HERE YOU WILL FIND DETAILS ON ALL THE ASPECTS OF AFRICA'S BIGGEST & MOST DEDICATED
HORROR EVENT, THE SOUTH AFRICAN HORRORFEST - CELEBRATING ITS 19th EDITION IN 2023
The South African Horrorfest made US publication
MovieMaker Magazine's list of The World's 50 Best Genre Festivals
and DREAD CENTRAL's list of Best Horror Festivals In The World
Access The Horrorfest channel at WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/THEHORRORFEST
for video content related to the annual film festival,
as well as weekly movie & series reviews,
filmmaker interviews, trailers, behind-the-scenes and more
2 0 2 3 HORRORFEST MOVIE SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED
All HORRORFEST '23 news and updates will appear here, although some more instant and urgent
info will be across our social media, so please swing by there and subscribe / like / follow
See below :
The South African Horrorfest made US publication
MovieMaker Magazine's list of The World's 50 Best Genre Festivals
and DREAD CENTRAL's list of Best Horror Festivals In The World
The 19th Annual South African HORRORFEST
Halloween Season 2023 25 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER
The South African HORRORFEST is the longest running and only event of its kind in the country
(if not the continent)
featuring new, classic and rare movies, pre-release screenings, dark literature,
live silent film soundtrack performance, Halloween dress-up, give-aways and more.
The majority of the movie selections will have their South Africa / Africa premieres at the Horrorfest,
Many will get cinema-only shows, others on-line only, and some both.
The upside of the virtual on-line festival element is that it enables the South African Horrorfest to
reach beyond Cape Town to the rest of the country for those who'd been wanting to attend for years!
Full festival line-up and booking will be updated HEREas they're confirmed.
In-person screenings will happen at the independent Labia Theatre in Cape Town,
keeping the cinema experience spirit alive!
BOOK HERE
Streaming movies will be hosted at Quicket
(Currently all on-line content will only be accessible within South Africa)
Several titles will get both cinema and streaming options.
DETAILS ON THE 2023 S.A. HORRORFEST GETS UPDATED HERE
or for instant updates and interaction, join our social media at
JOIN OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ADVANCE SCREENING UPDATES
EARLY 2023 MOVIE ANNOUNCEMENTS:
C L A S S I C S
FULL SA HORRORFEST '23 LINE-UP UPDATED THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER
First Cinema Title Announcements Include :
THE EXORCIST (50th Anniversary)
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Audience Participation)
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (Live Soundtrack Performance)
PANDEMONIUM (French Film)
MOTHER SUPERIOR (German Film)
R.L. Stine's ZOMBIE TOWN
KING KONG (16mm Film Screening)
FRIED BARRY (Director attending)
29 SEPT
25 OCT
26 OCT
27 OCT
28 OCT
29 OCT
30 OCT
1 NOV
5 NOV
6 NOV
Special Advance Screening Give-Away to Horrorfest Ticket Holders
will include THE EXORCIST BELIEVER (October 3rd) :
STREAMING ANNOUNCEMENT:
To get you prepeared for the new remake, all 4 TOXIC AVENGER movies from TROMA!
Part of THE X FEST chapter
Described by many as the scariest Horror movie of all time, it is hard to believe that this legendary film celebrates its 50th anniversary this year!
In anticipation of the official HORRORFEST film festival late-October, The Labia Theatre is giving you the opportunity to watch a special anniversary screening of the director's cut in cinema on 29 September.
This commemoration has even more significance in that director William Friedkin sadly passed away recently, and the new direct Blumhouse sequel EXORCIST BELIEVER releases early-October.
Note! : we're doing an EXORCIST BELIEVER advance screening give-away with all Horrorfest ticket buyers automatically eligible to score seats for this show before the movie's official theatrical release!
We kick #HORRORFEST23 off with some cult-flick fun!
A demonic nun summons Satan in the form of a ferocious shark, and unleashes terror upon the sleepy fishing town of Paris Landing.
This is neither JAWS, THE EXORCIST nor SHARKNADO, it's an entire abomination unto itself! - Best enjoyed when watching with a PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE spirit.
Regular Horrorfesters who remember THE VELOCIPASTOR will know what they're in for...
From cult-horror director Donald Farmer, maker of movies like Chainsaw Cheerleaders, Cannibal Cop, Catnado and Nundead!
Starring Angela Kerecz, Bobby Kerecz, Alaine Huntington, Channing Dodson, Madison Carney
Trailer coming soon:
MOTHER SUPERIOR
Winner "Best Film" and "Best Director" - Brooklyn Horror Film Festival
A young nurse - in search of identity - gets entangled in the occult cabal of her aristocratic patient, the Baroness Heidenreich who resides with her devoted groundskeeper, Otto… Their dark secrets will soon be revealed.
