Scary stuff: Saskatoon hosting horror film festival

Horror fans in Saskatoon might be interested in checking out the Dark Bridges Film Festival.

The festival is to run until Sunday at the Broadway Theatre.

Founder John Allison said the festival is dedicated to all kinds of horror films.

“(That includes) fun horror, scary horror (and) horror that has something really strong to say (and) has meaning,” he told guest host Justin Blackwell on the CKOM Morning Show.

“We have this festival which highlights all the coolest stuff in horror, both new and old.”

Allison credited a diverse selection to the festival’s success.

“The films are what really makes the festival really strong,” Allison said. “We highlight the best of the festival circuit. These are films that often aren’t getting released right away.”

This year, the festival screened films like Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls, which Allison said “plays a lot like Beetlejuice,” as well as Belgium’s Megalomaniac.

There will also be a 3D screening planned for Flesh for Frankenstein in honour of the film’s 50th anniversary.

“That movie was originally shown in 3D, so we’re actually doing an old school 3D screening where we’re getting everyone red-blue glasses,” he said. “You get to experience the old way.”

Allison said the festival will also feature appearances from big-name guests, including Richard Elfman, who is the brother of musician and composer Danny Elfman. Actor Sung Kang, who may be best known for his role as Han in the Fast and Furious film franchise, also is to appear.

Elfman directed the film Bloody Bridget and Kang directed Shaky Shivers; both films are scheduled to be screened Saturday night.

Allison said both directors will also host question-and-answer sessions and Bloody Bridget will be introduced with a live musical performance.

Allison said he also wanted to highlight Saskatchewan-made horror films, such as The Killer Balloon directed by Devon Oman of Swift Current-based Dead Prairies Production.

“We love being able to highlight some Saskatchewan content,” Allison said.