FMASU’s “Horror-Fest 2018” returns to the Electric Theater
By Adam Mast
On Oct. 27, The Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah, a nonprofit dedicated to the encouraging and nurturing of aspiring and seasoned filmmaking talent in the area, invites fans of the witching season to attend Horror-Fest 2018 at the Electric Theater. This annual Halloween-inspired spooktacular is about to embark on its 17th consecutive terrifying outing, and as always, this ghoulish shindig will be of particular interest to filmgoers that appreciate all things Halloween. You needn’t look any further than the playful Horror-Fest 2018 artwork created by the talented Jeff Sanders to see that! What can attendees expect this year?
A double creature feature
Horror-Fest 2018 will be bookended by screenings of two delightfully entertaining creature feature films of yesteryear. The festivities will begin with an afternoon screening of a film that will definitely appeal to families and to those who prefer their cinematic trick or treats complemented by laughs and all-age appropriate antics.
25th anniversary screening of “Hocus Pocus”
While Horror-Fest loves to scare the crap out of its patrons, programmers would also like to offer up a movie that families can enjoy, and this tale of a trio of witches certainly fits the bill! This classic comedy stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, and it’s perfect for all ages! Bring the entire family out! Treats will be offered up to those who attend the screening dressed as a witch!
The Guerilla Shorts Showcase
The centerpiece of Horror-Fest 2018 will be the increasingly popular Guerilla Shorts Showcase, a collection of short films put together by local storytellers. Aspiring filmmakers were given a limited amount of time to make a short film using any resources available to them. Additionally, these passionate storytellers were required to use the theme “creature feature” and include a pumpkin and the dialogue line “You’re a monster” in their wildly creative mini-movies. This showcase and the filmmaking challenge that inspired it have been going strong since 2005, and programmers suggest that this year’s Halloween Guerilla Shorts collection will offer up a little something for everyone. It should also be noted that there will be cash prizes awarded to the strongest films of the bunch. Furthermore, attendees are encouraged to get in on the action and vote for their favorite as there will be an Audience Choice Award handed out as well. Most importantly, though, Horror-Fest attendees will have the rare opportunity to experience these films in a theatrical setting with a packed house, and at the end of the day, that’s one of the most exciting aspects of the filmmaking process!
Jack-o-lantern contest
No carving is allowed on the premises, but attendees of all ages are encouraged to bring their already-decorated pumpkins to the parking lot behind the Electric Theater. Throughout the event, attendees are invited to vote for their favorites. During Horror-Fest, prizes will be awarded to the makers of the most creative jack-o-lanterns of the lot.
Costume contest
Halloween just isn’t the same without costumes, and while it should be noted that dressing up is not a requirement, it is heavily encouraged. As an added incentive, patrons who attend Horror-Fest” in costume will be invited to take part in a masquerade ball. Prizes will be awarded to the two attendees with the most creative costumes.
Double creature feature continued
If you like your horror a little bit on the edgier side, fear not, because Horror-Fest will close out the evening with a screening of a horror gem that’s more geared towards an adult crowd: A picture-perfect collaboration between two iconic titans of the genre. Curious to learn what both of these films might be? Be sure to log on to fmasu.com for detailed information.
“Creepshow”
This anthology film from the twisted minds of Stephen King and George Romero is the perfect blend of laughs and scares. It stars the likes of Ed Harris, Hal Holdbrook, Fritz Weaver, E.G. Marshall, Adrienne Barbeau, and King himself! This film is the very personification of Halloween! If you’ve never seen it before, now’s the perfect time! If you have seen it before, see it again! On the big screen!
In addition to all the previously mentioned awesomeness, you can expect plenty of spine-tingling surprises throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. Bottom line: If you’re a fan of Halloween, you owe it to yourself to attend this epic cinematic event.
Advance tickets are only $8 and on sale now at fmasu.com. Tickets will be $10 the day of the event.
Horror-Fest 2018 is the most fun you’ll ever have being scared!
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