival video. When filmmakers Nick Toti and Rachel Kempf buy an abandoned duplex to shoot their next indie horror film in, they are delighted to find random strangers are drawn to the building, gathering outside to stare at it in a zombie-like trance. What begins as an effort to document the cult quickly escalates into an increasingly ecstatic quest to see just how scary their real-life horror movie can get. You'll find yourself trying to work out what in this enthralling film is real and what is fiction.

M (dir: Vardan Tozija) MIDWEST PREMIERE

In a secluded forest, young Marko lives under the watchful eye of his overprotective and mysterious father. Their sheltered existence is all he knows. Marko seeks solace in his cherished picture book, finding comfort and answers within its pages. One day, an encounter with a kind-hearted boy with Down Syndrome named Miko, brings a glimmer of warmth and connection into Marko's isolated world. As his curiosity grows, Marko yearns to uncover the secrets that lie beyond the confines of the wilderness. A cruel turn of events grants him his wish sooner than he expects. A grim journey awaits him, filled with unknown dangers, unexpected twists, and a glimpse into a world forever changed.

MYSTERIOUS WAYS (dir: Tyler Eaton) WORLD PREMIERE

After a family tragedy sends them spiraling in opposite directions, Charlie and Denise Dobbins attempt to save their struggling church by re-energizing their youth group with an End of Days-themed Tiktok dance they hope will go viral. Instead, the dance accidentally possesses their pastor's teenaged daughter Bethany with the demonic dancing spirit Ashgaroth who vows to usher in the apocalypse and spread its dancing plague to 666 more people on Halloween night. This is one of the best horror comedies in years. Hilarious, irreverent, bloody, and unique.

The full line-up of visiting filmmakers will be announced next week.

A Night of Horror's full 2024 program and schedule can be viewed here.

Tickets to all films, along with discounted festival passes, are available to purchase here.

A NIGHT OF HORROR 2024 FIRST PROGRAMMING WAVE

A Night of Horror International Film Festival, announces its first programming wave for 2024 today. Long known as Australia's premier genre film event, the festival now takes place in the United States. This year, the festival's 16th edition - and first in the US - screens from March 1-3, at the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“To move a fest I co-founded in Sydney, Australia, back in 2006, to America feels surreal”, says festival director Dean Bertram. “A Night of Horror has long taken pride in being recognized for its excellence in showcasing the best and bloodiest new horror films from around the globe. And this year's program is already shaping up to be one of my favorite line-ups yet. In the first wave alone are some of the most original, terrifying, and at times hilarious genre offerings that you'll see this year: A bloody buffet of zombies, online serial killers, vampiric burlesque dancers, masked slashers, Japanese monsters, Lovecraftian terrors, and compelling found footage. Each film twisting and playing with genre expectations. I can't wait to share them all with the festival's new audience in Eau Claire.”

Discounted festival passes are now on sale here:

Individual tickets to each film will go on sale closer to the festival; both on the fest's website, and from the Micon Downtown Cinema in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Full program details and filmmaker guests will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The first seven feature films announced follow:

BAKEMONO (dir: Doug Roos) A multitude of guests visit the same cheap Tokyo airbnb at different times, unaware of the gruesome monster waiting for them. A terrifying, gore-drenched, and unique creature feature, told with a disjointed and unsettling narrative structure: Think PULP FICTION or MEMENTO as a bloody Japanese horror film. Loaded with incredible practical FX (and no CGI), the film delivers a visceral and unsettling experience.

BLOODY BRIDGET (dir: Richard Elfman) Voodoo deity Baron Samedi transforms a down on her luck burlesque dancer (Anastasia Elfman) into a "Valentine Vampire." But blood only whets her appetite; to satiate her gory desires she must eat her victims' beating hearts! A bloody - and bloody fun - horror comedy from director Richard Elfman, music by Danny Elfman and Ego Plum. Fans of comedic horror and camp will delight!