Written & Directed by Marie Alice Wolfszahn
Starring Isabella Händler, Inge Maux, Jochen Nickel, Tim Werths
" A visually sumptuous Gothic fairytale "
"SUSPIRIA" meets "HEREDITARY"
Trailer:
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Audience Participation Sceening - One Cinema Show Only
For 48 years the cult classic musical film the Rocky Horror Picture Show has thrilled audiences around the globe. Still as irresistibly fun and fresh as always, the phenomenon is still going strong. Join us at the 19th Horrorfest with an audience participation screening (the best, if not only way to experience the movie!) - For those not bringing their own, or those unaware of all the extras to bring along (from slices of toast, rice, newspapers, rubber gloves, playing cards etc.) > The LoveCraft Experiment will have a stall outside the cinema where you can purchase participation packs.
The rousing party atmosphere of this gem will light up the Labia Theatre, the audience encouraged to arrive dressed as any of the Rocky Horror characters, or anything wild, exotic, crazy, Halloween-related.
Trailer:
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER
(La Chute de la Maison Usher, 1928)
Makabra Ensemble Silent Film Live Soundtrack Performance
This incredibly innovative 1928 French adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale will get its new score by The Makabra Ensemble performed live to the screen.
In this visually stunning and groundbreaking French version of Edgar Allan Poe's timeless story, Roderick Usher summons his friend to his crumbling old mansion in the remote countryside. Usher has been obsessed with painting a portrait of his dying wife Madeline. When she passes away, Usher has her buried in the family crypt, but the audience soon discovers the shocking truth.
Directed by Jean Epstein and co-written by legendary French filmmaker-to-be Luis Buñuel
The Makabra Ensemble consists of Sonja Ruppersberg (Terminatryx, Isobel), Sean Ou Tim (Lark, Mr Sakitumi), Matthijs van Dijk (The ShhArt Ensemble, Dawntreader), Simon Ratcliffe (Lark), Paul Blom (Terminatryx, V.O.D, F8), Ronnie Belcher (Terminatryx, The Damned Crows, Gramlich)
Special guests will be announced soon.
With over a dozen silent film adaptations, some of the movies The Makabra Ensemble re-scored since 2006 include Nosferatu, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari, The Phantom Of The Opera, Metropolis, Haxan, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Vampyr, Faust and more.
R.L. Stine's ZOMBIE TOWN
Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase reunite on screen again!
Two '70s / '80s legends finally reunite on screen!
DAN AYKROYD (GHOSTBUSTERS / BLUES BROTHERS) and CHEVY CHASE (VACATION & FLETCH movies) are back in this adaptation of GOOSEBUMPS and FEAR STREET author R.L. Stine's ZOMBIE TOWN!
Both starting out at SNL, Chase and Aykroyd's previous movie colabs include SPIES LIKE US, CADDYSHACK 2 and NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.
In ZOMBIE TOWN two teens uncover a centuries-old secret when they decide to watch a zombie movie on Halloween night. However, when the townspeople themselves turn into the undead, they must track down an infamous filmmaker and break the curse before it's too late.
Starring Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Marlon Kazadi, Madi Monroe, Henry Czerny
Directed by Peter Lepeniotis
A holiday romance turns into a terrifying nightmare when a backpacker and a young woman become the unwitting playthings of a vengeful and horrific entity.
Shot in Cambodia by SA-born director Rudolf Buitendach.
Starring Ross McCall, Jenny Boyd, Kelly Blatz, Adrian Hough, Ren Hanami
In this French visual & philosophical horror mind trip, several survivors get up from the wreckage of a devastating car accident, only to realize they are involved in an existential crisis over their past ... Nathan is one of them, descending into the depths of hell, where he is doomed to experience the pain of tortured souls along the way.
Written & Directed by Quarxx
Starring Hugo Dillon, Arben Bajraktaraj, Ophélia Kolb, Carl Laforêt, Manon Maindivide
Trailer:
KING KONG
16mm Film Screening - One Cinema Show Only
Sunday 5 November, 8:30pm
Labia Theatre (no streaming)
Time to kick it old-school! Don't miss the chance to see this classic 1933 movie in cinema from a 16mm film print! (courtesy of film collector Marco Pellis)
Celebrating its 90th anniversary, KING KONG has seen many remakes, but this is the original.
