4 min readOver 20 feature film premieres, two short film showcases, seminars, Q&As and an audience with horror legend Mick Garris – these are just some of the highlights of The Grimmfest Online Edition 2020; with the full line-up for the five days covering 7-11 October now announced. Manchester’s international festival of horror, cult and fantastic film certainly has plenty to offer, and there’s additional exclusive content for Full Pass holders too!
Originally due to take place at the Great Northern Warehouse, Grimmfest 2020 has adopted an engaging online format this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing rules. Yet it is still just as thrilling, daring and innovative in its content… set to open with the European premiere of psychological thriller Alone.
Steve Balshaw, Chief Programmer, reflected:
"It's been a challenging process translating the Grimmfest experience into an online festival, that people can enjoy from the safety of their own home, but we're truly proud of this year's line-up. We've secured some fantastic feature and short film premieres, and we'll also have guests galore joining us via live linkups for Q&As and seminars”.
Simeon Halligan, festival director added: “We can’t wait to unleash this wonderful selection of movies on Grimmfest fans. Online, at home, but together in spirit. We hope everyone joins in, watches all the films and connects with all the amazing film makers. This year, you won’t be able to chat to them at the bar, but you can ask them questions as part of our ‘Live’ online Q&As. So, grab your popcorn and settle down at home, for five ‘full on’ days of brilliant movie premieres. It’s gonna be a blast!”
Grimmfest, now in its twelfth edition, is after all known for the quality and diversity of its film premieres, thrilling audiences year after year. 2020 is no exception and sees a focus on iconic female horror stars in particular; including Polyanna MacIntosh in the European premiere of Revenge Ride, Adrienne Barbeau in the European Premiere of Unearth, the European Premiere of Ten Minutes To Midnight featuring Caroline Williams… and plenty more! Further female-centred horror includes writer-director Brea Grant and actor Angela Bettis teaming up to create the black comedy 12 Hour Shift, set in a hospital! There’s also the nail-biting World premiere of haunted house horror The Medium.
These are just some examples of the gripping film options at Grimmfest 2020 Online Edition. Demonstrating the festival’s multi-angled approach, viewers can also delve into the dark side of masculinity with a fascinating trio of films coming from very different perspectives: It Cuts Deep, The Oak Room and Rent-a-pal. Fans of ‘80s nostalgia might enjoy the World premiere of They Reach, whilst for those who like a high-school-flick, how about a horror version... in the UK premiere of The Unhealer?
There is a scarily good selection of other highlights too, including an exclusive panel on Iconic Women in Horror, with contemporary stars discussing their involvement in some of this year’s selected films. Q&A sessions with cinema icons have also been a much-loved feature at Grimmfest for many years, and will still continue in the online edition, with special guests including Lance Henriksen, Pollyanna McIntosh, Caroline Williams, Adriene Barbeau and many more TBC discussing their work in an engaging live format online.
What about fans of short films? After all, some of the shortest films can often be the scariest, with intense impact! Fortunately, provisions are already in place and Grimmfest 2020 will be hosting two short programmes packed full of premiere screenings, with more details to be announced soon.
Seeing films for the first time can be a thrill in itself. Independent voices in horror are also championed, meaning that viewers have a chance to enjoy the genre at its most fresh and innovative. There’s the World premiere of The Special, for example, as well the UK premiere of the brilliantly bizarre alien possession movie Fried Barry. An Ideal Host is an outrageous black comedy, whilst a college camping trip turns sinister in the form of Triggered. And prepare for the attack of cannibal Klansmen as the World premiere Death Ranch is sure to get viewers on the edge of their seats!
Many more films compose this year’s line-up, with full details on the festival website, where tickets are also available for individual films and content, as well as Full Festival Passes. A pass opens up the entirety of Grimmfest 2020… including some additional exclusive content only for pass-holders.