#BLUE_WHALE (dir: Anna Zaytseva) Rebellious schoolgirl Dana grieves for her younger sister, a once-happy kid who suddenly stepped in front of a train. Desperate to learn what happened, she explores her sister's online history, discovering a sinister social-media game. A non-stop, brutal, and twisting thriller that draws you into a sinister and masterfully crafted online world.

H. P. LOVECRAFT'S THE OLD ONES (dir: Chad Ferrin) In 1930, sea captain Russel Marsh saw the light, and for 93 years his body was not his own. Inhabited by a Great Old One, he committed unspeakable acts in the name of the Esoteric Order of Dagon. Now free, he is in search of a way to go back in time to reverse the horrors wrought upon the world. But the cult has other plans and will stop at nothing to destroy him. The latest gore-drenched nightmare from fest alum, and modern master of the genre, Chad Ferrin (PARASITES, NIGHT CALLER, THE DEEP ONES).

HE NEVER LEFT (dir: James Morris) After hearing strange noises coming from an adjoining motel room, a federal fugitive and his girlfriend inadvertently become targets of the notorious "Pale Face" killer, whose legend has consumed and haunted the local community for decades. The most impressive, inventive, and refreshing take on the slasher sub-genre that A Night of Horror's programming team have seen in over a decade.

IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS (dir: Rachel Kempf & Nick Toti) Blending fact and fiction, this compelling found footage horror film features nearly 20 years of archival video. When filmmakers Nick Toti and Rachel Kempf buy an abandoned duplex to shoot their next indie horror film in, they are delighted to find random strangers are drawn to the building, gathering outside to stare at it in a zombie-like trance. What begins as an effort to document the cult quickly escalates into an increasingly ecstatic quest to see just how scary their real-life horror movie can get. You'll find yourself trying to work out what, in this enthralling film, is real and what is fiction.

M (dir: Vardan Tozija) In a secluded forest, young Marko lives under the watchful eye of his overprotective and mysterious father. Their sheltered existence is all he knows. Marko seeks solace in his cherished picture book, finding comfort and answers within its pages. One day, an encounter with a kind-hearted boy with Down Syndrome named Miko, brings a glimmer of warmth and connection into Marko's isolated world. As his curiosity grows, Marko yearns to uncover the secrets that lie beyond the confines of the wilderness. A cruel turn of events grants him his wish sooner than he expects. A grim journey awaits him, filled with unknown dangers, unexpected twists, and a glimpse into a world forever changed.

A Night of Horror Film Festival moves to the United States

One of the most beloved genre film festivals on the planet, Australia's long-running A Night of Horror International Film Festival, is changing venues... to the other side of the world!

And festival founder, Australian ex-patriate Dean Bertram, has returned to the helm.

A 2021 Dread Central article noted that A Night of Horror was “Australia's top genre festival” and attributed this ranking to “Dean Bertram's discerning curatorial eye” and his insistence in selecting “films from blind submissions, as opposed to sourcing from other festivals, distributors, or sales agents.”

Bertram now lives in Wisconsin, where he launched another film festival - MidWest WeirdFest - in 2016.

According to FilmFreeway, the industry’s leading film festival submission platform: MidWest WeirdFest is ranked by filmmakers as one of the “top 100 best reviewed festivals… out of more than 12,000 film festivals and creative contests” around the world.

“I've long thought of MidWest WeirdFest and A Night of Horror as being part of the same global brand,” says Bertram. “Both fests are based on the same guiding principals of championing independent cinema, building programs from films that are submitted by filmmakers, and bringing filmmakers and audiences together in intimate and accessible environments, something which has spawned dozens of lasting friendships and successful professional relationships of the years.”

A Night of Horror's new primary venue will be the iconic Micon Cinema in beautiful downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In its first year in the US, A Night of Horror will run concurrently with MidWest WeirdFest. Each festival will have it's own screen, and unique program, at the Micon Downtown from March 1-3, 2024. This will allow MidWest WeirdFest's loyal audience to also dip their toes into the bloody waters of A Night of Horror.

