We thought we would ask all the film makers who attended Grimmfest 2024 to share some thoughts on their experience at the festival, while also adding details on their movie’s upcoming UK/US release plans. (We shall continue updating this page as reviews and details come in).
So we kick off with not a movie but the three episodes of:
TALES FROM THE VOID, which opened the festival on the 3rd Oct. The show runners John Kelley and Francesco Loschiavo presented at Grimmfest 2024 and had this to say…….
“Grimmfest was easily one of the best festival experiences I have ever had as a filmmaker. The team at Grimmfest is incredibly kind, generous, and filmmaker-friendly — as they do a wonderful promoting the films and creating an atmosphere that is supportive and collaborative for filmmakers to connect with like-minded people. We had a wonderful time at this year’s festival with TALES FROM THE VOID and are incredibly motivated to tackle our next project so that we have something cool to return to Grimmfest with in the future”.
– John Kelley, co-show runner (Canada)
“Grimmfest has been an incredibly rewarding experience, the festival is really well run and filmmaker friendly. Our team had the European premiere of our series Tales From The Void for a huge audience at their Odeon location. To support our series Grimmfest went above and beyond promoting the screening, scheduling press opportunities, and hosting a series of networking events where we met some awesome filmmakers, producers and future collaborators. I look forward to hopefully coming back to Grimmfest with a new film soon!”
– Francesco Loschiavo, co-show runner (Canada)
Release plans: 2-episode blocks released in the US every Sunday from 13/10/24 – 27/10/24 on Screambox, while in Canada, 2-episode blocks every Monday from 14/10/24 – 28/10/24 on Super Channel / FUSE, with a marathon of all episodes playing again on Halloween night. UK release is yet to be announced (Watch this space).
THE WELL
Which had its English premiere on Friday 4th Oct, presented by the director Federico Zampaglione (Italy) and sales agent Julian Richards (UK).
“Grimmfest is absolutely one of the best genre festivals in the world, very cool team, lovely fans and terrifying movies!”
“Grimmfest is fast becoming the UK’s number 1 genre festival!”
THE WELL will be released in the UK by High Fliers on October 28th 2024, on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital.
TRAUMATIKA
TRAUMATIKA played its Northern UK premiere at Grimmfest 2024 on Saturday 4th Oct, presented by film maker Maxime Rancon.
“Thank YOU so much for selecting our movie and for taking such good care of us! We were stoked to be at Grimmfest from day one, you guys always make it an unforgettable experience and this year was no exception. I had so much fun presenting the movie and interacting with the audience. It was also truly amazing to meet again so many people that enjoyed our first movie at Grimmfest in 2021 and came back to discover Traumatika this year. The Grimmfest team is amazing and you should be very proud to have created such a platform for the genre. We will always be down to be part of it and we cannot wait to bring you another terrifying movie!“
– Maxime Rancon, film maker (USA)
No details as yet on the UK release of TRAUMATIKA. Watch this space.
BLEEDING
Grimmfest hosted the World premiere on Sunday 6th Oct. Members of the creative team and the cast attended and presented the film.
“Grimmfest was easily one of the best festival experiences I’ve ever had. The organizers welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like part of the family. From their thoughtful Q&As, amazing and receptive audiences, and friendly press and volunteers, I’ve never felt more heard and supported as a filmmaker. Manchester has an amazing horror scene, with some of the smartest audiences around, and Grimmfest is proving why it’s one of the best genre festivals in the world. I can’t wait to come back with the next one.”
– Andrew Bell, writer/director (USA)
BLEEDING is currently in talks for distribution and continuing its festival run.
CRUMB CATCHER
Grimmfest hosted the International premiere on Friday 4th Oct. Lead actor John Speredakos attended and presented the film.
“I had the pleasure of attending Grimmfest 2024 in support of my new comedy/thriller Crumb Catcher. Jet lagged as I was, I couldn’t have had a more fun experience. Everyone involved were welcoming, enthusiastic and eager to share their sublime assemblage of films. But that seems to be their secret- they understand that festivals are as much about PEOPLE as they are about FILMS. Festivals often thrive on chaos, but Grimmfest ran smooth and well-oiled as a chainsaw. Anyone who loves horror, cinema, kind people, beautiful cities, great food, and memorable conversation with like-minded folks would be wise to get thee to Grimmfest!”
-JOHN SPEREDAKOS, actor Crumb Catcher (USA)
CRUMB CATCHER will be released in the UK later this year by ARROW.
KILLHER
Grimmfest hosted the International premiere on Sunday 6th Oct. Director Robyn August attended and presented the film.
“This is by far my favorite festival I’ve ever attended! We had the International premiere of KillHer, a feature I directed, and they even screened my short film Night Walks: Edith & The Empty right before it. Simeon, Rachel, and the whole crew put on a fantastic event for filmmakers and fans alike. You can really see their passion for the genre and for filmmaking in general. They also do a wonderful job of making you feel right at home. I’ve truly made lifelong friends—from the staff to fellow filmmakers and film lovers. Do yourself a favor: submit your work and attend this festival. You won’t regret it! I can’t wait to return next year because I am now a Grimmfest fan. Cheers!”
