All they ask is that your film(s) express creativity and originality. A panel of industry professionals, who are looking for original ideas, inspiring scripts and great execution, will judge the films.
You can enter in either of two categories: BEST UNDER 5 MIN or BEST OVER 5 MINUTES. The awards will be presented in London this September, during the fest when we will also host workshops, screenings and terrific hot-topic panel discussions.
The Smalls welcomes all filmmakers, from the first time director to the seasoned professional. Any country. Any nationality. Any genre. They want you to help make this the biggest and best of The Smalls Short Film Fest ever.
Feeling excited and inspired? Enter your film before the 12th of August 2011.
Click the link below to submit your film today. And best of luck! Heck, if you've completed a film (long or short) you're already lucky. So go for it!
LINKS: The Smalls Film Fest
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Friday, July 29, 2011
The Smalls Short Film Fest is Big on Prizes!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
3-D Zombies? You Betcha!
I can't say much about the project yet - something to do with non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality clauses, and death threats from a guy named Jimmy Fish Eyes.
But keep your eyes peeled for a new 3-D zombie feature film "Dead Before Dawn", from Wango Films. Filming gets under way soon, really soon...
And how do I know this? I'm the 1st Assistant Director on the show (smattering of applause).
While I'm barely conscious after a hard night's filming I'll attempt to blog about working with 3-D technology. If you see something like this: mkniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiivr vr vvvvvvvvv
then you'll know I've passed out on the keyboard.
Wish us luck on the shoot. Then be afraid... be very afraid - and try not to wet yourself.
LINKS:
Dead Before Dawn site
Wango Films
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Thursday, May 26, 2011
Tri-City Film Info & Interview
Yes, it’s true that Tri-City Film covers the local indie film scene in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area of Southern Ontario. What isn’t as obvious is that they go beyond their titular borders covering Guelph, and even… (gasp) Toronto! [more on that later]
In fact, as site creator and lead scribe David Briggs points out:
“The point of Tri-City Film is to help connect people interested in local film to what local filmmakers are doing. Anyone producing film in and around these cities is encouraged to contact us and keep in touch. If someone is working on something great, or is putting together a festival or compilation that may be of interest to Tri-City Film readers, then we will certainly cover it.”
The web site is a focal point for local and related indie filmmakers and film fans.
David accepts ideas and submissions for articles, interviews, photos, casting calls, crew postings, film festivals, and “other works that would jazz up the site”. If you’re a creative indie filmmaker here’s your showcase shot.
So, if you’ve got something indie going on, get it on Tri-City Film and see what can happen.
And, while you’re visiting the site, feast your squinties on the interview with yours cruelly [this is the Toronto connection cunningly mentioned earlier]. I hear that David transcribed our recorded interview in vampire blood. Cool. Enjoy.
And keep supporting indie filmmaking – wherever it may be.
LINKS:
Tri-City Film
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
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Saturday, May 7, 2011
Gruesome Hertzogg Lovingly Dissects AAAAAH!!
I'll keep this brief, because that's what podcaster & film reviewer Gruesome Hertzogg would do.
Instead of posting bloated podcasts full of ego puffery and mindless chatter he posts thumbnail reviews of horror films. He gives you the skinny on a film and a qualified rating out of 10. You get in, get informed, and get out.
So, I was flattered when he offered to review the films of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits" volumes 1 & 2 one by one. Do they live up to their claim of "All Killer - No Filler". Check out what Gruesome Hertzogg has to say about each film. You can hear his podcasts on Blogger and on iTunes, and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and IMDB.
Can't wait for the chance to do a long interview, which he also does with horror actors and filmmakers.
Short or long, he's not shy about telling you what he likes. And I feel like Sally Field gushing at the Oscars, "You like me. You really like me."
Fill yer boots and your horror-loving ears...
