As the nights start drawing in, and Grimmfest draws ever closer, we are delighted to release details of this year’s Festival Jury; those brave souls willing to subject their nerve-endings not only to the ferocious full force of the festival programme, but to the stress of selecting the award-winners.
Faced with the daunting task of debating and deliberating over this year’s line up, and determining those most deserving a visit from the Reaper, are (in alphabetical order):
JONATHAN BUCHANAN
Jonathan Buchanan got his start in 2001, producing and directing videos for Metal and Punk bands, such as The Locust and Pelican and producing the horror feature ROUTE 666. Relocating to L.A. in 2003, he became a union propmaster on shows such as TEACHERS and KEY AND PEELE. In more recent years, he has been writing screenplays, and in 2021 wrote and produced 8 FOUND DEAD, which won Best Picture at Screamfest L.A., in 2022, and was one of the big hits at Grimmfest in 2023.
TRAVIS GREENE
Travis Greene worked for nearly 20 years as a professional film and TV editor, before moving into directing and producing music videos, short films, and most recently his first feature film, the sour, cynical, and blackly-comic, Jim Thompson-esque neo-noir, 8 FOUND DEAD, in collaboration with screenwriter Jonathan Buchanan.
MEGAN KENNY
Dr Megan Kenny is a writer, researcher and folklorist. She is the co-host of the Monstrous Flesh podcast and co-director of the Monstrous Flesh Collective. Her work explores the relationship between horror and the body, and the legacy of folklore and myth in contemporary storytelling.
CLELIA MCELROY
Clelia McElroy is the founder and director of Monstrous Flesh, a multi-disciplinary venture exploring the evolution and role of women and non-binary people in horror through a feminist lens. This includes curated film courses, film seasons and special events, as well as writing for various film publications. Clelia also founded the Monstrous Flesh Collective with Dr Megan Kenny. Together they host the Monstrous Flesh podcast, and edit the Monstrous Flesh Journal.
REBECCA SAYCE
Rebecca Sayce is a freelance entertainment and SEO journalist with by-lines at Metro UK, Digital Spy, FilmHounds Magazine, and Gamesradar+. An avid lover of horror TV and cinema, you can also find her talking about all things sinister and spooky at FANGORIA, Dread Central, Starburst Magazine, Certified Forgotten, Ghouls Magazine, and Moving Pictures Film Club.
The Categories they will casting their votes over this year are:
BEST FEATURE
BEST DIRECTOR
BEST ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE
BEST ACTOR IN A FEMALE ROLE
BEST SCREENPLAY
BEST SCORE
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BEST SHORT
BEST SFX
BEST SCARE
SILVER MELIES AWARD FOR BEST EUROPEAN SHORT
The festival team wishes them, and the films and filmmakers under discussion, the very best of luck!