Romford Horror Festival Unleashes A Monstrous Lineup At New Romford Cinema Venue!

Prepare for an unparalleled cinematic descent into terror as the Romford Horror Festival returns, bigger and bloodier than ever before!

From February 27th to March 2nd, the festival will run at the soon to be Lumiere at the Mercury Shopping Centre in Romford. For four days it will turn into a haven for horror aficionados, showcasing a staggering 240 feature films and shorts across seven screens. This year’s event promises a spine-chilling celebration of the genre, spanning from timeless classics to cutting-edge independent productions, many of which will be making their world premiere.

This fifth edition of the Romford Horror Festival marks a significant step up, not only in scale but also in venue. The festival serves as a highly anticipated dry run for the Lumiere Cinema, which is set to officially open its doors at the end ofMarch.

Festival Director Spencer Hawken expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a fantastic opportunity to test the cinema with a live audience, and horror fans are the perfect guinea pigs. Their passion and understanding make them incredibly forgiving if we encounter any teething problems. While our cinema staff boasts a wealth of film experience, most are new to the specific nuances of running a full-fledged cinema.”

The festival kicks off on February 27th with a curated selection designed to bridge the gap between mainstream horror fans and the vibrant world of independent filmmaking. The opening day offers a unique platform for indie filmmakers to see their work screened alongside iconic classics, fostering a dynamic exchange between established and emerging talent.

On Friday, February 28th, amidst the thrilling film screenings, filmmakers will have a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights at a legal workshop led by renowned entertainment lawyer Sylvia J Schmidt. Schmidt will be live-streamed to answer questions from attendees, providing invaluable guidance on the legal aspects of the film industry.

The festival reaches its zenith on Saturday, March 1st, with the arrival of a host of horror royalty. Francesca Ciardi, the unforgettable star of Cannibal Holocaust, will grace the event, alongside Ian McCulloch and Ottavio dell’Acqua, both of Zombie Flesh Eaters fame. Hammer horror legends Pauline Peart and Martine Beswick will also be in attendance, adding a touch of classic British horror. Completing this star-studded lineup are Sylvia Collatina (The House by the Cemetery), legendary indie actress Eileen Daly, and Star Wars actor Ross Sambridge.

Hawken hinted at further surprises, adding, “As always, we anticipate a few more special guests will make an appearance. With a very special one due on Thursday.”

To celebrate 50 years of the BBC show Survivors, Ian McCulloch will share his episode with the audience and discuss this groundbreaking show and why it’s as important now as it was back in 1975. 

Hawken enthused, “This year’s festival boasts our strongest lineup yet, a potent mix of widely acclaimed masterpieces and long-lost gems. We’re particularly excited to screen The Shuttered Room, a film so rare it’s nearly impossible to find. Other rediscovered treasures include Roman Polanski’s The Tenant, the Dutch shocker The Lift, and the notoriously disturbing Austrian film Angst.”

The independent film selection is equally compelling, featuring buzzworthy titles like Halloween Tales (making its UK premiere) and The Reign of Queen Ginnara (its world premiere). Local filmmakers will also return with another screening of Video Shop Tales of Terror 2, following its successful premiere at Horror-on-Sea last month. The bizarre and brilliant Popeye-inspired horror Shiver Me Timbers will also have its world premiere. Legendary Beverly Hills Cop and Rambo III actor Steven Berkoff will be screening his movie The Tell-Tale Heart based on the Edgar Allen Poe story. Other highlights the festival team are keen to point out are Sheryl, All This Time, Interlopers, Psychopomo and Britains Greatest Ghost Stories.

For aspiring filmmakers, the festival will showcase a selection of ultra-low-budget films made for under £1,000, proving that compelling storytelling can be achieved regardless of resources. This year the festival also has a large selection of animated horror films, including some outstanding stop-motion animation. 

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, attendees can explore a bustling marketplace featuring vendors offering a diverse range of horror-themed merchandise. From macabre garden ornaments to graphic novels, Blu-rays, DVDs, classic poster art, and books, there will be something to entice every horror fan. The marketplace will also showcase innovative products from independent artists and creators.

“Last year, the Romford Horror Festival drew 3,288 attendees, and we anticipate an even larger crowd this year,” Hawken predicted. “We’re delighted to welcome visitors from across the globe, not just to screen their films, but also to experience the festival. This influx of visitors will be a significant boost to the local Romford community. A quick search on Hotels.com reveals that accommodation is becoming scarce, which is a testament to the festival’s growing popularity.”

Tickets for the fifth Romford Horror Festival are on sale now and can be purchased by following this link: https://www.romfordhorrorfestival.com Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the ultimate horror experience!

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.