LINKS:
Gruesome Hertzogg's Podcast
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
IMDb
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
8th Maverick Movie Awards - Don't Call It A Film Festival
So why submit your film to a festival? Mostly to gain exposure to create a buzz with which to tempt distributors into making a deal. But if you're looking for an alternate route for your film - without the need for tuxedo dry cleaning - there's the Maverick Movie Awards.
But don't call it a 'film festival' because there are no screenings.
I'll let the Maverick Movie Awards' Mission Statement explain:
The Maverick Movie Awards was founded by moviemakers who have been through the glorious highs and crushing lows of the international film festival circuit; from these shared experiences came the calling to create a real alternative to the nepotism, politics, and commercialism that defines far too many festivals and competitions.
Our goal is to help talented moviemakers achieve the recognition they deserve by awarding movies with unique style, exceptional craft, and the power to communicate.
By championing great movies, regardless of origin, genre, or budget, our hope is to re-ignite the spirit of the major film festivals and distribution pioneers by celebrating what they once valued above glitz and glamour...simply put: GREAT CINEMA.
So, if you've made some GREAT CINEMA in the form of a feature film, short film, or documentary you can submit it to MMA through Withoutabox.
Regular Deadline: May 31, 2011
Late Deadline: June 30, 2011
Extended Deadline: July 31, 2011
Fees & submission details are at the Maverick Movie Awards site.
And save your black tie attire for a wedding or a nice funeral...
LINKS:
Maverick Movie Awards
Withoutabox
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Thursday, November 11, 2010
Texas Blood Bath Film Festival Returns For A Second Helping
Well, speaking of things that we love that come back, it's time for The Texas Blood Bath 2: Film Festival this Saturday and Sunday, November 13 and 14 at The Texas Theatre
231 W. Jefferson Blvd, in lovely Dallas, Texas. The screenings begin at noon on Saturday and wrap up with Sunday's 8:00 pm show.
There's lots of cinematic gore in store, brought to you by my blood buddy Andrew Rose and DOA Entertainment.
Featured guests include Debbie Rochon, Reggie Bannister, April Burril, and many, many others.
Now, I hear you asking, "Is there an Opening Night Party?" You bet your sweet entrails! DOA wouldn't leave you hanging. The Opening Night Party is Friday November 12, starting at 9:00 PM at Muddy Waters Bar, 4314 Live Oak Street, also in lovely Dallas, Texas. Remember: you must fortify yourself for the onslaught of films ahead of you this weekend.
And, yes, there's also a Closing Night Party on Sunday after the last show - because you must fortify yourself for the onslaught of Monday ahead of you. AAAAAH!!
Details about The Texas Blood Bath 2: Film Festival are available at their website (below).
Tell 'em Mighoul sent ya. It won't get you anything, but the puzzled look on Andrew Rose's face will be priceless.
LINKS:
Texas Blood Bath 2: Film Festival
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Thursday, October 7, 2010
Hanging at the BAZAAR of the BIZARRE
If you have not attended the last bazaar and do not know what to expect, you are in for a real treat! It is a marketplace filled with amazing vendors. Artists, designers, craft-folk, publishers, and other independent makers of all things exotic, whimsical, and macabre are assembled to attack all of your senses.Sounds like my kind of market place.
Last spring we picked up several very cool items, including a pair of skull cuff-links to add some macabre pizazz to a business suit.
Then it hit me: I'm an independent maker of macabre stuff.
So, we have a booth at the next Bazaar of the Bizarre on Sunday October 10th to add some "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits", Cryptwear, and Black Widow Hearse Club swag to the Bazaar's mix.
Scare you there...
Friday, October 1, 2010
NOW AVAILABLE: "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Vol. 2" DVD
And to celebrate October we're announcing the DVD release of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits - Volume #2".
It's available right now at our web site: http://www.aaaaah-films.com.
And, as an added bonus, our checkout is now also PayPal friendly!
Why am I so excited?
There are nine-plus reasons.
We're calling volume 2, "More Killer - No Filler". That's right, 'more' because... well, there's more on this disc.
