Five FrightFest Facts with Pierre Mouchet of ‘Schlitter: Evil in the Woods’

As the dust settles on another thrilling edition of Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, one film that left a haunting impression on its audience is Schlitter: Evil in the Woods.

Directed by Pierre Mouchet, this French horror film takes viewers on a disturbing journey into a small village rife with dark secrets and vengeful spirits. We had the opportunity to speak with Pierre Mouchet about the making of Schlitter, his inspirations, and his experience debuting the film at FrightFest.

Pierre Mouchet, writer and director

1. Tell us about your film

Pierre Mouchet: Schlitter: Evil in the Woods is a psychological horror film that delves into the traumas of its protagonist, Lucas, who returns to his isolated village to bury his parents after a mysterious fire. The film is an exploration of guilt, revenge, and the unresolved pain of childhood. Lucas has never told anyone the truth about what happened to his best friend when they were eight years old, but returning home brings all those memories flooding back. The title, which translates as “Slider,” is a nod to the way the film slides between reality and nightmare, pulling the audience into a dark and twisted world where nothing is as it seems.

2. How did you get into making movies?

Pierre Mouchet: I have always been passionate about storytelling, and from a young age, I was captivated by the power of cinema to transport audiences into different worlds. I started my career as an actor and then transitioned into directing, where I found my true calling. My work often revolves around the darker aspects of the human psyche, and I love to explore how fear and trauma shape our lives. I directed several short films before making Schlitter, which is my first full-length feature. This film allowed me to dive deeper into the genre I love—horror—while also telling a story that is intensely personal and psychological.

3. What film would you love to see screened at FrightFest and why?

Pierre Mouchet: I would have loved to see The Shining screened at FrightFest. It’s a masterpiece of psychological horror that has influenced my work greatly. The way Stanley Kubrick builds tension and plays with the audience’s perception is something I admire immensely. Seeing it on the big screen at FrightFest, with an audience that appreciates the genre, would be an incredible experience.

4. If you could create your own award to give at FrightFest, what would it be and why?

Pierre Mouchet: I think it would be fascinating to create an award for the “Most Unsettling Atmosphere.” Horror is not just about jump scares or gore—it’s about creating an atmosphere that lingers with the audience long after they’ve left the theater. This award would recognize the film that best captures that haunting, unsettling mood that defines the very essence of great horror.

5. If your life was made into a horror film, what would it be called and who would play the starring role?

Pierre Mouchet: It would be called The Obsession, a story about a filmmaker who becomes consumed by the stories he tells, blurring the lines between his fiction and reality. I think Vincent Cassel would be perfect for the role—he has the intensity and depth to portray someone on the edge of madness.

Pierre Mouchet’s Schlitter: Evil in the Woods has proven to be a standout at this year’s FrightFest, showcasing his ability to craft a film that is both deeply unsettling and emotionally resonant. As FrightFest 2024 comes to a close, Schlitter leaves its mark as a haunting reminder of the power of psychological horror and the dark secrets that can lurk within small, forgotten villages.