HAMMERTIME at NIGHT OF HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
April 18th 2010 05:49
It was true Hammer Film style with the Sydney Premiere of DAMNED BY DAWN the first feature film from the studios of THE AMAZING KRYPTO BROTHERS at the opening night of this years NIGHT OF HORROR Film Festival.
While some diehard supporters dressed up in their gothic black for the evening, most chose a more subtle approach. The foyer of the Dendy Cinemas in Newtown looked unusually normal for the opening night of a horror film festival, but the enthusiasm of the crowd was as full of chilled anticipation helped by the overflowing wines donated by HOWLING WOLF wines to kick off the evening.
Chatting with Dr Dean Bertram (co-creator of the festival) before the show, he seemed both nervous and excited about the opening night. Having been there from NIGHT OF HORRORS inception back in 2007 where the festival was a single night affair at the Chauvel Cinema under the umbrella of the ‘Fantastic Planet Film Festival’, Dean was extremely pleased to see how well the festival had grown in its own right.
Held at the Dendy Cinemas in Newtown, this is the 4th year of screening all things gory and horrifying and what better way than top start with some home grown horror. Networking, schmoozing and generally discussions of all things bloodcurdling and macabre reverberated around the foyer anxiously waiting for the doors to be opened, for all who dared to enter. There was talk of previous festivals, favourite films and the usual catching up with friends and even the odd script hawking hoping that someone might be able to help get the script up and running.
Opening Night of Horror - Dendy Newtown
Mingling amongst the ever increasing crowd milling in the foyer was the director of the opening night film, director Brett Anstey. A member of an eclectic group of individuals, THE AMAZING KRYPTO BROS. have collaborated on many a project over the years since first forming in 1986. With their passions Horror, Sci-Fi and Comedy, it was inevitable that they would make a film inspired by the HAMMER Films of yesteryear. (Full Review to follow at later date)
Once inside and after a very brief introduction (thanks Brett – no one wants a long speech before the film) the lights went down and within seconds the banshee screams began. The film sets up like any B horror film. Young couple head home to meet the family, Dad, dying nanna and younger sister. Before long the howling storm outside and the piercing shrieks of awaken the family and as usual some stupid person interferes creating a series of events that can only end in bloodshed. The banshee shrieks, the dead are summoned mayhem ensues.
The acting was just at the right level for a film of this genre. The gasps and giggles throughout the film displayed the audience’s enjoyment and while at times there were some cringe worthy scenes, the film was worthy of opening night status.
An hour and a half later the cast and crew were generous enough to take part in a Q&A with the audience. While it was disappointing to watch half the audience leave before the questions began, Brett and lead actress Renee Willner spoke of the lengthy processes the film went through and the difficulties in making an independent horror film on an extremely limited budget. Borrowing equipment to film on weekends, the film was completed in 2006 before 18 months of post production to create the special effects on Brett’s computer. The audience was given a good insight into the complications involved in creating a horror film. With
Then before you could say BOO!, it was time to say farewell and Cast and Crew were spirited off to the bar.
The festival runs until April 23 at DENDY NEWTOWN and selected venues.
LOVECRAFTIAN TALES *shorts pro...
Dendy Cinema Newtown
Today, April 18 at 4:00pm
RAGE *World Premiere!*
Dendy Cinema Netwown
Today, April 18 at 7:00pm
* Vampire Den @ Club 77
Club 77
Today, April 18 at 9:00pm
THE CHILDREN *Australian Premi...
Dendy Cinema Netwown
Tomorrow, April 19 at 7:00pm
DAWNING *Australian Premiere*
Dendy Cinema Newtown
Tuesday, April 20 at 7:00pm
ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE *Shorts Prog...
Dendy Cinema Newtown
Wednesday, April 21 at 7:00pm
THE REVENANT *Australian Premi...
Dendy Cinema Newtown
Thursday, April 22 at 7:00pm
HOUSE OF FLESH MANNEQUINS *Aus...
Dendy Cinema Netwown
Thursday, April 22 at 9:00pm
WIN FREE TICKETS!
A Night of Horror has had a huge opening thus far, with sold out sessions and amazing filmmaker guests in attendance they are in a very giving mood!
The first five (5) facebook group members to write "Bite me!" on the festival's group wall will win 2 tickets to the Vampire Den @ Club 77 tonight, kicking off at 9:00pm (77 William Street, Kings Cross)
‘Head off’ for a drink in the cavernous Club 77, and scream with the blood-drenched vampire shorts, creepy animations, and horror music videos!
FACEBOOK LINK
www.anightofhorror.com
www.dendy.com.au
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SimonC
