It would be hard to imagine a more exciting, more varied and more inspired opening to a film festival than the evening that set the tone for Grimmfest 2013. At the beautiful Stockport Plaza theatre this year’s event began with real style offering a selection of films to wet every appetite. The evening was a fantastic mix of the old and the new. Opening film ‘Hansel & Gretel Get Baked’ was an entertaining and fun retelling of one of the fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm, the festivals namesakes. This modern update was a little contrived in places but had enough humour and nods to the original story to be a worthy opener. The final film of the preview night was ‘Curse Of Chucky’, a reboot of the illustrious and infamous story of the devil doll and one that is sure to have pleased existing fans and attracted new ones.
Without doubt though the highlights of the evening were sandwiched between these two films. Firstly, and in conjunction with the BFI Gothic Season, was the showing of ‘The Wicker Man’ (The Final Cut). This 40th anniversary edition is set to be the definitive version and was a real treat to see such a renowned and important film on the big screen. Following this was a Q & A with director Robin Hardy which left the audience feeling they were part of something a little special.
Following this classic of British horror, and also world cinema, was the world premiere of short ‘Radio Silence’ from local filmmaker Mat Johns. This hauntingly atmospheric and frighteningly bleak tale of a woman struggling to survive a zombie apocalypse while resisting growing loneliness and despair is set to be one of the stars of the festival and I would recommend everyone to seek it out.
If this evening was anything to go by, and remember it was only the preview night, then the remainder of Grimmfest 2013 is set to be sensational. The organisers have only increased anticipation for what is to come and if you’re a horror fan then don’t miss out on what will be a fantastic few days.
For more information and tickets visit www.grimmfest.com
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