We're featuring 9 - count 'em 9 - great short indie horror films on this DVD, for a total running time of 122 minutes - over 2 hours of terror-inducing cinema - plus Extras!
So, you'll pardon my high adrenaline level.
In alphabetical order, the great short horror films on volume 2 are:
"GNAW" by Frank Merle
"HELL'S HABIT" by Mike Jackaon (also "The Veil" from vol. 1)
"HUMAN NO MORE" by Christopher Alan Broadstone (also "My Skin!" from vol. 1)
"THE KOOKY KASTLE" by Paul Carty
"LEGEND OF THE SEVEN BLOODY TORTURERS" by Conall Pendergast
"OUT OF THE DARKNESS" by Nicholas Rucka
"THE ROOM" by Diego Meza-Valdes
"THE STRAIN" by Mike Doyle
"TRICK OR TREAT" by Oliver Pearce
We premiered advance copies of the DVD at Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear during FanExpo in August. And the response was huge! Folks who bought volume 1 the first time around now snapped up volume 2 sight unseen. Thank you! Your feedback is invaluable!!
It's going to be a full month with promo events. Hope you enjoy all of October as it twists and turns toward a Happy Halloween.
LINKS:
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
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Sunday, August 22, 2010
Bill Plympton Doc Seeks Assistance
Two very cool people are involved in one extremely cool project. Performer & Filmmaker Alexia Anastasio is creating a documentary about renowned, Academy Award nominated indie animator "Bill Plympton called Adventures in Plymptoons!"
Why make a documentary about Bill Plympton, "King of the indie animators"?
Well, here's what some people you probably recognize say about Mr. Plympton and his doc-worthiness."Bill is an extraordinary animator. He has an extraordinary mind....He seems to get right to the depth of the human condition." - Terry Gilliam
The film is currently in post-production and needs dinero to get it done.
"Bill Plympton's imagination, and the way that he was able to deconstruct animation....was something I'd never seen before." - Matthew Modine
"I think he's one of the few guys who does what I say people should do, which is your own films....Bill's a great animator." - Ralph Bakshi
"You don't want to meddle with genius...Bill's just amazing." - Weird Al
“Bill has an impossible ability to carelessly marry the absurd with the profound. I’ve always just loved his stuff.” - Seth Green
"Bill Plympton just keeps on creating his amazing cartoons, a true American artist." - John Landis
And that's where you and www.kiskstarter.com come in. Alexia has set a $10,000 donation challenge. If good folks (like you) donate that amount by the deadline then the film gets the money. If donations fall short (by even one dollar!) then nothing happens and pledges are dropped.
If you can lend a hand to help create a lasting documentary about one of the world's great indie animators... just think how cool you'd be too. Every single dollar counts.
The nail biting Donation Deadline is October 12, but why wait to act on a good impulse?
LINKS:
Kiskstarter page
Alexia Anastasio Bill Plimpton page
Alexia Anastasio web page
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Monday, November 16, 2009
Clucking Good Independent Grindhouse Double Feature
I'm all for promoting grassroots events, like indie film festivals and zombie walks, etc. If it weren't for these events many creative folks would never get their starts, developing their style in the crucible of popular opinion. And audiences would miss a chance to see something different, created by individuals rather than by consensus committees.
I heard about The Independent Grindhouse Double Feature thanks to an e-mail from organizer Matthew Castro. The formula for this recurring festival is to pair something new with something known in order to attract a crowd and introduce it to the new thing.
In this case the known thing is Troma's "Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead", directed by Lloyd Kaufman - which I reviewed last year when it screened at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival.
And the new thing is the premiere of the feature film "Reunion of Terror" from director Michael Hoffman. The director, cast & crew of "Reunion of Terror" will be in attendance for a Q&A.
Also part of this devilish double bill are trailers, a short film, and contests with prizes. I love prizes. All in all it should be a freakishly good time. Take a date and some KFC and dig into the Independent Grindhouse Double Feature.
