Prepared to be unsettled. The directors in this program have exited off the mundane route and entered the realm of horror, each in their own macabre and playful way. The result is a collection of films with a sinister edge, filled with twists and bleak humour.

Derek Wallis and Jordan Connor pay homage to the wild genre films they love from the 1970s with a cautionary tale about the dangers of falling for the allure of fame in The Skimmer. Yuqi Kang ramps the tension and psychological horror by exploring oppression and rebellion in a mother-daughter relationship in the allegorical Thorn. Lindsay Owen Pierre merges comedy and suspense in unexpected and vengeful ways in the not-so-romantic Répercuté. Kenny Wong takes inspiration from the found footage genre and one-take-style films to haunt us, and a group of friends gathered at a cabin in Reunion. Aidan Cheetow leans into camp and kitsch in the absurd family film about saying goodbye to a beloved dog in Deadpan.

– Marina Hanna & REELWORLD

Doors Will Open 30 Minutes Prior to Films Start