From over 2100 submissions and 20 countries, ScareLA has selected the 75 best for its Scare Screenings film Program. From award-winning documentaries to shorts and cult classics, convention attendees will have plenty of options for fulfilling their cinematic cravings. A few highlights from the upcoming event include:
The Blackout Experiments – An in-depth look at extreme haunts and the people that love them. Focusing specifically on Blackout, a haunt experience started in 2009 that has shocked and challenged thrill seekers in LA and New York City, gaining some significant controversy along the way. Initially gaining buzz after a screening at the Sundance Film Festival, this documentary is a must-see for anyone fascinated by haunt culture.
Tales of Halloween – Few films outside of 2007’s Trick ‘r Treat have captured the spirit of Halloween as well as Tales of Halloween. An anthology film told in 10 interlocking segments, each with its own director including Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw) and Lucky McKee (May). More of a horror comedy than a strict horror film, this is still a great ride that is sure to become a yearly tradition at my house.
The Nightmare – Rodney Ascher’s documentary about sleep paralysis that seamlessly blends footage with creative animation techniques to create a window into this terrifying disorder that affects millions. Having dealt with a handul of bouts of sleep paralysis myself, I can say that The Nightmare does an excellent job capturing both the fear and feelings of powerlessness that sleep paralysis invokes and the powerful burden it places over those that suffer from it nightly.
Sliders of Ghost Town – A phenomenon that developed at SoCal’s very own Knott’s Scary Farm, Sliders of Ghost Town explores the origin of sliders, haunt performers that wear special equipment and slide on their hands and knees to terrify haunt patrons from angles that are otherwise impossible. Now a staple at Knott’s and numerous major haunts around the country, learn how these innovators of fear used their talents to change the haunt game forever.
Creature of the Bate Motel – Music video for the Brian Evans song of the same name and starring iconic stand-up comedian Carrot Top, Creature of the Bate Motel is the first music video ever to be authorized by The Alfred Hitchcock Estate to film at The Bates Motel.
In addition, special programming and fun additions will be included with guest feature blocks from top local horror film festivals Shriekfest, Screamfest and Horrible Imaginings.
A full list of all the films to be screened at ScareLA, August 6-7 at the Pasadena Convention Center, can be found here.