7:00pm – Midnight
Friday December 11, 2009
Temeku Theater
26463 Ynez Rd.
Temecula CA, 92591
Tickets available at the door for $12, or on-line in advance for $10.
Purchasing your ticket online grants you a chance to win a FREE Indie Grind T-Shirt!
LINKS:
The Independent Grindhouse Film Festival
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
Drunken Zombie FF Seeks Films
I get lots of film festival notices and invitations. But every once in a while there's an eye-popping call for submissions that catches my eye - literally.
I like the concept behind the inaugural Drunken Zombie Film Festival, taking place in Peoria, IL at the Peoria Theater on November 6-8.
Crypt Club Productions Inc. is happy to support this new horror film festival's efforts and wish them "all the beast" for a dark and disturbing future.
Read on to see what got my attention:Last year we screened two great indie horror films. The films being IT’S MY PARTY AND I’LL DIE IF I WANT TO and the world premiere of ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE.
Was it the free submission fee or the brew & view that popped our eyes? Let me sip my suds - paid for with the cash I saved on my film submission - while you answer.
How in the world could we top that?
Well we decided if two great indie horror movies were good then a whole weekend has to be better.
So while it is our second annual screening it will be the First Annual
Drunken Zombie Film Festival. We’re taking open submissions for indie horror films. So if you have created an indie masterpiece or know someone who as then be sure to submit.
No submission fees!
We are teaming with the Peoria Theater to bring this to you. Best part about the Peoria Theater?
It’s a Brew and View.
Yes you can have some drinks and watch some coeds run for their lives. And this time we’re doing it on the weekend. So you out of town folks have no excuse this time. So mark your calendars! November 6-8. Features and shorts galore. So prepare as Drunken Zombie brings the movies to you!!!!!
Complete film submission details are available on their web site.
Enjoy a cold one in some good company...
LINKS:
Drunken Zombie
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
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Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Filmmakers: Take A Dip In the Texas Blood Bath
The Texas Blood Bath Film Festival is on the prowl for feature & short horror films for their inaugural festival running Friday November 13 through Sunday November 15 in Bellmead, TX. Let 'er rip!
The Texas Blood Bath Film Festival's mandate is to provide indie filmmakers who produce original, creative, and technically superb films an audience whose attention is focused on the screen - not on long lines to get celebrity autographs.
The Texas Blood Bath will honor the filmmakers and the fans - first and foremost.
Crypt Club Productions Inc. is proud to partner with The Texas Blood Bath Film Festival to celebrate & promote independent horror filmmaking.
Through AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits - our feature length DVD collection of great & award winning independent short horror films - we’re pleased to offer international distribution to the winner(s) of the BEST SHORT FILM AWARD.
For more information about film submissions, sponsorship & vendor opportunities, contact: Andrew Rose through the festival web site.
LINKS:
The Texas Blood Bath Film Festival
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
New Distributor Means Lower Price - For June
The indie horror web grows wider... and we're as happy as a spider at a fly convention.
IndieFlix.com is offering "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1" for direct DVD purchase or 30-day streaming. If you've been holding off, now is your chance to strike.
It's now more affordable to have a scary summer - but only if you pounce before July 1, my fiend.
Until June 30, the "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1" DVD is a mere $9.95 (that's right, less than a sawbuck!) from either IndieFlix.com or our own secure site via www.aaaaah-films.com.
IndieFlix's 30-day stream is a paltry $4.95 - a great way to try before you buy.
What are you waiting for? Act now. On July 1 these prices (like the undead) will rise.“4 of 5 stars” - GOREZONE MAGAZINE
“...every film offers something fresh and unique to the horror genre... and had me thirsting for more.” - HORROR SOCIETY
“... some of the best short films I have seen in a while. This is real film making at it's best!” - HORROR NEWS
“...consider adding this to your horror film collection. You won’t be disappointed.” - THEOFANTASTIQUE
"All Killer - No Filler!" Discover a feature length collection of great & award winning short horror films by independent filmmakers - including the Director of SAW 6.
