Horror Shorts

All posts tagged Horror Shorts

Hamish Downie’s Silence

Published October 31, 2020 by biggayhorrorfan

He’s an Australian living in Japan, but that isn’t the most interesting thing about Hamish Downie. As talented filmmaker, he’s combined high art and horror for years now.

The press release for one of his most poignant creations has just been released…

“TAIPEI (October 2020), Gagaoolala announced today that it acquired the global rights to Hamish Downie’s SILENCE. Written and Directed by Downie (upcoming feature film “Matcha & Vanilla”), inspired by the Director’s real life, the short film has screened around the world at festivals such as Filmfest homochrom (Germany) and the Queersicht Film Festival (Switzerland), and received honorable mentions at Just Before Midnight Film Festival, and Let’s All Be Free Film Festival. It received encore screenings at Lake Champlain International Film Festival, and is set to be re-screened this year as part of online events put on by Tag! Queer Shorts Film Festival (formally Corvallis Queer Film Festival).

Hamish Downie’s Lynchesque/Homage to Film Noir and Atmospheric Horror short film follows the story of a woman (Tomoko Hayakawa) who must survive the night with her abusive girlfriend (Qyoko Kudo), after being discovered trying to escape.”

…and the teaser trailer has recently been given a lot of attention, as well.

Please follow https://www.facebook.com/hamishdowniewriter for more information and…

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan

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Review: The Knock

Published March 26, 2020 by biggayhorrorfan

Knock

There’s nothing quite like getting woken up from a deep sleep by an unexpectedly loud voice in your building’s hallway, right? Although, I imagine a soft scratch at your door followed by a bedraggled whisper of your name would be even worse. Embarking on a more intense version of that last scenario, writer-director Zach Lorkiewicz’s latest horror short The Knock almost seems to be presciently made for these late night, isolationist times.

As with many Count the Clock Productions, the visual and sonic elements of this piece are top notch. Here Lorciewicz’s glossily acute style finds its match in Terence Yoon’s coloring and cinematography, Nathan Baldonado’s moody lighting and Catharine Yang’s jump start the march score. Meanwhile, Lauren Elyse Buckley’s committed acting performance is sure to put all viewers in the head space of their own corner of the eye midnight frights.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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My Facebook

Published November 19, 2016 by biggayhorrorfan

my-facebook

“That sounds fancy…”

Horror shorts are a variable bunch – some have great effects, others have a great concept. Many don’t come together as one delicious whole, though.

But with My Facebook, written, directed, edited and scored by the openly gay Carl Kelsch, viewers soon discover that  something that starts with a fairly traditional opening can, ultimately, contain some gruesome, comic gold.

Acted with winking restraint by Christina Marie Thokey and Laurence Thokey, Jr., this tale of a first date overrun by one participant’s social media obsession is fun, clever and contains an ending that will make your very follicles bristle with delight.

Be sure to check it out at:

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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David Schmidt’s The Underpass

Published September 28, 2015 by biggayhorrorfan

underpass
So, now you not only have be aware of crazy cab drivers when biking through the city, but you also have to beware of creepy underpasses, as well?!?

Well, all speedsters should thank Chicago director-writer David Schmidt for the warning…and the seasonal chills! Filled with some nice atmosphere and a strong black female lead, the passionate Krystin Williams, The Underpass may just be the way to start your Halloween festivities off with a spooky, investigative bang!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan

Overview: Terror in the Aisles presents Short Cuts

Published July 22, 2014 by biggayhorrorfan

terror marquee
Money was raised (for AIDS charity Vital Bridges), chills were induced and laughter resounded throughout the theatre during Terror in the Aisles’ latest movie event Short Cuts. Taking place at the historic Davis Theatre in Chicago, Short Cuts featured the mini-masterpieces of over a dozen Midwestern filmmakers. Introducing the audience to works of humor, homage and serious horror, this one-of-a-kind event, ultimately, offered up a program that I was truly honored to serve as host of.

Introducing the directors!

Introducing the directors!


With many of the artists on hand to celebrate, each abbreviated feature contained true points of interest. Industrious Tony Wash (Its My Party and I’ll Die If I Want To) even utilized the event to promote his anticipated upcoming compiliation World of Death, featuring many of the selections submitted to last fall’s ABC’s of Death competition. John Pata, coming off the high of his critically acclaimed feature Dead Weight, also, choose Short Cuts as the Chicago premiere site of his latest (poetically macabre) effort Pity.
Clark & Pata chatting

Clark & Pata chatting

Personal favorites included Red Clark’s fun The Pool. Detailing the comeuppance of a bratty sibling, this charming throwback ends with some nifty camera work and a startling monster reveal. Lowcarbcomedy’s hysterical 4th Rule of Gremlins, meanwhile, offers up a very naughty take on what not to do with everybody’s favorite furry monsters. David Schmidt’s mock trailer for House on Nightmare Lane, also, hit the mark. Here, Schmidt combines the atmosphere of such classic flicks as The Haunting with the acting style of such drive-in favorites as Frankenstein’s Daughter. Overall, it’s like opening the (rusting) gates to a real winner!

