Screams By The Sea: Bournemouth’s New Beacon for Horror

Bournemouth, UK – Pavilion Dance South West in Bournemouth is gearing up to host the much-anticipated ‘Screams By The Sea’ film festival on the 10th of February, 2024. This one-day event promises to be a hub for horror and genre film aficionados, offering a varied program that includes award-winning feature films, industry talks, and a unique screenwriting competition.

The festival will showcase five feature films that have been making waves in the independent cinema scene. These include Mitchell Tolliday’s directorial debut Murder Ballads: How to make it in Rock ‘n’ Roll, starring Simon Callow, and Watch Me Sleep directed by John Williams, a film that explores grief and the sinister undercurrents of a childhood town. Nicholas Vince’s autobiographical documentary I Am Monsters!, Andy Edwards’ British slasher Punch, and Stewart Sparke’s 80’s style comedy horror How to Kill Monsters complete the lineup. Each film presents a unique narrative, underlining the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse storytelling styles.

In addition to the screenings, attendees will be treated to a series of informative talks and workshops. Highlights include a special effects workshop by Theodore Salisbury, known for his work on the blockbuster Dune (2021), where he will bring a full-sized werewolf to the festival floor. Lyndon Baldock from Templeheart Films will share insights on the journey from script to market, and a session by Performance Media Insurance will cover the vital aspects of legal rights and paperwork management in the industry.

The festival is also home to an exciting screenwriting competition. Aspiring writers have the opportunity to pitch their scripts to a jury of experienced screenwriters and filmmakers. The winning script will not only receive funding of up to £200K but also a coveted production deal with Silent D Pictures. This presents a rare chance for emerging talent to bring their vision to the big screen, with the winning film slated for a theatrical release in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and a limited release in the UK.

‘Screams By The Sea’ is a member of Film Hub South West, part of the BFI FAN Network, underscoring its commitment to promoting independent cinema in the region. Festival Director Radi Nikolov emphasises the abundance of passion and talent in the South-West, stating, “Our mission is to carve out a space to celebrate exciting new voices.”

The festival, taking place moments away from the final resting place of Mary Shelley, the legendary writer of Frankenstein, aims to honour the art of scary storytelling through cinema. With tickets priced at £24 and a 10% discount for students, ‘Screams By The Sea’ invites enthusiasts and professionals alike to experience a day of exceptional cinema and insightful industry discourse.

For more information and updates on the festival, including submission guidelines and tickets, interested parties can visit the Screams By The Sea website.