Are You Afraid of Fantasia?
Like the popular Canadian horror TV series FAIS-MOI PEUR / ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? (1992 to 1996), this program is an international anthology of short horror films. Eleven shorts to thrill even the bravest of you.
You'll discover the world premieres of two American shorts: FORGOTTEN LAKE (2023) by Adam Brooks, which proves that the legend of the blueberry boy is much more real than it seems, and UP ON THE HOUSETOP (2023) by Dakota Millett and Michael Fischer, which tells the story of the disastrous consequences of Santa’s accidental death. From our American neighbours, three films make their international premieres: Charlie Bellarose’s JACQUES (2022) asks whether dogs really are man’s best friend; Clara Aranovich’s MURDER CAMP (2022) explores the fact that even serial killers have feelings; while Michael J. Ruiz-Unger’s SAVE THE FLEA awakens an ancient magic amulet in the hopes that it can prevent a group of young property developers from closing down a flea market in New Mexico for good.
Direct from Argentina, it’s the international premiere of SANTA SOMBRA by Paula Boffo and Patricio Plaza, the only animated film in this programme. Canadian premieres: Australia brings us the disturbing world of FUNGUS by Ryan Maddox; MURDER (2023) by English director Graham Jock Robertson reminds us of the importance of being wary of windows at night; and DEAD ENDER by American filmmakers Fidel Ruiz-Healy and Tyler Walker recounts the crazy night of an eager gas-station cashier trying to protect the business she works at from a zombie invasion. LÉA by Quebec director Carnior captures the magical moment in the midst of a zombie epidemic when Léa discovers that things are changing in her young body and decides to tell her mother. Finally, the programme concludes with the jubilant WE FORGOT ABOUT THE ZOMBIES by festival regular Chris McInroy. – Translation: Rupert Bottenberg
Save the Flea
Michael J. Ruiz-Unger
With their family stores being threatened by developers, teenagers Miguel and Rosa embark on a first date to search for a mysterious booth which holds an ancient good luck charm that can save the flea mark...
Murder
Graham Robertson
A man is awoken suddenly by a knock at his window.<br>His attempts to help the visitor put him in a precarious position.
Jacques
Charlie Bellarose
Jacques is a quirky tale in which a neglected stray pup, finds refuge in the arms of an eccentric young woman whom he grows extremely attached to — so much so, that he will do anything to keep her all to h...
Léa
Carnior Steve Landry
A mother tries to survive a zombie invasion and her daughter's puberty...
Dead Enders
Fidel Ruiz-Healy, Tyler Walker
Disaffected, young gas-station clerk Maya doesn't care about much besides messing with her manager and getting her beer discount at the end of the midnight shift.
Santa Sombra
Patricio Plaza, Paula Boffo
A woman that has been kidnapped by a trafficking network prays to a pagan saint to ask for her release.
Up on the Housetop
Michael Fischer, Dakota Millett
Four siblings reunite at Christmas after the sudden death of their parents. But after accidentally killing Santa on Christmas Eve, they must survive the night against his 8 killer flying reindeer.
Fungus
Ryan Maddox
An unsettling horror parable, Fungus is a snapshot of terror for a son and his father, whose past crimes must be paid for in blood.
Forgotten Lake
Adam Brooks, Matthew Kennedy
Counsellors at Forgotten Lake Summer Camp are horrified to discover the legend of the Blueberry boy is more real than they could have imagined.
Murder Camp
Clara Aranovich
Two slasher serial killers make the shameful error of serial killing at the same summer camp on the same night, challenging the very fabric of their friendship... and identities.
We Forgot About the Zombies
Chris McInroy
Two dudes think they found the cure for zombie bites.