SCREAMFEST L.A. 2005

SCREAMFEST L.A. - October 2005
By Aine

It’s good to be back among friends. That’s the thought that came to mind every night that I attended this year’s Screamfest L.A. Film Festival. When I first moved out to Los Angeles (yes, I am a transplant, but who isn’t?) Screamfest L.A. was one of the first real horror events I got to attend, back when Horror and Hilarity was just a baby, so to speak.

Due to circumstances I can’t recall I was unable to attend Screamfest in 2004, so I was absolutely delighted to be able to return to it in 2005 when it had such a strong line-up. The screenings were incredible, every single one. I only wish that I could have gone to every thing that they had going on, but I’m just too old and tired I guess for 10 plus straight days of horror fun and partying afterwards. Still, what I did see, which was a lot, was absolutely wonderful.

Everything was held at the Universal City Walk this year, which I really didn’t care for; it’s an uncomfortable theatre that is really starting to be run down. I hear it used to be a big deal, but now it’s full of broken, uncomfortable seats and is decorated in a bright ‘80’s – early ‘90’s style that is almost painful to look at. I think the Nuart, and other theatres like it make a better home for Screamfest, but the convenience of being able to have everything in the same place was certainly a welcome one.

The thing I’ve come to love about Screamfest L.A., as well as founders Rachel and Rudy, is the accepted, friendly feeling that comes along with it. Everyone is friendly, casual; it’s like going to see a bunch of new exciting horror movies with several hundred old friends. Shouting jokes back and forth in the theatre before the movie starts, with strangers, but we share a common bond, a love of horror.

The new films and talent are incredible, and without this festival and others like it, some of these films and filmmakers would not have the chance to show off their work. So many exciting new projects get swept under the rug or trampled under foot by the big studio “horror” films that are trying to desperately to cash in on a genre that they don’t really understand. Bravo to Screamfest, Rachel, Rudy, and the entire gang of horror friends and fans. I look forward to the next Screamfest eagerly. Check out the rest of the site for various reviews from some of the screenings that were attended, including the last minute screening of Project Greenlight’s Feast. See you next year!

*Photos by Larra