Julia Kaminski's blog

Do you like Pixar? You’re a human with feelings, so I assume you do. Although, if you’re reading the blog of a page called Screamfest, it’s possible it is not your cup of tea. Regardless of your opinion on animated fish, their tradition of playing a short film before their main features has proven to be a tradition enjoyed by many a generation. On a more historical note, it was not uncommon for short films to screen before feature films quite a bit in theaters and drive-ins, as far back as the 1950’s.

If 2017 has taught us anything; it is that horror films could finally be on track to becoming more universally respected. Those of us who have been fans of the genre for years have always been well aware of its artistic and social significance. However, with not one but two genre films receiving Oscar nods for Best Picture this year, the Horror genre finally seems to be getting some of the high-brow acknowledgement that it has long since deserved. But with 2017 being as strong as it was, it may prove to be a tough act to follow.

Another October has come and gone, which means another year in the books for the Screamfest Horror Film Festival. Every year, when we reach the award ceremony and closing night party we find that it is bittersweet. Much like the last day of school, the final night of the festival is the last of a ten-day marathon of the genre’s best of the year. From filmmakers to press to festival staff, we have become a quick and happy family by the final day, and it is sad to see everyone go their separate ways.

The countdown has officially begun for Screamfest 2017 and we have dropped the official lineup. With less than two weeks before the festival kickoff, we here at Screamfest are gearing for another kick ass year of genre films from around the world. Aside from the killer American films to look forward to, we also have an especially great lineup of international films to check out. Some of our most well received films in recent years have been international titles, including last year’s Lake Bodom out of Finland.

In combination with the recent Screamfest announcement that we would be hosting the North American premiere of the much-anticipated Leatherface, and the recent and devastating loss of the great Tobe Hooper, this is the perfect time to honor the franchise that stemmed from his original masterpiece, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The TCM franchise has grown to be about as diverse as Hooper’s own career. It has explored everything from prequels to sequels to remakes. Even after all of this, including the pretty recent release of 2013’s Texas Chainsaw 3D, fans are still left wanting more.