SA HorrorFest calls for submissions

Since its humble beginnings by a dedicated group of individuals adamant to create a festival of horror on South African soil (and not deterred by the rare sponsorship backing options), the SA HorrorFest has grown systematically and from strength to strength. The HorrorFest has not only generated a platform for indie movie-makers to get their work on the big screen (and in front of a targeted audience), but has also inspired a wide range of South African movie makers to create more daring, experimental and exciting work.

The call for short and feature film submissions is open. Get all the info you need from the submission chapter of the official website.

Expect another week over Halloween season filled with rare, classic and indie movies and short films on the big screen, special preview screenings of new big screen releases, Halloween dress-up, a live soundtrack performed to the screening of a silent horror/chiller by Terminatryx and special guests (including members from Lark), a range of peripheral activity and, of course, prizes and giveaways (including a sizeable production prize for the best locally produced short flick).

The movies

Since its genesis, the HorrorFest has screened a range of chilling movies from around the globe including the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Finland, Spain, Canada, Italy etc, with everything from vampires and zombies, to ghosts, aliens and madmen.

The event will continue its tradition of giving cine fans the opportunity to see movies on the big screen, with many rare ones that may not even reach South African video stores, now or in the future.

The short-film competition

The short-film section has been an integral part of the SA HorrorFest since its inception, as the organisers are adamant that they want to encourage and nurture genre movie making, especially on local soil. The original collection of short movies in 2005 grew from 70 minutes to the mammoth 6hrs+ (across three feature film length collections) in 2008.

The best foreign short film will also be announced (and awarded with an official South African HorrorFest certificate). Various top categories (for both short- and feature films screened at the festival) will also be selected.

An additional prize has been added! Something Wicked Magazine is putting up R1000 cash for the best locally written short film screenplay.

For information on submitting your short and feature films, go to www.HORRORFEST.info.