Abertoir Horror Festival Unleashes Killer Creatures and Cult Classics

Abertoir Horror Festival is back for its 19th year, returning to Aberystwyth Arts Centre from 14th to 17th November for in-person screenings, followed by a virtual event on 23rd and 24th November. The festival, with a theme dedicated to the terrifying world of killer animals and nature’s revenge, has seen such high demand this year that it has expanded to a larger auditorium to accommodate more horror fans.

“We’ve been truly blown away by the support for this year’s event,” said Festival Director Gaz Bailey. “We’re grateful to have been able to move to a bigger auditorium so we can accommodate even more audience members this year.” The expanded venue promises a grander experience with a massive screen, amplifying the festival’s signature thrills.

Abertoir’s line-up this year offers a mix of fresh premieres and horror classics. Welsh audiences will get the first look at Dead Talents Society, an acclaimed ghost story from Taiwan, and Seeds, the directorial debut of Indigenous Canadian filmmaker Kaniehtiio Horn. Another much-anticipated highlight is the UK premiere of Decibel, a chilling exploration of artificial intelligence as a potential source of terror.

This year’s festivities also feature a return of Italian composer Fabio Frizzi, who, along with The Frizzi2Fulci Band, will perform a live score of his classic soundtrack to Zombie Flesh Eaters during a screening of the Lucio Fulci film. Frizzi’s live “composer’s cut” brings an expanded musical experience to the 1979 cult classic, adding layers to the original dialogue and sound effects that fans know well. The concert-style performance offers horror fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Fulci’s film with Frizzi’s music accompanying it live.

The festival’s killer animal theme continues with iconic horror classics. These include Phase IV, the only film directed by legendary designer Saul Bass; Grizzly, a ferocious film often likened to Jaws but with a bear as the threat; and Godzilla vs. Hedorah, a 1971 entry in the Godzilla franchise that leans into environmental horror as the famous monster faces off against a sludge-based foe.

Nia Edwards-Behi, Abertoir’s Co-director, explained the theme’s origins: “We started thinking about the nature horror theme back before last year’s festival. We’re hoping that through a mix of fun and more serious films and events, people will have the chance to reflect on this pressing theme.”

Other guests at Abertoir include author Robin Ince, who will present some of his favourite pieces of pulp fiction focused on killer animals, marking the 50th anniversary of James Herbert’s iconic Rats. Professor Joanne Hamilton from Aberystwyth University will add scientific insight to the proceedings, guiding audiences through the unsettling realities of parasites in horror.

Fans will also find a range of international horror on offer, such as the Argentinian thriller The Wailing, New Zealand’s comedy-horror Grafted starring Jess Hong, and the 80s-inspired Frankie Freako, a quirky tribute to puppet-based horror. Additionally, comedians Nicko and Joe will present a “mystery bad film,” injecting a dose of humour into the festival’s packed programme.

Tickets for the in-person festival, including the live Fabio Frizzi performance, are available through Aberystwyth Arts Centre. The Abertoir Choice Cuts programme, an online catch-up set for 23rd and 24th November, will be announced soon. You can find more information on the full festival line-up at www.abertoir.co.uk.