Submissions are now open for A Night of Horror’s 16th edition.

For more details visit: www.anightofhorror.com or enter via FilmFreeway.

AWARD WINNERS OF A NIGHT OF HORROR'S EDITION FIFTEEN

Last night at Dendy Cinemas Newtown, the 15th edition of A Night of Horror International Film Festival wrapped up a very big way.

Four days of screenings had seen three Aussie features having their Australian Premieres, and one Aussie feature having its World Premiere, six international features having either their Australian Premieres or International Premieres, and thirty-one short films from Australia and around the world, most of them having Australian Premieres, some having World Premieres. There were numerous wonderful Q&As following screenings, and we even had the surprise return attendance of an international feature film guest (we’re smiling at you Sylvia Caminer!)

Closing Night session saw the festival awards ceremony celebrate the talents of many local and international filmmakers, actors, and screenwriters, including the three finalists of the CUT! Teaser Trailer Competition, and a bittersweet announcement from Festival Director, Bryn Tilly.

Props to Maximum Daddy-o for the kick-on.

Spanish vanta-black comedy THE COFFEE TABLE took out three awards: Best International Feature Film, Best Feature Film Screenplay, and Best Performance in an International Feature Film. Western Australian Steven J. Mihaljevich’s VIOLETT won Best Australian Feature Film, with its star, Georgia Eyers, winning Best Australian Feature Film Performance. Best Australian Feature Film Director was won by festival alumna Ursula Dabrowsky for THE DEVIL’S WORK, and Best International Feature Director went to ex-Sydneysider Nicholas Tomnay for WHAT YOU WISH FOR. The John Wiggins Independent Spirit Award went to Sarah Tice & Zachary Beckler, from the US, for DID I?

Best Australian Short Film went to SVENGALI, Best Australian Short Film Director was won by Glenn Fraser for MOTHER TONGUE, and Best Australian Short Film Performance was won by Ben Gerrard in SVENGALI. Best International Short Film went to MANTRA (France), and its lead actor, Maud Wyler, took the Best Performance in an International Short Film award. Adesh Prasad from India won Best International Short Film Director for HIGH FUN.

The winners of the Unproduced Screenplay Competition were both Australian, Luke Wijayasinha-Gray for THE DEVIL HERSELF (feature) and Richard Patrick Doyle for DO US PART (short film), and taking out the inaugural win for the CUT! Teaser Trailer Competition was Franck Zuanic & Gareth Carr’s LITTLE LIGHT.

For the complete list of award winners visit here.

Congratulations to everyone. Sydney went out with a bang.

Finalists announced for 2023 Unproduced Screenplay Competition

Congratulations to all our finalists, from Australia and abroad, in our Unproduced Screenplay Competition for 2023, and a huge thank you to our fabulous judges, Ally Burnham, Benjamin Jung-Clarke, and Lynnaire MacDonald.

See below for the ten feature film script finalists and the ten short film script finalists, in no particular order.

The award winner in each category, along with the 1st and 2nd runners-up, will be announced at the A Night of Horror Closing Night Awards Ceremony, Sunday, October 1st, at Dendy Cinemas Newtown.

Best of luck to all the screenwriters!

FEATURE FILM FINALISTS

As Scared as You by Jesse Dorian
Garden of Delight by Paul Grammatico
Abeyance by Brandon Rhiness & Michael Schaar-Ney
The Devil Herself by Luke Wijayasinha-Gray
The Red by Min Tran
Human Resources by James Mackenzie Smith
Cannibal Girlfriend by Nathaniel Enrique Lerma
Bull by Drew Jarvis
Revival by Abby Selden
Blood Angel by Chelsea Coakley

SHORT FILM FINALISTS

The Withered Pear by Frank Stephen Leggett
The Guy Upstairs by Ethan Steele
Paper Monsters by Michael Clifton
Kissyfoot by Michael Clifton
The Call Out by Jesse C Wheatley
Do Us Part by Richard Patrick Doyle
The Director by Marissa Raine Carlin
Uppercase by Jonah Jackson Lindley
Yuletide by Brandon Bentley
The Sucker by Cassady Maddox Booth

A Night of Horror reveals its festival key art for 2023

It’s here! Our bewitching key art for our 15th edition courtesy of Sydney-based artist Matt Palmer.

