Horror-on-Sea, which will return for its twelfth year, will be bringing never-before seen shorts and feature films to the Park Inn Palace Hotel on Pier Hill over the next two weekends.
The creature feature spectacular will see the hotel’s ballroom transformed into a cinema by company the White Bus, and will showcase more than 100 horror films, comprising 38 brand new feature films and 64 short films.
Paul Cotgrove (Image: Gaz de Vere)
Festival director and creator of the event, Paul Cotgrove, highlighted musical Chainsaws Were Singing, which he described as “Monty Python meets the Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” by director Sander Maran as one of the standouts to keep an eye on.
He said: “People can expect one hundred brand new feature films and short films, all independently made on low budgets and by people who love horror.”
“Filmmakers are coming from as far as America, we also have others from Spain, Holland, and even Estonia.
Previous screening – Audiences enjoy (Image: Gaz de Vere)
Ghostbuster – A resident dressed for the festival last year (Image: Gaz de Vere)
“It’s important for us to showcase Southend and Rochford talents, we’ve grown a micro horror industry in Southend through this film festival.
“There are a lot of horror festivals out there, but not all of them show off newly-made films like we do. A lot of other festivals show off the big blockbusters, we focus on the new kids on the block, that’s what makes us unique.
Posing – Attendees in costume (Image: Gaz de Vere) Who you gonna call? – The Ghostbusters (Image: Gaz de Vere)
“To anyone looking to come, ironically, I would say don’t be afraid. Please come along, a lot of the films are quite cheesy, but it’s a lot of fun. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed.”
The event will run from 10am to midnight today, Saturday and Sunday, before taking a break and returning at the same times next weekend.
Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased at the festival desk on the first floor of the hotel, or at https://the-white-bus-limited.sumupstore.com/.
Individual films cost £7, a day pass is priced at £32, a weekend pass can be purchased for £80, and a mega pass granting you access to all films costs £130.