As anyone who saw me rushing by last weekend can attest, the Horrific Film Fest did not go exactly as planned. Although I turned up in all good faith as independent photographer and occasional Twitterer; I quickly found myself bound by the responsibilities of a Staff pass and set to work in the projection rooms. Although not the ideal situation, I took things in good grace and set about making sure the Festival ran as smoothly as possible. I like to think my contributions were noted.
By the end of the Festival, I found myself making many new friends – both famous and infamous in equal measure. I even salvaged time to be a willing test subject for a special effects makeup demonstration by The Darkness, sporting an impressive silicone burned flesh effect for most of Saturday's proceedings. Removal of the silicone that night, however, required a number of unsavoury lubricants before it finally relinquished its grasp on my hair. The less said about that the better, really.
The movie which impressed me the most was a short entitled 'Clemency', directed by Joseph Albanese. Filmed on crisply detailed 35mm and 16mm stock, the acting and intensity of the script far belies the low budget. A compelling vignette, and well worth viewing through whatever means necessary.
I need to schedule some time in San Antonio next summer. The Festival atmosphere was warm and friendly, and the celebrity guests down-to-earth and welcoming. However, there weren't as many folk through the door as the organizers would have liked, so better promotion and organization will be key to ensuring next year's event is better. A challenge to which I'm more than happy to rise!
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