21st August 2009.

We’re entering the final week of Film4 FrightFest preparations, and I must say, so far, so good. Frankly we didn’t know what to expect from our new flagship venue in Leicester Square at first. We knew we had to move because of the on-again/off-again Odeon West End casino/luxury apartment development plans. (Currently off-again by the way as the local residents have filed another delaying objection). But from the moment of our first meeting with the Empire cinema management we realised how on board and excited by the FrightFest hosting prospect they were. I can say without any excess praise on our part that they have really stepped up to the mark for us – those in the Sleepy Q have already seen how amenable they are – and I think you’ll all notice how their professionalism and support will really impact as a quantum leap improvement on the entire FrightFest experience. You are going to see our range of discerningly selected movies projected beautifully and flawlessly and in such wonderful surround-sound for maximum and premium enjoyment. Our expanded band of helper volunteers are a keen and able bunch too, and will be on hand to tackle any enquiry or concern you may have. What you all love about FrightFest will not change – it has just got bigger, better and, dare I say it, more fabulous.

But ten years? Where has the time gone? It only seems like yesterday that we walked on stage at the Prince Charles cinema for the first time to introduce our inaugural premiere LIGHTHOUSE with director Simon Hunter. MUTANT CHRONICLES Hunter is now a much sought after commercials director living in LA and Simon Bowles and Paul Hyett, the production designer and special make-up man respectively on LIGHTHOUSE, have both become synonymous with British horror including THE DESCENT duo. Hyett will be on stage for our TORMENTED presentation this year and other current connections to our seminal 2000 start include the obvious Dario Argento – PHANTOM OF THE OPERA then, GIALLO now. And the fact that our pal Quentin Tarantino on his INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS promo tour has been naming Miike Takashi’s AUDITION as one of the Top Twenty movies made since he became a director.  AUDITION and the first UK screening of PITCH BLACK were the jewels in our crown back then. Tartan distributors, first on the Asian extreme scene and our patron saviour for so many years (despite TED BUNDY!), are sadly no more. Neither is Vin Diesel when you think fast and furiously about it!

In real terms the distance from the Prince Charles to the Empire is about 100 yards. But in logistic, presentation and programme terms that distance couldn’t be vaster. Yet we have kept our core audience and that has proved to us the ever-growing importance of the horror film to our well-adjusted existence during such trying times and the everlasting unshakeable community spirit of our expanding contingent of beloved FrightFesters. I know we say this every year, that without you… etc. etc. etc. But it’s true. Your loyalty and belief in what we’re doing is phenomenal and humbling and is the reason why we have gone to enormous lengths to ensure this 2009 anniversary edition will be absolutely unforgettable. You really do deserve it.

Until next time.

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© London FrightFest Ltd. 2000-2009