For his third year as key artist Matt has utilised his wonderful talent as a painter. Taking inspiration from the same famous work by Andrew Wyeth that inspired Tobe Hooper to create The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and a stark change from the two previous years, the painting captures a dark, desolate beauty, and exudes a haunting, enigmatic quality.

The festival’s 15th edition takes place at Dendy Cinemas Newtown from Thursday, September 28th until Sunday, October 1st. It’s a Long Weekend, so make sure you’ve got your calendar blocked out especially. You don’t want to miss what we’ve got in store for you!

The 2023 program launch and ticketing are set for Thursday, August 31st.

This year’s program, while smaller than previous years, is no less impactful, and promises a sophisticated, elegant, and brooding selection of some of the best new horror and dark genre films from Australia and abroad, staying true to the festival’s dedication to independent and emerging filmmakers.

On the launch date the program will go live here, with links to respective sessions on the Dendy Cinemas site, and will also be available in a more detailed digital flipbook version, which is both downloadable and printable for those who prefer a keepsake hardcopy. Festival postcards with a QR code (taking you to the program page on the festival site) will be available at Dendy Newtown, and will be distributed around Sydney.

Festival Director, Bryn Tilly, will host a Facebook Live Video event via the festival Fb Page, on the morning of the launch (AEST tba), taking viewers through the program and all its nightmarish delights.

A Night of Horror announces CUT! teaser trailer competition

For its 15th edition A Night of Horror International Film Festival is excited to announce a new creative competitive component to the festival, open to Australian residents only.

Australian-based filmmakers are invited to submit to CUT!, the inaugural teaser trailer competition, sponsored by Panavision Australia.

Winning trailer wins $3500 worth of hire from Panavision Australia and a one (1) hour informal consultation with competition judges via Zoom.

Frivolous or serious, you decide. But make sure you have fun doing it!

Trailer can be either:

• a proof-of-concept for a feature or short film (whether it be a single scene or a montage)

• a teaser to a faux/fake feature or short.

Trailer must be no longer than three (3) minutes in duration, including any on-screen credits.

There is no restriction on when the trailer was made, provided it has not previously been exhibited to the general public.

Registration closes July 14th, 2023. Submission deadline closes July 31st, 2023.

Five finalists will be selected and screened as part of the festival’s closing night awards ceremony, and the winner announced thereafter.

Judges for the inaugural competition are Andrew Traucki (THE REEF, BLACK WATER) and Brett Garten (RED CHRISTMAS, PUB: THE MOVIE).

Please click here for full competition details, including registration information, and terms and conditions.

Jury announced for A Night of Horror's 15th Edition!

As we close in on our earlybird deadline for submissions for the 15th edition we are very excited to announce the jury for 2023. It’s essentially an all-Australasian affair of rising stars and bona fide legends, giving their time to help support and nurture the independent dark genre filmmaking scene.

The three feature film judges are Sydney’s Kiah Roache-Turner, Lauren Grimson, and Tasmanian Sam Curtain.

Short film judges are Melbourne’s Cassie Magrath, Sydney’s Doug Turner, and from the Blue Mountains, Sara Elizabeth Joyce.

Judging the unproduced screenplay competition we have Sydney’s Ally Burnham, Tassie’s Benjamin Jung-Clarke, and from Christchurch, New Zealand, Lynnaire MacDonald.

Also included in the jury this year is the very welcome return of Chicken & Chips Casting hotshots, Alison Fowler and Stephanie Pringle, who are once again sponsoring and awarding the Best Performance in an Australian Short Film.