In KING KONG, actress Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and director Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong) travel to the Indian Ocean to do location shoots for Denham's new jungle picture. Along the way, the actress meets and falls for rugged First Mate John Driscoll (Bruce Cabot). Upon arriving at a mysterious island, Ann is taken hostage by natives who prepare her as a sacrifice to the enormous ape Kong who rules over their jungle. But when Ann is rescued and Kong is captured, the real trouble begins.
Directed and produced by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack
The wild multi-award winning SA-made cult flick returns for another cinema screening to close the 19th annual HORRORFEST Film Festival & Halloween event!
Barry is a drug-addled, abusive bastard who - after yet another bender - is abducted by aliens. Barry takes a backseat as an alien visitor assumes control of his body and takes it for a joyride through Cape Town. What follows is an onslaught of drugs, sex and violence as our alien tourist enters the weird and wonderful world of humankind. Fried Barry is based upon the short film of the same name, which earned 57 official selections and 12 wins at festivals around the world, including several at the HORRORFEST (of them, Best Picture).
Director Ryan Kruger will introduce the movie and chat afterwards & take questions.
Starring Gary Green, Chanelle de Jager, Joe Vaz, Brett Williams, Joey Cramer, Sean Cameron Michael, Hakeem Kae-Kazim Directed by Ryan Kruger
Trailer:
MORE MOVIES ANNOUNCED SOON !
> SHADOW REALM SHORT FILM COLLECTIONS <
SHADOW REALM SHORT FILM COLLECTION
Volume 1
Full selection of global short films will be listed here soon
SHADOW REALM SHORT FILM COLLECTION
Volume 2
Full selection of global short films will be listed here soon
SHADOW REALM SHORT FILM COLLECTION
Volume 3
Full selection of global short films will be listed here soon
SHADOW REALM SHORT FILM COLLECTION
Volume 4 Full selection of global short films will be listed here soon
SHADOW REALM SHORT FILM COLLECTION
Volume 5
Full selection of global short films will be listed here soon
All HORRORFEST news and updates will appear here, although some more immediate and urgent
info will first feature on our social media, so please swing by there and subscribe / like / follow :
FULL SA HORRORFEST '23 LINE-UP UPDATED THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER
First Title Announcements Include :
THE EXORCIST (50th Anniversary)
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Audience Participation)
THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (Live Soundtrack Performance)
R.L. Stine's ZOMBIE TOWN
KING KONG (16mm Film Screening)
FRIED BARRY (Director attending)
Special Advance Screening Give-Away to Horrorfest Ticket Holders
will include THE EXORCIST BELIEVER (October 3rd) :
JOIN OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ADVANCE SCREENING UPDATES
TALK TO ME
Advance Screening
Watch this clip for details:
The South African Horrorfest made US publication
MovieMaker Magazine's list of The World's 50 Best Genre Festivals
and DREAD CENTRAL's list of Best Horror Festivals In The World
Wednesday 6 September
(on the eve of its cinematic release 5 years ago!)
8:30pm (GMT+2 / SAST) @ Prime Video
Watch Party link: https://watchparty.amazon/t6f5qux
In anticipation of THE NUN II hitting cinema on Friday (or Thursday if you win a Horrorfest advance screening ticket - see below),
we thought maybe we should do an Amazon Prime Video watch party of the first movie to refresh our memories before
watching this Conjuring Universe sequel.
And if you don't have Prime, sync up with your DVD / Blu-ray / or alternative streaming service.
THE CONJURING UNIVERSE expands again with this second chapter in THE NUN saga!
An evil is spreading - In 1956 France, a priest is murdered - leading to Sister Irene once again coming face-to-face
with Valak, the demon nun... Want to grab FREE double tickets for special advance screenings in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, seeing it in cinema before the rest the world? (7 September, 8pm, popcorn & drinks included).
Then all you need to do is check out the YouTube video description of this clip :
2 0 2 3 HORRORFEST MOVIE SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
2024
FILM FREEWAY and FESTHOME SUBMISSIONS WILL OPEN AFTER THEFESTIVAL:
SPECIAL HORRORFEST ADVANCE SCREENING TICKET GIVE-AWAYS!
CLICK IMAGES FOR DETAILS
:
2022 SA HORRORFEST AWARDS VIDEOS:
SHORT FILMS
FEATURE FILMS
ALL 2023 HORRORFEST AWARDS
The South African Horrorfest made US publication
MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE's list of The World's 50 Best Genre Festivals
and DREAD CENTRAL's list of Best Horror Festivals In The World
2023 HORRORFEST LINE-UP As with our previous editions, the 19th annual Horrorfest will feature a wide variety of indies, premieres, advance screenings,
documentaries,
short films, live soundtrack performance and more.
