Tuesday, March 29

5 Films to Check Out at International Horror/Sci-Fi Film Festival

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


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