Summer’s in full swing, and the folks at Popcorn Frights Film Festival are ready to kick things up a notch. They’ve just announced their first wave of titles for this year’s festival, which takes place next month in Florida, and they’ve got plenty of surprises in store for even the most discerning of horror fans.
The festival opens with a special new double-bill of world premieres, celebrating award winner Brandon Christensen with his new films Bodycam and Night of the Reaper, both arriving on Shudder later this year. Also premiering is Mr. Melvin, the recut version of The Toxic Avenger Parts II & III as they were originally intended to be seen, with Lloyd Kaufman appearing in person to host the screening, as well as a Troma-themed horror trivia event beforehand. The film is set to feature nineteen premieres in total, including titles like American Cryptids, What the Tide Dragged In, Blood Shine, and more.
Popcorn Frights is also bringing in some very special guests for a host of terrific terrifying presentations. Horror icon Barbara Crampton will grace the festival for her “Straight Outta Crampton” triple-bill, which includes From Beyond, the 40th anniversary 4K restoration of the cult classic Re-Animator, and the East Coast premiere of her new film, Teacher’s Pet.
Linnea Quigley will also be in attendance, courtesy of Flick Direct, presenting her iconic turns in films like Silent Night, Deadly Night, Night of the Demons, and The Return of the Living Dead, the latter of which is also being screened in 4K to celebrate its fortieth anniversary. She’s joined by Heretic filmmakers Scott Beck & Bryan Woods, who will be joining author Josh Malerman for a conversation after the world premiere of his documentary To All the Books, as well as for a screening of A Quiet Place, featuring live commentary from the two screenwriters.
Other special screenings include a double-bill of 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera, featuring a live original score by Slavvy, followed by a screening of the cult classic Phantom of the Paradise, as well as the festival’s popular Florida Focus program, featuring local horror offerings like Mermaid, Hacked, and an outdoor beach screening of the ‘80s slasher Nightmare Beach.
But, if you can’t make it down to Florida for the festival, don’t worry: Popcorn Frights also has an extensive host of virtual screenings lined up for the festival. On the virtual docket is over twenty eerie new films, including Alan at Night, The Editing, Head Like a Hole, Itch!, Tomorrow I Die, Psyche, House of Ashes, and In the Mouth.
Popcorn Frights Film Festival takes place from August 7-17 in Miami, and you can check out the full first wave lineup and purchase passes and individual tickets on their website.
