The Overlook Film Festival Reveals Full 2017 Lineup
Jonathan Barkan
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The Overlook Film Festival, which takes place in the Timberline Lodge (the location that was used as the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining), has revealed the full program for its 2017 event. Running over four days (April 27th-30th) in Mt. Hood, Oregon, the festival will feature dozens of feature-length and short films as well as interactive exhibits and fun horror-themed activities.
The Centerpiece Presentation will be William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth, which dives into the dark world of a romance gone wrong.
All ticket information can be found on the festival official website.
The Bad Batch
Director: Ana Lily Amirpour
United States, 2016
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, a young girl deemed no longer suitable for civilized society is forcibly put out to pasture in the rugged Texas wasteland inhabited by an iron-pumping group of bloodthirsty cannibals. The sophomore effort from Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night), The Bad Batch is a genre-bending acid trip full of iconic imagery and evocative sequences.
The Bar
Director: Álex de la Iglesia
Spain, 2017
Spanish genre maverick Alex de la Iglesia returns to form with a fast-paced horror-comedy about a random group of diners who get trapped together inside a bar in downtown Madrid when a sniper opens fire on the streets. As claustrophobia sets inside, a series of bizarre occurrences take place outside, leading this mismatched bunch to extreme paranoia that may have vicious consequences.
Blackout
Directors: Kristjan Thor & Josh Randall
In 2009, an underground immersive horror experience swept through the NYC art scene and began a path that would transform the international horror community: BLACKOUT, the X-rated fear experience designed for adults over 18 to walk through completely alone. Created by directors Kristjan Thor and Josh Randall, BLACKOUT has had productions in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Now at the Overlook Film Festival, BLACKOUT presents a rare and unique opportunity for the adventurous to make their way through what the NEW YORK TIMES has called the “most extreme theater event of the year.”
WARNING: This is considered an extreme experience and is exclusively for pass holders. Participants will be required to sign a waiver. Slots will be limited and made available on Monday, April 24th. Sign up for the mailing list to learn the exact time.
Blood Drive
Created by: James Roland
United States, 2017
Welcome to “Blood Drive,” a new grindhouse-inspired series soaked in high-octane chaos and just barely approved for television. After Los Angeles’ last good cop is forced to join a twisted cross-country death race, his only hope of survival is a dangerous femme fatale. Oh, and forget gasoline… these cars run on human blood. Together the unlikely pair embark on this dangerous competition where either you’re first…or you’re fuel. The Overlook Film Festival is presenting the first two episodes of the new Syfy series.
Boys in the Trees
Director: Nicholas Verso
Australia, 2016
Part eerie, part moving, this engrossing coming-of-age tale sees two estranged teens as they begrudgingly find themselves walking home together on Halloween 1997. As the differences in the pair start to bubble to the surface, the two embark on a surreal journey through their vivid memories, lurid dreams, and morbid fears.
Capture
Director: Georgia Lee
Hong Kong/United States, 2016
A young woman returns to her family in Hong Kong to tend to her ailing grandmother. Upon arriving, she begins to come into contact with strange occurrences – noises, moving objects and frequent electronic disruptions. Filming her day-to-day activities for her doting husband, she begins to unravel the terrifying mystery that haunts her family and its connection to her dark past. In the tradition of William Castle, this innovative feature uses app technology for maximum, real-time interactivity with the film and the evils within.
NOTE: The Overlook Film Festival does not condone the use of phones in movie theaters. This exception is part of a extremely special activation to enhance the viewing experience, in line with many of the festival’s other interactive experiences. Please keep your phone off in all other films everywhere.
The Chalet
Director: Anne Katherine Lesser
The Chalet is based on The ABC Project’s A(partment 8). In The Chalet audience members take a walk in someone else’s skin for a fully immersive theatrical experience. One audience member per performance. Morbid & disturbing with a twinge of black humor, A(partment 8) was a smash hit at the 2016 Hollywood Fringe Festival, receiving rave reviews and selling out from word of mouth within 24 hours of its opening night.