Keep up with World of Death at https://www.facebook.com/worldofdeathfilm and Pity at https://www.facebook.com/PityFilm . Lowcarbcomedy rules the roost at http://www.lowcarbcomedy.com and Vital Bridges is always keeping up the good work at http://www.heartlandalliance.org/vital.

Meanwhile, you can keep updated with Terror in the Aisles at https://www.facebook.com/terrorintheaisles and me at http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Terror in the Aisles Presents Short Cuts!

Published July 11, 2014 by biggayhorrorfan

David Schmidt's Screams on Planet Zero!

David Schmidt’s Screams on Planet Zero!


Want better news than Yvette Mimieux and Bo Svenson reuniting for a Snowbeast sequel?!? (Which, unfortunately, isn’t happening, BTW!)

Well, how about Terror in the Aisles highlighting a bunch of awesome horror shorts from a bevy of truly talented Midwestern terror filmmakers? Sound good? Then look no further than Terror in the Aisles Presents Short Cuts on this Saturday evening, 7/12/2014, at the historic Davis Theater in Chicago. Featuring a wide variety of scary science fiction, trippy fright comedy and previews of upcoming projects (along with appearances from the talent involved), this is an event not to be missed.

..and yours truly, Big Gay Horror Fan, will be hosting this super cool, totally original, once in a lifetime event! So, get out your vinyl space suits and check out https://www.facebook.com/events/652996118088201/ for more information!

Until we meet, face to face, SWEET love and pink GRUE! – Big Gay Horror Fan!

http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan

Review: Hell (Naked Hobo Productions)

Published June 17, 2014 by biggayhorrorfan

hell
“Lakes of fire just don’t grow on trees!” – Devil, Hell

Short and sassy – that’s how I like my gym teachers and my horror shorts.

Thankfully, ambitious Naked Hobo Productions (based in ever-loving WI) has given us a sharp, quick take on terror comedy with their fun Hell.

Here, the wrongdoing Mr. John Jacobs (a fine Mark Wooldrage) finds that the wicked underworld looks much like Earth and that his options for eternity come with a bizarre twist.

Filled with nice pacing and set-ups (courtesy of director Glenn R. Buettner) and some extraordinarily vibrant photography (courtesy of Dave Garacci), this piece also contains confident performances from all involved (especially in Buettner’s low-key, totally charming Irish accented Devil) making it a truly engaging way to spend 9 (or so) minutes.

Be sure to keep up with all the fiery happenings of Naked Hobo Productions at https://twitter.com/Nakedhobo. Meanwhile, the official page for Hell is https://www.facebook.com/Hellshortfilm.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan

30 Seconds of Terror: Jack

Published April 1, 2014 by biggayhorrorfan

jack-segment
If our truest fears are those that originate in our youth…then masterful director/writer Jake Jarvi (of Pineapple Boy Films) proves that its all child’s play – in half a minute – with his truly fun piece, Jack!

The winner of Studio 360’s 30 Seconds of Terror contest, this bloodcurdling gem was acclaimed (and given first place honors) by none other than (judge) Wes Craven!

Check it here:

…and then be sure to keep up with all of Jarvi’s pop culture antics at http://www.youtube.com/user/pineappleboyfilms

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan

Michael Simon’s Gay Zombie!

Published April 3, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

gayzombie
Big Gay Horror Fan has NEVER dated a zombie. Don’t get me wrong. I’d hang with a zombie. It’s just that I’ve haven’t ever been asked on a date!

Miles and Todd, on the other hand, feel an immediate attraction in Michael Simon’s very fun 2007 short Gay Zombie. They might even be able to get past the fact that Miles is a zombie if it weren’t for the shocked patrons at Todd’s local watering hole and yoga classes. Of course, fate and a seemingly helpful psychiatrist (never trust authority, yo!) may have other plans for the two.

gayzombie2aThe talented Simon embraces the silliness of the situation at hand. But beneath the zombie makeovers and dick gags, he gets at something more serious. With a light touch, he ably addresses the extreme prejudices that the queer bar crowd have for all those outside of their Lady Gaga loving norm. He, also, nicely deals with the bittersweet fact that some relationships, no matter how desired, simply aren’t meant to be.

Fine performances from Brad Bilanin as Miles, Ryan Carlberg as Todd and Robin McDonald as the therapist make Gay Zombie a very pleasant, surprisingly thoughtful way to spend 20 minutes.

You can find more about Gay Zombie (including details on how to purchase it) at www.gayzombie.net.

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always trying to entice the undead at https://www.facebook.com/BigGayHorrorFan.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!