Genre fans can prepare to be scared out of their seats during the upcoming Halloween season, as Screamfest has announced that its 16th annual event will take place from October 18-27, 2016 at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood. Actress Lydia Hearst, who has made a name for herself in the genre in recent years by starring in such films as ‘#Horror‘ and ‘Cabin Fever 3: Patient Zero,’ will serve as the ambassador for this year’s festival.
“I’m honored to serve as ambassador for Screamfest,” said Hearst, whose film ‘Condemned‘ premiered at last year’s festival. “Screamfest provides an amazing platform for filmmakers and actors like me to showcase our latest work and to receive direct feedback from the horror and genre community.”
Screamfest, which is America’s largest and longest running horror film festival, is currently accepting submissions for the festival through August 1, 2016. Films from around the globe are expected to screen at the festival. Winners will receive a 24 karat gold dipped skull trophy designed by the legendary, Academy Award-winning special make-up effects creator, Stan Winston, who partnered with the festival until his passing. All screenings are open to the general public.
“We’re excited to showcase the new work of American and international filmmakers for horror movie enthusiasts,” said Rachel Belofsky, Screamfest Founder and Festival Director. “Over the last 16 years, we have launched careers and helped garnered distribution for filmmakers. We’re proud of the work we showcase year after year.”
The festival is best known for discovering ‘Paranormal Activity‘ in 2007. Other past premieres include ’30 Days of Night,’ ‘Let the Right One In,’ ‘The Grudge,’ ‘The Fourth Kind,’ ‘The Collection,’ ‘Trick ‘r’ Treat,’ ‘The Human Centipede’ and ‘Diary of the Dead.’
Wes Craven, John Carpenter, Sam Raimi, Clive Barker, Eli Roth, James Wan, Zack Snyder, William Friedkin, John Landis and James Gunn are just a few filmmakers who have supported the festival year after year. Screamfest is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing and furthering the careers of talented filmmakers. The festival is supported in part by the L.A. County Arts Commission and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information, visit Screamfest’s official website.
Written by: Karen Benardello