The festival, themed 'Legends Never Die', will explore the legacies and myths underpinning cult cinema. This year marks the 19th iteration of the annual event, aiming to connect international filmmakers, critics, and scholars to critically evaluate global cult film cultures.
Festival Director and BCU Professor of Cult Cinema Studies, Professor Xavier Mendik, stated, “This is not just about ‘what goes bump in the night’, but rather how cinema changes and inspires its viewers. I am delighted to welcome guests from across the world and give honours to some of the industry’s most influential creators and performers but also see how they help shape future filmmakers.”
Screenings will include theatrical and streaming premieres of new horror films, shorts, and documentaries. The 'Legends, Myths and Legacies' season features the Canadian folk horror film Skeleton Park and the sequel Wrath of the Gods to The Wicker Man.
The BCU-funded documentary Scum of the Earth, which includes contributions from filmmakers such as John Boorman and Eli Roth discussing rural American horror cinema, will have its UK premiere on Thursday, October 22. The film was previously shown at the Sitges Film Festival in Spain on October 15.
Rob Schmidt, director and writer of Wrong Turn (2003), will attend the festival to receive a Cine-Excess Innovator of Horror Award. He will also deliver a masterclass to students and staff. Schmidt commented, “I consider myself a storyteller and I have been lucky that my stories have resonated with others. Films like Wrong Turn, or fairytales like Hanzel and Gretel are significant in that they allow us to safely process our fear of the dark and ‘what’s outside’. Stories give us a chance to feel that inborn fear in safety.” He added, “Mentoring filmmakers is a joy to me. I was mentored by many wonderful teachers and I pass on the knowledge they gave same as it was passed on to me.”
Stars of The Hills Have Eyes, Janus Blythe and Michael Berryman, will receive Cine-Excess Lifetime Awards during a streamed Q&A session, recognising their contributions to horror and cult cinema.
The festival will also host the annual Soska Sisters Tales of Terror competition, focusing on 'horror journeys taken down the wrong road', where the Canadian directors will judge student entries and provide mentorship.
