In a bid to bring the horror movie genre to the Mountain State, Deadhead Productions, an independent horror production company founded in 2018, is hosting the first-ever horror film festival in west virginia. The event, set to take place at the Historic Alban Theater on November 1, promises to be an exciting celebration of all things horror.
The Vision Behind the Festival
The festival is the brainchild of Festival Director Carah Chafin and organizer Devon James. Chafin, who founded Deadhead Productions, has a passion for horror films that go beyond mere entertainment. She believes that horror movies can be a powerful tool for exploring the human condition, and she aims to showcase this through her festival. “We love horror films, but we love exploring them as they relate to the human condition, so we like to have a lot of meaning behind what we do,” Chafin said. “We are rooted in women in film and practical effects, which we are bringing home to celebrate with this festival.”
Features of the Festival
The festival will feature a range of activities, including:
* horror short film screenings
* Interactive vendor booths
* Workshops on special effects and filmmaking
* Live special effects demonstrations
* Networking opportunities with filmmakers
* An award-winning films screening at the conclusion of the event
This is all part of a larger initiative to promote the art of horror filmmaking and provide opportunities for up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their work.
Upcoming Events
* November 1: The festival will take place at the Historic Alban Theater
* August 24: Submissions for the festival are due
* October: The festival will be held as part of St. Alban’s annual “Crawl-O-Ween” event
What to Expect
The festival will feature a curated block of award-winning shorts, including categories such as:
* Best Narrative Horror Short
* Best Practical Effects
* Women in Horror Award
These categories will be judged by a panel of industry experts, and winners will receive cash prizes and recognition.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions are now open via FilmFreeway.com. The festival is open to all horror short films, regardless of length or production quality. The entry fee for everyone except students is $20, while students can submit for free with a valid student ID.
Why Submit to the Festival
The festival provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work and gain exposure. It also offers a chance to network with other filmmakers and industry professionals, which can be invaluable for those looking to break into the horror genre. Chafin said, “Anybody who is a professional all the way down to beginner can submit, but we specifically waive entry fees for students, so anybody with a student ID, whether a graduate or someone on summer break from high school or all the way to college or beyond can submit for free.”
The festival is a great way to get your foot in the door and start making a name for yourself in the horror film industry.
Awards and Recognition
The festival will include a special recognition for West Virginia filmmakers, as well as cash prizes and category awards. Chafin said, “This is the most authentic way for me to share what I do with people and engage with people, so that’s what it means to me and I hope that people who come out and meet us and share their work with us have the same feeling.”
The festival is a great opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for horror filmmaking and to learn from industry experts.
Conclusion
The first-ever horror film festival in West Virginia is a unique and exciting event that promises to bring the horror movie genre to the Mountain State. With its focus on practical effects, women in film, and horror shorts, the festival is a must-attend for anyone who loves horror movies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your work and connect with others who share your passion for horror filmmaking.