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A horror and fantastic film festival that is taking place for four thrill-packed days (3-6 October) in Manchester’s Odeon Great Northern Warehouse – that’s Grimmfest! One of the top ‘30 Bloody Best Genre Festivals in the World’ according to Movie Maker magazine, it is now offering even more excitement for its 2019 edition… with a frightful array of special guests recently announced.
This is the ultimate opportunity to meet the stars of cult and horror cinema (both in front of and behind the camera!) from all over the world, watch their films - and there’s even a chance for autographs and questions with a number of attendees.
Guest highlights include British comedian Johnny Vegas, who will be there on the opening night of Thursday 3rd October as the comedy horror TALES FROM THE LODGE (pictured below) comes to the screen. He will be joined by the film’s writer and director Abigail Blackmore.
Then Friday 4th October sees the much-loved star of THE WALKING DEAD series Pollyanna McIntosh presenting her directorial debut film in the form of DARLIN', whilst the following evening (Saturday 5th October) will feature Lauren Ashley Carter with her new movie ARTIK.
A contemporary reimagining of a David Cronenberg classic is a key feature of Sunday night’s entertainment – as on the 6th October Grimmfest will be hosting a very special presentation of RABID, a highly-anticipated film directed by the Soska Sisters (pictured below). ‘The Twisted Twins’ the Soska’s themselves will be in attendance, presenting the film as well as answering questions. There is certainly plenty of interest in their current work, as they are busy writing THE BLACK WIDOW for the Marvel Universe!
It’s little wonder then that Grimmfest is fast being recognised as ‘Manchester’s International Festival of Fantastic Film’ – and 2019 sees a range of directors coming from across the globe to guest at the festival.
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Travelling all the way from Australia is special effects makeup guru turned director Justin Dix, whilst US guests include David Marmor, Frank Sabatella and writing-directing duo the Pierce brothers. Chris Bavota and Lee Paula Springer – another duo – are coming from Canada, as well as Rob Grant, who is a Grimmfest regular.
In addition, Mike Ahern will be travelling from Ireland, whilst from the UK, special guests include Staten Cousins-Roe, Helen Hunt, Owen Teague, Judah Lewis and hopefully Adam Randall too!
This packed line-up highlights the level of excitement around Grimmfest’s 11th edition. After all, this year will see the festival run an impressive six European premieres, 17 UK premieres, two English premieres and 15 Northern premieres… plus every movie is new to Manchester!
So Grimmfest 2019 really is the chance to catch the best of international contemporary horror and cult cinema here in Manchester. It runs from the 3rd – 6th October 2019 at Odeon Manchester Great Northern, and more information and tickets can be found at grimmfest.com
And that is not all! For a later 2019 event to look forward to, Grimmfest has joined forces with the Gothic Manchester Festival to bring together the ultimate Halloween Movie Double Bill on Friday 1st November: Clive Barker’s CANDYMAN and HELLRAISER, with an introduction from Dr Xavier Aldana Reyes (of the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University). Book now and extend those Halloween celebrations!
