Alan Jones Reflects on 25 Years of FrightFest

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of London’s FrightFest, it’s impossible to overlook the tremendous impact this festival has had on the horror and fantasy film landscape. Founded in 2000 by Alan Jones, Paul McEvoy, Ian Rattray, and later joined by Greg Day, FrightFest has grown from a small gathering at the Prince Charles Cinema into the UK’s premier horror film festival. The vision of these four pioneers was to create a British event that could rival Europe’s leading genre festivals, such as Sitges in Spain and Brussels in Belgium. Over the past quarter-century, FrightFest has not only met this goal but has far surpassed it, becoming a global hub for horror enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry professionals.

FrightFest’s journey from its modest beginnings to the cultural juggernaut it is today has been marked by significant milestones. The festival’s expansion to larger venues, such as the Odeon West End and later the Empire Cinema, allowed it to host major premieres, including George Romero’s Land of the Dead and Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth. Del Toro, who affectionately called FrightFest “The Woodstock of Gore,” is just one of the many legendary figures who have graced the festival’s stage, contributing to its reputation as a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the genre.

The festival’s influence extends beyond its August Bank Holiday weekend. FrightFest has become synonymous with cutting-edge horror, often introducing audiences to films and filmmakers before they explode onto the global scene. The addition of strands like Discovery and First Blood highlights the festival’s commitment to nurturing new talent, particularly from the UK. Special events, Halloween extravaganzas, and partnerships with industry giants like Signature Entertainment have further solidified FrightFest’s standing as a cornerstone of the horror community.

At the heart of FrightFest’s success is Alan Jones, a man whose passion for horror and fantasy has shaped not only the festival but the genre itself. Alan’s career as a film critic, broadcaster, and genre pioneer has spanned decades, starting with his first assignment on Star Wars in 1977. His deep connections in the horror community and his eye for emerging talent have been instrumental in curating the festival’s eclectic and innovative programming. In addition to his work with FrightFest, Alan serves as the Artistic Director of the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, another leading event in genre cinema, which runs this year from October 29 to November 3, 2024.

In this exclusive, brief interview, Alan reflects on the evolution of FrightFest over the past 25 years, sharing personal highlights and insights into what has made the festival such a beloved institution. As we gear up for another thrilling edition of FrightFest, join us in celebrating the legacy of this iconic festival and one of the visionaries behind it.

25 Years of FrightFest

Love Horror: Looking back over the past 25 years, what has been the most memorable moment for each of you at FrightFest, and why does it stand out?

So many great moments personally, but I will never forget introducing Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuaron on stage for the first screening of Pan’s Labyrinth outside of Cannes.

FrightFest has become a cornerstone of the horror community in the UK. How has the festival evolved over the years, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced in shaping it into what it is today?

In many ways, FrightFest shaped itself, we were in the right place at the right fan explosion/internet propulsion time and it evolved naturally every time we moved into bigger venues around Leicester Square. If you show more, more will come! My biggest challenge has been to keep up with the ever-burgeoning interest in my career as a pioneer in the fantasy reporting genre.

The horror genre has seen many changes since FrightFest first began. How have you seen audience tastes shift, and how has FrightFest adapted to keep up with these trends?

The horror genre has always been at the forefront of edgy taste making, yet it never gets proper due. Most critics and journalists have always looked down on it and invented such phrases as ‘elevated horror’ and ‘post horror’ to justify their surprise enjoyment. But at least it’s commented on more now and is continually being recognised and written about as the one genre you can find the new, the different and the future.

I’m thrilled by the female/diverse gaze and queer components in the genre that have led the way to more mainstream and profitable acceptance. FrightFest has always been at the vanguard of change because of our hard and fast relationships with creatives and sales agents. We often know what’s on trend before anyone else does!

FrightFest has hosted countless premieres and discovered new talent over the years. Are there any particular films or filmmakers you championed early on that you’re especially proud of?

We discovered Ti West, Gareth Edwards, Issa Lopez, Chris Smith. Alexandre Aja and Joseph Kahn to name the tip of the iceberg. And Martyrs, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Frontiere(s) and Audition are just a few of the movies we showed before anyone else even knew they existed.

As you celebrate this 25th anniversary, what do you envision for the future of FrightFest? How do you plan to continue pushing the boundaries and keeping the festival fresh and exciting in the years to come?

The horror community is the best one ever and it is they who keep us on our toes and will represent our future. We have vast experience now and do know what our audience wants to see, and we will always provide the thrills, shocks and excitement they crave.

Filmmaking and the industry has changed so much over the past quarter of a century and we have always stayed ahead of the curve because we are dedicated and committed fans too. We will always do that because going forward relentlessly is really the only direction of travel FrightFest  has insisted on following.

As we celebrate 25 years of London’s FrightFest, it’s clear that the festival’s impact on the horror genre and its community is immeasurable. Alan Jones’ reflections remind us of the passion, dedication, and forward-thinking spirit that have driven FrightFest to its iconic status. We’re all eagerly looking forward to what this milestone year will bring, knowing that FrightFest will continue to push boundaries, introduce us to new talents, and keep the horror flame burning bright.

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 fully starts today, and we can’t wait to see what terrifying delights await!