2022 International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival
5 Films to Watch
By: Theresa Dillon
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
That’s right – it’s International Horror/Sci-Fi film Festival time!
The line-up of films from showcase features to competition features and shorts are incredibly diverse and unique. I can already tell it’s going to be hard to choose a favorite film this year.
If you’re not sure where to start when buying your tickets, here’s the 5 films I’m most excited for.
1. PIGGY
Written/directed by Carlota Pereda
I watched this gem during Sundance and absolutely loved it!
Quick Synopsis:
In a rural Spanish town, Sara hides away in her parent’s butcher shop as her excess weight makes her the target of incessant bullying. Then on one hot summer day, Sara flees a clique of capricious girls who torment her at the town pool, only to stumble upon them being brutally kidnapped by a stranger, who drives off with them in his van. When the police begin asking questions, Sara keeps quiet.
I believe this film should be required viewing for all teenage girls and recommend a mother/daughter movie night.
2. GATLOPP
Directed by Alberto Belli
Written by Jim Mahoney
Horror/comedy, in my opinion, is one of the hardest mixed genres to get right. But this one was very well written, acted and just a lot of fun all around when I viewed it.
Quick Synopsis:
A group of friends reunite for an evening after one of their own has a gnarly divorce. As it's been almost a decade since they were all together, waxing nostalgic, they decide to play a drinking game. But this is no ordinary game; if they don't bond together to confront their past, they'll be forced to play the game for eternity.
If you’re a horror fan looking for a fun date night movie for your non-horror fan significant other, this is a great pick that you’ll both enjoy.
3. LUX AETERNA
Written/Directed by Gaspar Noé
Gaspar Noé returns with another mind-bending experience about witches? Count me in!
Quick Synopsis:
Two actresses, Béatrice Dalle and Charlotte Gainsbourg, are on a film set telling stories about witches - but that's not all. Lux Æterna is also an essay on cinema, the love of film, and on-set hysterics.
Noé always makes my drop so I’m looking forward to another intense trip with him.
4. BASHIRA
Written/Directed by Fong Nickson
If you haven’t noticed yet, I have a soft spot for foreign horror as I personally feel they produce some of the most dynamic, beautiful stories. The poster alone sends chills down my spine
Quick Synopsis:
An electronic musician and a troubled fan are plunged into a hallucinogenic nightmare where they must confront an ancient Japanese entity - capable of bending space and time and wreaking havoc and death - in order to save their souls.
BASHIRA is one of three horror competition features at ISHFF. Why not do a triple feature day (hint – April 8) and share your rating of this year’s features!
5. MOON HEART
Written/Directed by Aldo Salvini
I’m not quite sure what to make of this interesting Peruvian, sci-fi feature but I’m intrigued.
Quick Synopsis:
M is an old woman who lives adrift. She spends her days dreaming about her past, until one day she finds something very similar to her: an ant. And what does a person do when they find an ant? You crush it with your finger, you blow it away. Instead, M decides to share her world with it. A world made of nostalgic memories and a dark presence that haunts her, until the day a "mechanical angel" arrives to help her.
This could be end up being a great commentary piece on abandonment and aging.
Festival Information
International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival
Phoenix Film Festival
Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theaters
March 31 - April 10
Tickets: PhoenixFilmFestival.com
So stoked for PIGGY...
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