Grimmfest returns to Manchester on 3-6 October 2019, bringing four days of horror and cult cinema to the ODEON Great Northern. Full festival passes are now on sale; an ideal opportunity to come along to the festival’s 11th edition, known for its range of new films, premieres and special industry guests. Now the first highly-anticipated movie premiere and special guest has been announced.

Polyanna McIntosh

Having its Northern premiere at Grimmfest will be social issue horror DARLIN’, a film written, directed by and featuring Polyanna McIntosh (pictured above). Audiences may know her role as Jadis from THE WALKING DEAD, and McIntosh also starred in 2011 film THE WOMAN, to which DARLIN’ is a sequel.

Not only will McIntosh’s film be screened at Grimmfest, but she is also set to be a special guest of the festival; arriving to present the screening, talk to attendees and complete a limited number of exclusive signings. This is a key opportunity to hear from the talented actor, especially as DARLIN’ marks her writing and directing debut.

Excitingly so, DARLIN’ is a film fizzing with ambition and insight; a slyly satiric edge and strongly feminist message emerging in the narrative. It also sees Pollyanna returning to one of her most iconic onscreen roles, building on the themes of McKee's earlier film and the novels of Jack Ketchum that inspired it. A powerful plot underpins: when a woman striving to rescue her child is faced with the refined savageries and cruelties of the supposedly civilised world, what does she do?

Reflecting on the exciting news of Pollyanna McIntosh appearing at the festival and presenting DARLIN’, Grimmfest Director Simeon Halligan said:

“We are currently tracking down the very best of the latest genre feature films to complete our line-up of premieres for the festival in early October; but we were so excited to secure DARLIN' and Pollyanna that we couldn’t wait to share the news.”

Grimmfest continues to solidify its status as one of the key horror film festivals (recently voted one of the top ‘30 Bloody Best Genre Fests in the World’ by Movie Maker magazine), with 2018 seeing its tenth anniversary in the city and a number of stand-out films. Not only holding the annual Manchester festival, Grimmfest also presents a number of other film screenings in Greater Manchester throughout the year. This includes their popular double-bill horror film screenings at Stockport Plaza Cinema.

News of the festival and availability of passes therefore marks additional excitement, with Grimmfest 2019 taking place on the 3-6 October at ODEON Great Northern. This year not only features an array of screenings and discussions, but an extensive range of fantastic prizes for the films on show – with 13 special awards, worth over £120,000. No wonder Grimmfest is significantly viewed as one of the best places to see innovative, cutting-edge work in contemporary horror, cult and fantastic cinema.

A limited number of full festival passes are available now and these will grant access to every film screening at the festival (over 20 feature film premieres and a selection of the best new genre shorts), every cast and crew Q&A and a signed item from Pollyanna McIntosh. Single film tickets and signing tickets are also available.

More info at www.grimmfest.com