The Dwarves Must Be Crazy
Director: Bhin Banloerit
Thailand, 2016
The most insane and hilarious horror comedy you will see this year, The Dwarves Must Be Crazy follows a village of little people as it is attacked by an evil ancient Thai spirit. When the local inhabitants feast on some poisonous fireflies, all hell breaks loose in this chaotic piece of anarchic cinema full of intestines and flatulence humor.
Hounds of Love
Director: Ben Young
Australia, 2016
In the mid-1980s, 17-year-old Vicki Maloney is randomly abducted from a suburban street by a disturbed couple. As she observes the dynamic between her captors, she quickly realizes she must drive a wedge between them if she is to survive.
Killing Ground
Director: Damien Power
Australia, 2016
With their hearts set on a romantic vacation, Ian and Samantha arrive at an isolated campsite, only to to find an SUV and a tent — with no sign of the occupants. The discovery of a distressed child wandering in the woods unleashes a terrifying chain of events that will test the young couple’s breaking point. In the great tradition of shockers like Straw Dogs and Wolf Creek, this brutal survival thriller cuts deep.
Lady MacBeth
Director: William Oldroyd
United Kingdom, 2016
Rural England, 1865. Katherine is stifled by her loveless marriage to a bitter man twice her age and his cold, unforgiving family. When she embarks on a passionate affair with a young worker on her husband’s estate, a force is unleashed inside her so powerful that she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Lake Bodom
Director: Taneli Mustonen
Finland, 2016
Every camper’s worst nightmare came true at Lake Bodom in 1960 when four teenagers were stabbed to death while sleeping in their tent. As the years passed and the case grew cold, the unsolved mystery turned into a creepy campfire story passed from generation to generation. Now, a group of teenagers arrives at the same campsite, hoping to solve the murder by reconstructing it minute by minute. As night falls, it turns out not all of them are there to play.
Like Me
Director: Robert Mockler
United States, 2017
A reckless loner, desperate for human connection, sets out on a crime spree that she broadcasts on social media. Her reality quickly splinters into a surreal nightmare that escalates out of control, just in time for Christmas.
M.F.A.
Director: Natalia Leite
United States, 2017
Following the brutal sexual assault of a fellow classmate, an introverted art student sets out into the campus night to take justice into her own hands in director Natalia Leite’s terrifying and poignant revenge thriller.
Master of Horror: Roger Corman
The Overlook Film festival’s Master of Horror Award was established to honor a living legend who has contributed lasting innovations to the genre throughout a long career, inspiring new filmmakers for years to come. This year’s recipient is the one and only Roger Corman, director and producer extraordinaire whose techniques, output, and mentorships changed the face of independent film. Joining Corman onstage will be filmmaker Mick Garris (creator of “Masters of Horror” and director of Stephen King’s “The Shining” and “The Stand” miniseries events) to hold a live conversation about Corman’s illustrious career for the podcast POST MORTEM WITH MICK GARRIS.
Mayhem
Director: Joe Lynch
United States, 2017
In this explosive new film from director Joe Lynch, a dangerous virus that prevents the infected from controlling their inhibitions is discovered in a corporate law building – the very same firm that recently cleared an infected man on murder charges. When a quarantine is issued and the building goes on lockdown, all hell breaks loose inside, leaving a disgruntled employee (Steven Yeun) and an irate client (Samara Weaving) to fight their way to the top to “have a word” with the corrupt executives who wronged them.
Meatball Machine Kodoku
Director: Yoshihiro Nishimura
Japan, 2017
Japanese cyberpunk is alive and well in this folllow-up to the 2005 splatter comedy Meatball Machine. Taking the reigns this time is effects specialist Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police) as he puts his own independent spin on the story of the alien parasite who turns unsuspecting humans into Necro-borgs: half-man, half-machine creatures who will stop at nothing to battle each other to the death.