These films caused a buzz on the festival circuit - then vanished.
If you saw them the first time you know what we mean. If you missed them then, enjoy them now.
From a dark, cautionary tale (THE CRYPT CLUB with Alison Pill) to gallows humor on the job (GHOST BUSTED); from the grotesque otherworld inspired by H.P. Lovecraft (THE VEIL) to present-day outbreak fears (THE NINTH ENTRY); from the stylishly bizarre (MY SKIN!) and the chillingly macabre (OCULUS) to the dire family survival drama (OLD FRIENDS from the Director of SAW 6).
Dim the lights & dig in for your own private horror film festival.
Act now and get warmed up for the release of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 2". But I'm getting ahead of myself. That news is worth its own headline.
In the mean time, enjoy volume 1, and stay tuned...
LINKS:
IndieFlix
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
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Friday, May 8, 2009
New Indie Horror Service: DOA Management
Whether you're an actor, director, or producer, there's a new company on the horror-izon that will provide entertainment management for indie horror talent.
Andrew and Dione Rose are proud to launch a new business concept for the independent horror industry – DOA Management.
DOA Management will provide “Hollywood Style” management services, to include talent management, casting services, publicity services, production consultation, and other customized services for the independent horror actor, director, and producer.
As the producer of HorrorMovieFans.com Indie Horror Radio on
blogtalkradio.com, Andrew is in tune with the independent horror
industry. Andrew and Dione are fans of independent horror cinema and have a large network of actors, directors, writers, producers, sf/x artists, and media contacts.
Check the link to learn more about this exciting new company and what it can do for your indie horror film career.
Tell 'em Mighoul sent you...
LINKS:
DOA Management
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
AAAAAH!! featured in Toronto Sun
At last!
I did an interview in September of 2008 for Roger Pierce of BizLaunch for the Toronto Sun's career section on new entrepreneurs. The idea was that, since I deal in spooky stuff, the newspaper would run the article during October to tie into the whole Halloween vibe.
However, the Sun's editors kept bumping the article in favour of stories about single-moms and daycare services. Yawn. Real spooky-like.
But enough bitching and moaning.
The article, entitled Scary Small Business, saw the light of day on Wednesday January 28, 2009. Wish I'd known in advance so I could've salvaged some print copies for my parental units. (Okay, just a bit more bitching and moaning.)
The article is currently available on-line - but I'm not sure for how long. So click to it ASAP before they change the link to something about a dog walking service for the left-handed.
If you've ever considered starting a small business be sure to check out BizLaunch. They provide loads of free information, seminars, links, etc. for anyone seriously considering the entrepreneurial life.
Toronto Sun's "Scary Small Business" Article
BizLaunch
Friday, January 23, 2009
Contest Winner Announced & Contest Reminder
We have a winner for our December DVD giveaway contest through www.DeadHarvey.com. The lucky stiff is Judson Scott of Los Angeles, Karloffornia! Congratulations Judson!
As I type this our trusty international letter carriers are relaying their way across the continent to deliver Judson's prize in a timely manner. Dim the lights & enjoy!
If you missed out on the December contest, fear not. Check out our January contest at www.ObscureHorror.com.
This contest's prize draw happens on Monday February 2. So enter soon.
Just send your answer to the skill testing question to "contest@aaaaah-films.com" and be sure to put 'OBSCURE' in your e-mail's subject line so the web-monster doesn't pitch it into the junk mail pile.
Beast of Luck!
Obscure Horror's AAAAAH!! Contest
Saturday, January 10, 2009
AAAAAH!! Filmmaker's Debut Feature DVD Now Available
We are proud as hell that one of our own filmmakers, Anthony Falcon, has just released his debut feature-length film, "99 Pieces".
It seems like only yesterday we saw little Anthony's short film, "The Ninth Entry", on volume 1 of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits. And now he's grown up and gone all Orson Welles on a feature film. He's the writer, producer, director, actor... Such a talented boy. Brings a tear to my bloodshot eye.