We have an exciting announcement to make in the coming weeks in regard to a new creative competitive component in the festival. Keep your eyes peeled for that!

Check out the full jury and credentials here.

The Call for Entries for our 15th Edition is now open!

After two years in the wilderness and two years of pandemic hell we returned last year to our original haunting ground, Dendy Cinemas Newtown, and had a blast for our 14th Edition. Just check the reviews on FilmFreeway, we’re amongst the 100 Best Reviewed!

Now the gates are open and our Call for Entries for 2023 is being crowed out across the night sky.

Come ye fiends, submit your gleaming dark treasures to us for perusal, for we are on the hunt for the very best independent features and short films and unproduced screenplays from Australia and around the world to exhibit with glee to our hungry audiences, come late September.

Our 15th Edition will take place at Dendy Newtown, in the dark heart of Sydney’s Inner West, from Thursday, September 28 until Sunday, October 1st.

It’s real easy to submit, check the details here … and we’ll see you at the symphony of horror!

AWARD WINNERS OF THE 14TH EDITION OF A NIGHT OF HORROR!

Last night at Dendy Cinemas Newtown, the 14th edition of A Night of Horror International Film Festival wrapped up a big week of screenings that had seen two World Premieres, fifteen Australian Premieres, nearly fifty short films, and several filmmaker Q&As with local, interstate, and international guests.

It was a glorious return to the festival’s old haunting ground, and closing night session saw the festival awards ceremony celebrate the talents of many local and international filmmakers, actors, and screenwriters.

A Night of Horror alumni Isaac Ezban, from Mexico, took out top international honours with his film EVIL EYE winning Best International Feature Film. Sydneysider Jack Dignan’s AFTER SHE DIED won Best Australian Feature Film, with one of the film’s stars, Vanessa Madrid, winning Best Australian Feature Performance. Gabby Beans, from the US, won Best International Feature Performance for her role in THE HARBINGER.

Best International Feature Director went to Ryan Stevens Harris, another ANOH alumni, for MOON GARDEN from the US. Best Australian Feature Director was shared between Melbourne filmmakers Luke Wijayasinha-Gray & Luke J.S. for their debut, YOUR LOVE IS MINE.

Best Australian Short Film went to MARKED, directed by Catherine Bonny, and Marisa Martin & Clare Langsford shared the trophy for Best Australian Short Film Director for VIOLET DAZE. Best Australian Short Film Performance was won by Charlotte Friels for GUT INSTINCT, and the Panavision Australia Aussie Short Film Audience Award was won by Cooper Saava for BEAKS.

For the complete list of award winners visit here.

Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement of dates for our 15th edition and the Call for Entries, coming soon.

Finalists announced in the A Night of Horror 2022 Unproduced Screenplay competition

Congratulations to the twenty finalists in the 14th edition of our Unproduced Screenplay Competition, and thank you to our fabulous jury, Catherine Smyth-McMullen, Joshua Long, and Anna Dadic. There was a record number of script submissions this year!

FEATURE FINALISTS

Axe Girl Goes Kill by Matthew Lawrence

The Virgin by Trysta A. Bissett

Big in Japan by Maria Hinterkoerner & Kayne Gorney

Delia by Amy Hutchins

Loaded by Jason Reed

Misfortune Cookies by Don Stroud

Tranquility Reef by Steve Brody & Michael Brody

Not Like Other Girls by Rebecca Moret, Jasper Garner & Lachlan Marks

Restoration by Don Stroud & Winter Mead

Pick-a-Part by Tracy L. Morse & Sophia Porter

SHORT FILM FINALISTS

Boogeyman Bait by Kay Phillips

House of Wolves by Andrew Yeremeyev

Gate Bait by Paul Grammatico

Sweet Tooth Boogeyman by Lance Eliot Adams

Possum by Lyndal Simpson

Game by Lachlan Marks

Rob’s New Girlfriend by Pierre Langenegger

I Don’t Like Thinking About Death by Paul Bird

Bad Words by Stuart Alan Creque

Blood Thirsty by Brandon Bentley

The winners and 1st and 2nd Runners Up in their respective categories will be announced in the Festival Awards Ceremony, at Dendy Cinemas Newtown, Sunday October 23.