Mule
Director: Guy Shelmerdine
From virtual reality’s impressarios of horror Dark Corner Studios (creators of CATATONIC) comes a new vision of death. Piece together the choices that led to your demise, as you endure the the final hours of one very bad day. Choose your ending — do you want to be buried or cremated?
MULE is a 360º immersive virtual reality experience. Not recommended for people with epilepsy or who are sensitive to portrayals of graphic violence or nudity.
ParaNorman
Directors: Chris Butler & Sam Fell
United States, 2012
A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead takes on ghosts, zombies and, worst of all, grown-ups, in order to save his town from a centuries-old curse in this modern animated classic from the wizards at Laika. Join your fellow children of all ages for the perfect love letter to all things that go bump in the night on the final day of the festival!
Prey
Director: Dick Maas
Netherlands, 2016
Bad boy Dutch director Dick Maas returns with this over-the-top thriller about an enormous, aggressive lion who is on the loose outside of Amsterdam. Teaming up with the police and her hunter ex-boyfriend, a brilliant veterinarian is hot on the trail, dead set on catching the beast before he tears through everything in sight in the romp of a gorefest.
Primal Screen
Director: Rodney Ascher
United States, 2017
Why are we simultaneously attracted to and repelled by the things that scare us the most? In his first episodic series, acclaimed filmmaker Rodney Ascher (ROOM 237, THE NIGHTMARE) explores the pop culture that left dark impressions on us as children. Ascher asks real people to look back at pop-culture artifacts that traumatized them in their youth and describe the effect they had on their lives. A singular hybrid of documentary and horror, Ascher will present the first episode of his new show with an extended talkback following.
Psychopaths
Director: Mickey Keating
United States, 2017
When an unidentified madman is sent to the electric chair, it triggers a sort of Mischief Night for a group of serial killers out in an entire city. An escaped mental patient, a beautiful seductress, a strangler who preys on unsuspecting women, and an enigmatic masked contract killer run amok in Mickey Keating’s new slasherfest.
Still/Born
Director: Brandon Christensen
Canada, 2017
Still/Born follows Mary, a new mother who lost one of her twins in childbirth. As she struggles with the loss of one of her children, she starts to suspect something sinister is after her surviving child – a supernatural entity that has chosen her child and will stop at nothing to take it from her.
Tales From Beyond the Pale
Presented by Glass Eye Pix, TALES FROM BEYOND THE PALE is an ongoing series of audio dramas penned by luminaries from the world of contemporary horror from JT Petty (HELLBENDERS) to Simon Barrett (YOU’RE NEXT) and Kim Newman (ANNO DRACULA), featuring players from Ron Perlman (HELLBOY) to Angus Scrimm (PHANTASM) and Mark Margolis (“AMERICAN HORROR STORY”). The Overlook edition will feature performers culled from the film lineup and festival guests. Join horror impresarios Glenn McQuaid and Larry Fessenden as they invite you to close your eyes and… listen.
Terror 5
Director: Sebastian Rotstein & Federico Rotstein
Argentina, 2016
On a night when the City Governor is facing the accusation of being responsible for a tragedy that led to the death of 15 persons when a building in construction fell apart, five citizens who remain disillusioned are fated to face their most terrifying fears. Based on a set of urban legends, these seedy, allegorical tales of lust, possession, revenge, and voyeurism will make your skin crawl.
Two Pigeons
Director: Dominic Bridges
United Kingdom, 2017
Hussein, a slick talking real estate agent, gets by day to day thanks to sharp wit and massive ego. Unbeknownst to him, he’s sharing his apartment with a forgotten stranger, a master of concealment who is plotting a malicious campaign of vengeance. One of the most unique voices in genre cinema this year, director Dominic Bridges crafts the darkest of comedies about class.
The Untamed
Director: Amat Escalante
Mexico/Denmark, 2016
The fragile existence of a young housewife and her working class family is thrown off balance when a mysterious stranger comes into their lives and convinces them that in the nearby woods, inside an isolated cabin, dwells something not of this world that could be the answer to all of their problems. Director Amat Escalante’s shocking and controversial new film touches on themes of family values, hypocrisy, homophobia, and male chauvinism.