The "99 Pieces" DVD is stacked full of goodies, including: Director Commentary
The DVD is available right now to own or rent through a gazillion outlets, including Amazon, Best Buy, Blockbuster, Netflix, Sam Goody...
How 99 Pieces Got Made
Teaser Trailer
Theatrical Trailer
Bonus short film: "Quin's Run"
Visit the 99 Pieces page on MySpace for details on how to get your grubbies on a copy.
Ah, they grow up so fast...
"99 Pieces" on MySpace
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Contest for (Horror) Lovers
We're barely into the new year and already looking ahead to St. Valentine's Day. Yes, that special day when you get to curl up with your favourite other and think monstrous thoughts.
But what to do on that magical evening to get in the mood?
Well, for horror lovers this year it's easy. You can turn down the lights, get close and watch a free copy of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1, thanks to the fearsome folks at ObscureHorror.com. They've got more reviews on obscure and hard to find horror films than you can shake a stick insect at.
For your chance to win the free DVD visit their contest page. You'll find the answer to the skill testing question in plain site within the interview with yours cruelly.
Then send an e-mail with the answer to contest@aaaaah-films.com. Be sure to include the word 'OBSCURE' in the subject line so the web-monster knows no to trash your response.
The contest draw takes place during the Winter Feast of the Rodent Shadow - I mean, Groundhog Day, February 2, 2009. That way the DVD will arrive in plenty of time for a happy St. Valentine's Day. Awwww, so romantic...
Enjoy the interview & the horror reviews - and beast of luck.
ObscureHorror.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Madison's Bordello of Horror Live/Dead Podcast
The Madison mad-caps Freakshow and the Harlots of Horror are at it again, with wild revels in the middle of January. Don't they know how freaking cold it gets in January in the Mid-West?
If you're in the frigid vicinity, the Bordello of Horror launch party will take place at The Annex in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday January 23rd @ 8 PM CST. If you can't be there - or don't want to brave the sub-zero - you can catch it from the comfort of your internet console via live broadcast on the Bordello of Horror Video Channel.
The live/dead webcast will feature the world premiere of the new mocumentary "The Zombeatles: All You Need Is Brains". I wonder if Yoko Oh-NO will make a guest appearance?
There's also live music and the Mid-West premiere of "Jessica Rabid", starring Elske McCain.
Good time? Sounds like a starving zombie (no-brainer) to me.
You can get more details at the Madison Horror Film Festival's web site.
Bordello of Horror
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Horror Society presents B-Movie Madness
If you're in Chicago on Saturday January 17 you'll want to check out the Horror Society's B-Movie Madness.
They've done the indie film festival thing before, and they're doing it again. Bigger, badder, and bolder. Hey, it's a B-movie festival. I think a little alliteration is allowed. At least all the film titles don't start with a 'b'. That would be just too much fromage.
Anyway, here's what they have to say:We are back with a new Indie Film Festival. This time it’s… B-Movie Madness!!
Our first festival was to shock and awe Chicago with some of the best underground, extreme horror you can imagine. Well I think we shocked a few people, but this time its a bit different. On Saturday, January 17th at the Portage Theater we will be showcasing some of the best Indie B-Movies and Horror Comedies around. Our lineup includes….
Better Off Undead
The Driller Killer
The Stalking Hand
It’s My Party, and I’ll Die If I Want To
Four of the best and most original horror comedies. Each with a little special something… The feature film, It’s My Party and I’ll Die If I Want To, will feature a “Choose your own adventure” version of the film in which you the audience will be able to participate and choose how you want the movie to play. Not just the ending, but the whole movie. Its truly an original idea for a horror movie, and hell any movie for that matter. We will be having giveaways and trailers throughout the festival!
Vendors and sponsors are invited to contact the Horror Society for details.
Sure to be a blast and a half. What better way to spend a frosty night in the windy city?
Horror Society's B-Movie Madness






