York’s Dead Northern Celebrates Five Years of Horror

This September, the Dead Northern Horror and Fantasy Film Festival will celebrate its fifth year, offering a weekend packed with scares, new films, and plenty of thrills for horror fans. Taking place from Friday, 27th to Sunday, 29th September 2024 at York’s City Screen Picturehouse, the festival will showcase some of the best independent horror films, special screenings, and live events, making it a must-attend for film buffs based in the north of the UK.

The festival has become a key event for the horror and fantasy film community in the UK, attracting hundreds of attendees each year. Last year’s edition saw over 700 admissions, a clear indicator of the growing interest in indie horror. This year promises even more, with a carefully curated programme that mixes classic horror films with fresh, cutting-edge indie features and shorts.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Blair Witch Project, the festival will feature a special screening of the found-footage horror classic, complete with a panel of special guests who will dive into the film’s enduring legacy. Fans of the subgenre will also be treated to the UK premiere of Stickman’s Hollow, a found-footage feature that is already making waves in horror circles.

Joshua Lawson, co-founder and festival programmer, couldn’t be more excited about the event’s milestone year. “We’ve come a long way in five years, and this year’s line-up is going to be epic for genre fans! We’re proud to be showcasing world-class talent from the north alongside the best indie filmmakers internationally.”

The festival will also host three world premieres, including the highly anticipated creature feature Lake Jesup and the vampire time loop thriller All This Time. Four UK premieres are also on the schedule, ensuring there’s something fresh and exciting for all attendees.

It’s not just about the films—Dead Northern’s now-iconic live events will be back in full force. The awards party is set to be a highlight, with the much-coveted “Best Death” award up for grabs. Past winners include Liam Regan’s cult Troma hit Eating Miss Campbell. Filmmakers and fans alike will also enjoy a range of events designed to foster creativity, including a horror social and a live panel discussion on how to create genre films on a budget.

The Independent Horror Society will once again collaborate with Dead Northern, bringing invaluable insights to aspiring filmmakers. The “Bizarre Bazaar,” a quirky marketplace filled with horror-themed vendors, returns after its popular debut last year, providing a unique shopping experience for festival-goers.

Dead Northern has firmly established itself as a key player in the indie horror scene, not just in the UK but internationally. The festival offers a rare opportunity to see some of the world’s best indie horror films on the big screen, often with the filmmakers in attendance for Q&A sessions and introductions.

Tickets are available now, with VIP weekend passes, day passes, and individual screening options on offer: deadnorthern.co.uk/events