Emily Booth Hosts Horror Double Feature This Friday the 13th

Horror fans, prepare for a fright-filled evening as the iconic Friday the 13th returns to the big screen on the most sinister day of the year, Friday the 13th. Hosted by former Horror Channel presenter and all round horror scholar Emily Booth, this event promises to launch a new monthly horror film club with a scream. And all you need to do to enjoy it, is make your way down to the Electric Palace Cinema, in Hastings. Along with the classic slasher flick, audiences will be treated to Booth’s very own short horror film, Selkie, filmed on Rock-A-Nore beach, adding a chilling local twist to the event.

Friday the 13th is more than just a film; it’s a hallmark of the horror genre. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham and featuring a cast that includes a young Kevin Bacon, the 1980 cult classic follows a group of teenage camp counsellors who, while attempting to re-open Camp Crystal Lake, fall prey to a relentless, unseen killer. The film’s notoriety rests heavily on the special effects of SFX legend Tom Savini, whose blood-soaked handiwork was initially too much for American censors and was eventually toned down for its video release.

Launched in the wake of Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th cemented the slasher film craze of the early ‘80s. It went on to spawn a sprawling franchise, complete with countless sequels, knock-offs, and even a TV series, firmly rooting Camp Crystal Lake in the annals of pop culture. This screening will give audiences a chance to experience the raw thrills that set the slasher genre ablaze.

The evening also shines a spotlight on Selkie, a horror short starring and directed by Emily Booth herself. The film offers a rare, gory treat with its mermaid horror theme, blending folklore with visceral terror. Shot locally on Rock-A-Nore beach, Selkie showcases Booth’s multifaceted talents as an actress, writer, and director. Booth, a cult movie buff and long-time face of the Horror Channel, will introduce the film and share insights into its creation.

With an impressive career spanning both presenting and acting, Booth is a beloved figure in horror circles. Her film credits include Cradle of Fear (2001), Evil Aliens (2005), Doghouse (2009), Shed of the Dead (2019), and They’re Outside (2020). She’s also interviewed horror legends like Dario Argento and Lloyd Kauffman, cementing her status as one of the genre’s iconic women. Her short film Selkie premiered at FrightFest in 2014, and this upcoming screening offers fans a chance to experience her unique take on horror once again.

So, if you’re ready to relive the terror of Friday the 13th and dive into the eerie waters of Selkie, make your way down to Hastings for a night of sea and screams on Friday, 13th October. With Emily Booth leading the way, it promises to be a celebration of horror cinema that true fans won’t want to miss.

For more information and to book tickets, visit electricpalacecinema.com/whats-on/friday-the-13th