Best of luck to all the finalists!

Keep your eyes peeled!

A Night of Horror International Film Festival announces 2022 program launch date and sneak peek

We are very excited to reveal the launch date of our spectacular program, returning to Dendy Cinemas Newtown for its 14th annual edition, 17 – 23 October.

Keep your eyes peeled on Tuesday, September 20 (AEST) when the A Night of Horror International Film Festival 2022 program goes live online.

For those wanting an exclusive first peek, A Night of Horror crew will be upstairs at Newtown’s Kelly’s-on-King, Monday, September 19, from 7pm, with collectible print programs hot off the press, plus a few giveaways to hand out.

“It’s really great to be back at Dendy Newtown,” says festival director Bryn Tilly, “Back on our original haunting ground, after two years of restrictions. And we’re back with a vengeance!”

It’s been a record year for submissions and it’s one of the festival’s strongest programs ever, with 65 films! Seventeen features and forty-eight shorts from down under and around the globe.

There are two World Premieres: YOUR LOVE IS MINE from Melbourne’s Luke Wijayasinha-Gray & Luke J.S. and BEATEN TO DEATH from Tasmania’s Sam Curtain, and a third Aussie feature, AFTER SHE DIED, from Sydney’s Jack Dignan, has its Australian Premiere.

Two festival alumni make A Night of Horror history, with Sam Curtain becoming the first Australian director to have three features premiere at the festival, and Mexico’s new Guillermo Del Toro, Isaac Ezban, becoming the first international director to also have three features premiere with the festival, with his hotly-anticipated EVIL EYE.

There’s the glorious return of our legendary, signature selection of homegrown talent, the AUSTRALIAN SHORTS GALA, there are two blood-curdling INTERNATIONAL SHORTS SHOWCASES, and a further twelve bone-rattling new features from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and the United States, all making their Australian Premieres.

“Not surprisingly,” says Bryn, “given the last couple of years of pandemic grief and trauma on a global scale, much of this year’s program reflects themes of mental illness, psychosis, possession, delusion, betrayal, and revenge. Quite a bit of witchery too. Filmmakers are keen to purge, and it makes for really wild storytelling and dynamic cinema.”

For those eager to get the trick-or-treatin’ rolling early, a special “Halloween” costume occasion - with prizes courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment for the most spookily-dressed - will accompany the Australian Premiere of TWO WITCHES, from the US, a most terrifying ride.

The festival is bookended by two wicked, rib-tickling psycho-thrillers, not to be missed; Opening Night sees the Australian Premiere of FOLLOW HER from Emmy Award-winning Sylvia Caminer, and Closing Night has the Australian Premiere of ZEBRA GIRL from the UK’s Stephanie Zari.

The jury for the 14th edition features a swag of luminaries, Kat Ellinger, Carlo Ledesma, Amelia Foxton, Heidi Honeycutt, Michael Helms, Briony Kidd, Catherine Smyth-McMullen, Joshua Long, and Anna Dadic.

Back for their third year, Panavision Australia and Chicken & Chips Casting sponsor the Australian Short Film Audience Award and Best Performance in an Australian Short Film award, respectively, back for a second year, Sydney’s Inkii Originals has designed the key art, and continuing support comes from film culture stalwart, FilmInk.

Last, but not least, rising stars on the Sydney scene, Ester Spirits, have come on board as new sponsors to lubricate the festival with their distinct independent spirit on select sessions.

A Night of Horror International Film Festival screens at Dendy Cinemas Newtown, from Monday, October 17 until Sunday, October 23, 2022.

Full program and tickets will be available online at www.dendy.com.au/cinemas/newtown from Tuesday, September 20.