Overlook Film Festival Immersive Horror Game
Produced by Bottleneck Immersive
Unfolding over the entire festival weekend, The Overlook Film Festival’s signature event is a fully realized interactive horror mystery that bleeds seamlessly into the festival atmosphere. Open to all badge holders, the game permeates the entire weekend, featuring planted actors, hidden clues, tactile puzzles, and surprising twists that each player can engage with at their own comfort and interest. Those who follow the clues become the protagonists of an engaging and thrilling narrative that no two players will experience in exactly the same way. Details of the game’s story are not revealed until the festival begins. And remember: Discovering how to play is all part of the game.
The Pumpkin Pie Show
Come join us for a special presentation of The Pumpkin Pie Show and get ready to get icky. For 20 years, author Clay McLeod Chapman and his rigorous storytelling session The Pumpkin Pie Show have offered a view into the lives of Southern Gothic monstrosities. Sometimes darkly humorous, sometimes strangely heartbreaking, these stories explore the domestic horrors of the everyday, finding terror within our own households. This one-of-a-kind performance delves deep into the depraved minds of those madmen and women who drift along the periphery of humankind. Don’t miss it!
Short film presentations:
ARCANA
Director: Jerónimo Rocha
Portugal, 2015
Somewhere in a dark wet dungeon on the Iberian peninsula, an 11th century heretic plots her escape.
ARRET PIPI
Director: Maarten Groen
Netherlands, 2015
Sarah and Bram’s road trip takes a horrifying turn when they stop for a bathroom break in the dark woods of Wallonia, Belgium.
THE CLEANSING HOUR
Director: Damien LeVeck
United States, 2016
Two webcasters who stream faked exorcisms around the world must contend with the appearance of a real demon – live in front of millions of viewers.
DAWN OF THE DEAF
Director: Rob Savage
United Kingdom, 2016
When a sonic pulse infects the hearing population, a small group of Deaf people must band together to survive.
DEATH METAL
Director: Chris McInroy
United States, 2016
A metalhead gets passed down a satanic guitar that riffs to shreds.
DON’T EVER CHANGE
Director: Don Swaynos
United States, 2016
The reunion of a woman and her estranged daughter is interrupted by a man with an unusual request.
AN ELDRITCH PLACE
Director: Julien Jauniaux
Belgium, 2016
A tale of frontiers and madness.
FUCKING BUNNIES
Director: Teemu Niukkanen
Finland, 2017
Raimo’s comfy middle class bubble is burst when a Satan-worshiping sex cult moves in next door.
GREAT CHOICE
Director: Robin Comisar
United States, 2017
A woman gets stuck in a Red Lobster commercial.
THE HOME
Director: L. Gustavo Cooper
United States, 2017
A young woman fights for her sanity, and for her unborn child, as an ancient evil descends on a convent.
I WANT YOU INSIDE ME
Director: Alice Shindelar
United States, 2016
A tale of all-consuming desire.
THE ITCHING
Director: Dianne Bellino
United States, 2017
In this handmade collaboration, a shy Wolf tries to connect with a group of hip, party-loving Bunnies but finds her body is in revolt.
A KNOCK AT THE DOOR
Director: Katrina Rennells & Wendie Weldon
United States, 2016
Moments after the sound of a bloodcurdling scream, there is a knock at the door.
A NEARLY PERFECT BLUE SKY
Director: Quarxx
France, 2016
You might think that Simon lives a monotonous life. You would be wrong…
THE SOUND OF BLUE, GREEN AND RED
Director: Joshua Erkman
United States, 2016
A man searches for his missing wife, only to realize upon finding her, she is not who he thinks she is.
WHEN SUSURRUS STIRS
Director: Anthony Cousins
United States, 2016
A body horror tale like no other. The story of one man’s bond with a parasitic creature that could result in the end of us all.
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