First announcements :
- This special anniversary screening is an early HORRORFEST warm-up on 29 September -
PRE-RELEASE SCREENINGS AND S.A. PREMIERES
SEVERAL SHORT FILM VOLUMES
HORROR LINKED DOCUMENTARIES
MAKABRA ENSEMBLE LIVE SOUNDTRACK PERFORMANCE
The Makabra Ensemble Live silent film soundtrack by THE MAKABRA ENSEMBLE will be for the amazing Freench adaptation of
Edgar Allan Poe's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER > BOOK TICKETS HERE
One of the HorrorFest highlights.
The Makabra Ensemble consists of a collection of diverse musicians, creating new soundtracks
to classic silent films, performing it live beneath the big screen! It always coincides with the Halloween dress-up competition, which we'll do via the Facebook group.
With Covid seating restrictions, updates will follow on how this will be handled.
We always try our best to get interesting local and international filmmakers, authors or anyone who can enhance
the festival experience to attend as guests and interact with the audience via Q&As, signings and more.
Past guests have included Resident Evil franchise producer-director team Paul W.S. Anderson and Jeremy Bolt (UK / USA),
documentarian & lecturer Calum Waddell (UK), Cosmesis special make-up FX master Clinton Smith (ZA),
actor Rob van Vuuren and the cast from SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE,
actress Fiona Horrigan (USA), producer Yash Patniak (India) and more.
2017 our special guest was Oscar nominated director Darrell
James Roodt, and in 2018
the Garcia brothers with cast & crew of Hell Trip.
2020 saw Ryan Kruger attend two screenings of his movie Fried Barry.
CINEMA BOOKING AT QUICKET.CO.ZA
BLOODY PARCHMENT LITERATURE NIGHT
The BLOODY PARCHMENT literary event has gone virtual since Covid struck!
It will be hosted at The Horrorfest channel, but we'll look at an in-person ption for 2022 www.YouTube.com/TheHorrorfest
This
DVD
contains
the
full
1922
silent
vampire
classic Nosferatu with
its
new,
original
soundtrack
as composed
and
performed
live
to the
screen
at the
2006
festival
by Terminatryx and
very
special
guests
(Simon
&
Sean
from Lark,
Francois
from K.O.B.U.S. & Voice
Of Destruction,
and
Matthijs
from Dawntreader).
The
DVD
also
contains Terminatryx music
videos,
photo
galleries, HorrorFest extras,
and
the
short
film imPERFECTION. e-mail us for details a
Flamedrop
Productions
/ ENT
Entertainment
release
HorrorFest Sticker packs include:
SkullMoon Logo / Crest Design / HorrorFest Text
The 2022 SA HORROFEST Audience Prizes & Give-Aways
(terms & conditions apply - winners must be 18 or older)
Each Ticket Bought Increases Your Chances Of Winning,
but, joining all our Social Media
and sharing the event with hashtags #SAhorrorfest & #SAhorrorfest22 increases it even more!
Past give-aways included all the above as well as:
MAILING LIST
Join & Follow
the
HORRORFEST
at
:
Related film festivals you may enjoy:
Get in the mood for Halloween and watch the short film "Marked", made by the HorrorFest organizers.
(all festival info further down)
OFFICIAL
HORRORFEST
PROMO CLIP
[ director:
paul blom
/ star: sonja
ruppersberg
/ make-up
fx: clinton
smith / dop:
marnus tredoux
/ editor:
leon visser
]
> this clip is beeen expanded into the short film "Marked", and the Terminatryx "Virus" music video <
Browse the
scrolling
gallery below
for some
of movies
screened at
past S.A.
HORRORFEST
events.
Buy them from
Amazon by
clicking on
the movie
of your choice.
Search
Amazon below
for the Horror
movies of
your choice
ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN HORRORFEST
In 2004 Paul Blom and Sonja Ruppersberg decided to rectify the issue of the absence of a dedicated Horror event in South Africa.
The first S.A. HorrorFest (then also known as the Horror Festacular) launched in 2005.
Besides being a Horror / Chiller / Thriller film festival (screening feature films and short films from around the world),
from the start it made a point of expanding into a broad Halloween event by incorporating
new live soundtrack performances to classic silent films by The Makabra Ensemble,
the Bloody Parchment literary chapter, Halloween dress-up competition, a night market and more.
HorrorFest organizers Sonja & Paul at the Zombie Walk, with their boy Zoltan
