The 6th Annual International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival returns to MADCAP Theaters this week. Running through this weekend, the proclaimed haven for horror and sci-fi movie lovers, MADCAP Theaters, located at 730 S. Mill Ave. will be showcasing 50 films over the three-day, four-night festival. On Saturday, Oct. 16, The New Times Arizona Film Showcase will dedicate one theater to play films and shorts from Arizona exclusively.
Four full-length feature films will spotlight local filmmakers. “Everything’s Eventual” is based on a Stephen King story about a young man with a unique psychic talent who is recruited by a mysterious company. The film plays Friday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 16 at 2:20 p.m. Also on Saturday is “Closets,” a Tempe director’s telling of a tormented husband and father by a not-from-this-world demon.
At 4:40 p.m. on Saturday is “Snuff,” the gritty, dramatic film about a documentary film crew from Dallas, Texas that were following a young woman as she embarked on the beginnings of her career in the porn industry before suddenly disappearing. Rounding out the last of the Arizona Film Showcase is “Ave Marie,” which plays Saturday at 8 p.m., and chronicles the stalking and interrogation tactics of a serial killer upon his unsuspecting victims.
To help lighten the mood, the festival promises quite the party for both Friday and Saturday nights. Zia Records, in association with ICanSmellYourBrains.com is holding their third annual “Gore Girl” competition at 9 p.m. on Friday. For those interested, a beauty pageant of sorts will take place that, based on previous winners, promises to be covered in blood — literally. The winner of the “Gore Girl” competition will have their image used in the promoting of next year’s festival.
On Saturday night there will be a “Beat the Geek” contest, which starts at 9 p.m. Contestants willing to battle wits with certified “geeks” can register at www.horrorscifi.com. Three will be chosen to wage intellectual warfare against horror and sci-fi experts. Saturday night also has a costume contest where the winner will receive $100. A number of other prizes will also be announced and then given out at midnight.
For those who have been wondering what Shannon Elizabeth (“American Pie”) and Edward Furlong (“Terminator 2: Judgment Day”) have been up to, 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17 is a chance to find out when they star in “Night of the Demons.” Starring alongside Elizabeth and Furlong is Tiffany Shepis (“The Black Box”), who will be on hand this weekend as well.
The 1980 John Carpenter film “The Fog” will be showing Friday at 7:30 p.m. and afterward, star Charles Cyphers will hold a Q&A and autograph signing. The classic film “Aliens” will play on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., as star Lance Henriksen will be inducted into the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival Hall of Fame. A signing will follow the film also.
Whether your interest is with gore and guts or with the ever-evolving world of science fiction, the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival at MADCAP Theaters certainly has you taken care of this weekend. Tickets are available online at www.horrorscifi.com.
Reach the reporter at jbfortne@asu.edu