-ROBYN AUGUST, director (USA).
KILLHER will be released in the UK by High Fliers on the 2/12/24.
SELF DRIVER
Grimmfest hosted the European premiere of SELF DRIVER on the Saturday 5th Oct. Director Micahel Pierro presented the film.
“Screening Self Driver at Grimmfest was a truly special experience. The warm and passionate staff made me feel right at home, and the enthusiastic audience was a thrill to screen for. (One of my favourite screenings of our film so far!) All in all it was a time I won’t soon forget”.
-MICHAEL PIERRO, director (Canada).
SELF DRIVER is currently in talks for distribution and continuing its festival run.
AMSTERDAM ALERT
Grimmfest presented the International premiere on Friday the 4th Oct. The producer Suzan de Swaan and director Loïs Dols de Jong presented the film.
“The passion for filmmaking at Grimmfest in Manchester was undeniable. Both the organizers and the audience radiated an infectious excitement for film, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event. The theaters were always full, and the audience was fantastic—true film fanatics who were deeply engaged and responsive to every screening. The festival’s organization was equally impressive. The team was incredibly friendly and made everyone feel welcome, adding to the sense of community. It was my first time visiting Manchester, and I loved the city—well worth the flight. I genuinely had a wonderful time and only wish I could have stayed longer. Thank you for screening our film, Amsterdam Alert (original title NL Alert), and hopefully we meet again!”
-Loïs Dols de Jong, director (Netherlands)
The film is currently available in the Netherlands and continues its international festival run. No details on a UK release at this time.
BLOOD STAR
Grimmfest presented the UK premiere on Sunday the 6th Oct. Members of the cast and crew attended and presented the film.
“GrimmFest is an awesome UK Genre Festival and I would highly recommend submitting to the festival if you are a Director or Producer and seeing as many film as you can if you are a Festival Goer and want to see a broad range of high quality films its definitely the place to go! The organisers are simply amazing and what makes them different to other festivals that i have been to is that…wait for it…THEY ARE FILM MAKERS TOO. And that shines through in the way that they welcome and support filmmakers that they invite to screen. They really push the movies and the team behind the movies with PR, interviews, q&a’s and even poster signings after the screening. There’s also plenty of emphasis on networking and just bringing like minds together. We had an awesome time and are so grateful to GrimmFest for giving our movie Blood Star its UK Premiere”.
-Lawrence Jacomelli, director (UK).
BLOOD STAR was released by Plaion in the UK on the 7th October 2024.
CHILDREN OF THE WICKER MAN
Grimmfest hosted the Northern UK premiere of the film on Friday 4th Oct, presented by director Justin Hardy and Producer Chris Nunn.
“GrimmFest truly is the spirited home of independent fantastic films in the UK. Not only is it without a doubt one of the warmest and best organised festival receptions we’ve received, but the gathering of international talent at all budget levels is a further testament to the legacy of this festival. The team behind the festival are independent filmmakers themselves and have here built an event and platform which reflects their passion and dedication, helping other filmmakers where they know they have needed support themselves. We can’t wait to be back!“
-Justin Hardy, director (UK).
CHILDREN OF THE WICKER MAN is currently in talks for UK distribution and continuing its extensive festival run.
BEEZEL
Grimmfest hosted the International premiere of the film on Thursday 3rd Oct, presented by members of the cast and crew.
“Grimmfest was an AMAZING festival experience and I can’t wait to come back! The hospitality was top notch and I enjoyed everything from the pre-screening press activities, to the screening itself in front of a large captive FULL audience to the wonderful filmmaker’s lunch the next day. This was my first trip to Manchester, but certainly won’t be my last as we can’t wait to show another scary movie at Grimmfest! Thank you to the entire team that put this festival together!”
-Paul Kim, Producer (USA).
“Grimmfest is one of my favorite film festivals I have ever been to. The town of Manchester is absolutely stunning and the people were so incredibly kind, welcoming and generous. We had so much fun filming our press interviews and got to enjoy a sold out screening of our film in a theatre full of festival goers, horror lovers and Manchester locals. It was so wonderful to meet the audience after the film and hear how much BEEZEL brought the scares… It was an experience I will never forget and I will absolutely be back!”
-Caroline Quigley, Actress
BEEZEL will be released in the UK by DAZZLER MEDIA on the 6th January 2025.
SUCCUBUS
Grimmfest presented the international premiere of SUCCUBUS on Sunday the 6th Oct.
“As a filmmaker, Grimmfest is exactly the kind of film festival I would return to because it fosters community. It has a unique and exciting slate of films and filmmakers, an enthusiastic staff and audience, and many fun activities that are easy to participate in. It made for a really rewarding foreign premiere for us.”
-Daniel Hannah (USA)
SUCCUBUS is now available to view in the US and Canada, the UK release is yet to be announced.