Brighton Shocks! festival

[MarcMorris]

A 2-month celebration of horror cinema
100% uncut – 100% free - All screenings: free entry – 8pm start

From DVD / Projector.

Upstairs at the CAROLINE of BRUNSWICK
39 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 4SB

Seating is available for approximately 35 viewers.


Wed 11 Feb
- Men Behind the Sun (Hong Kong 1988)
Introduced by Brighton’s kings of horror-electro, Freudstein

Thu 12 Feb
- The Flesh Eaters (USA 1964)
Introduced by David McGillivray (screenwriter, Frightmare / Schizo)

Wed 18 Feb – double bill:
[LIST]
- Cannibal Holocaust (Italy 1980)
- Cannibal Ferox (Italy 1981)

Thu 19 Feb – double bill:
- In a Glass Cage (Spain 1987)
- Pieces (Spain 1982)

Wed 25 Feb
- The Devils (UK 1971)
Very rare uncut print, introduced by “Filth Kiss” author C J Lines

Thu 26 Feb
- Cabin Fever (USA 2002)
Introduced by Xavier Mendik, director of the Cult Film Archive

Wed 11 Mar
- The Candy Snatchers (USA 1973)
Plus a compilation of rare grindhouse trailers, introduced by The DarkSide's Calum Waddell

Thu 12 Mar – double bill:
- Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS (USA/West Germany 1975)
- Ilsa: Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks (Canada/USA 1976)

Wed 18 Mar
- A L’Interieur (Inside) (France 2007)
Introduced by Allen Bryce, editor of The DarkSide magazine

Thu 19 Mar – double bill:
- Martyrs (France 2008)
- Haute Tension (France 2003)

Wed 25 Mar – double bill:
- Brain Damage (USA 1988)
- Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (USA 1986)

Thu 26 Mar
- Scream and Scream Again (UK 1970)
Introduced by film critic, novelist, broadcaster and genre legend Kim Newman

[Someone Weird]

Seems quite interesting, and I may go down for the 'Cannibal Holocaust/Ferox' screenings if I can, but this struck me as a bit weird...



Plus a compilation of rare grindhouse trailers, introduced by The DarkSide's Calum Waddell

Calum - writer for a disgraced genre rag - seems like an odd choice to introduce a selection of Grindhouse trailers, given his track record for slating anything with a low budget, showing some tits or featuring violence towards women (as most exploitation films do). His previous articles on-line have been devoted to slating cult classics like 'Blood Feast' (and those who like it) whilst elsewhere he has urged people to watch the latest (truly nauseating) big budget Hollywood blockbusters...his knowledge of exploition films is highly dubious and someone like Steve Thrower, who has a genuine interest and knowledge of such material, would have been a far better choice.

[Ade]

In A Glass Cage and Pieces on the same bill?!? That's what I call clumsy programming :D Presumably, these are to be projected from DVD in a "backroom of a pub" kinda setting? Wish they'd do this sort of thing in my local.

[MarcMorris]

Please, let's not use this forum to "bash" people who are not here to defend themselves.

He has interviewed and now written a book about a lot of the directors.

Taboo Breakers:
18 Independent Films That Courted Controversy and Created a Legend: amazon.co.uk (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/184583030X/ref=nosim?tag=mondoerotico05)


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PXl531lWL._SL500_AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/184583030X/ref=nosim?tag=mondoerotico05)

[Ade]

I have to wonder what Callam's motivation is, as a writer on this subject. When he posted here, it was always crystal clear to me that he had no affection for exploitation movies. He just didn't seem to "get it". I haven't read much of his work but I remember his interview with Ilsa director Don Edmunds being particularly superficial and lacking in enthusiasm.

[Someone Weird]

I've not read that book and never will. Fair play to the guy, he's out there interviewing people etc and getting info and putting books out there, but like Ade said, what's his motvation and why, when he doesn't even like half the films he writes/talks about, and it seems, those who would watch them? My guess is he wants to appear as a film 'expert' even on subjects he has no interest in, but like I said, this is one dubious expert as one correspondence with a knowledge on Asian cinema once told me (amongst other things which I won't post):


that Calum knew zero about who he was dealing with or indeed much about the HK cinema industry at all....in fact, he showed a contempt for all of Asian cinema that was beyond immature. Stupidly, and because I didn't know him, I permitted him access to my then in-development website...then next thing I know, the little weasel's writing for Impact magazine passing himself off as an expert in Asian cinema!

Like I said, fair play he's getting stuff out there, but to be honest, these are the kind of 'experts' the genre could do without and I won't support.

[mrb]

why is this in a cramped upstairs boozer? strange.

i can't even remember where this pub is, it must be rebadged.

A few years ago this could have been held at the Cinematheque, but that's gone.

[zanner]

How can they be allowed to show the Cannibal films uncut, what with censorhip and what not? Sounds like a good line up though.

[Ade]

I wasn't bashing him - just a bit confused about what drives him that's all.

[zanner]

I might save up a bit and go for 2 days, obviously the Cannibal films would be one of the days.

[MarcMorris]

I reckon these will be DVD screenings myself. If it's a free event there's no way they would be able to afford prints.

[zanner]

Hope the got a big screen Tv lol

[Ade]

I suppose the next question is: what are the projection facilities like? There's a pub near me, which used to be an old cinema, where a monthly short film fest is held. It's basically a chance for local filmmakers to show their latest projects. The films are pretty well served by the facilities they have. Unfortunately, because of the pub setting, people tend to talk through the films and there's the constant disruption of people going to the bar. Still, I'd definately go to a cult film event there if that ever happened. Can't imagine them being prepared to screen Cannibal Holocaust though.

[Timmy Lea]

Seems quite interesting, and I may go down for the 'Cannibal Holocaust/Ferox' screenings if I can, but this struck me as a bit weird...



Calum - writer for a disgraced genre rag - seems like an odd choice to introduce a selection of Grindhouse trailers, given his track record for slating anything with a low budget, showing some tits or featuring violence towards women (as most exploitation films do). His previous articles on-line have been devoted to slating cult classics like 'Blood Feast' (and those who like it) whilst elsewhere he has urged people to watch the latest (truly nauseating) big budget Hollywood blockbusters...his knowledge of exploition films is highly dubious and someone like Steve Thrower, who has a genuine interest and knowledge of such material, would have been a far better choice.

Is Calum the chappie who interviewed Deodato at the Festival Of Fantastic Films in 2005? If so, I must admit I found him a little puzzling myself. Then again, he's not the only person who gets regularly paid to discuss films he doesn't seem to have one iota of affection or respect for....I'm naming no names here, but the shrewd reader whill know who I'm talking about.

I'd like to see Steve Thrower do it myself (well, actually no, I'd like to see ME do it, especially after all those seminars on Deodato I attended and contributed to) although even Steve drops a clanger once in a while, such as his 'Don't Look Now' review in TYOT, or certain opinions expressed in his Fulci book that I don't agree with. But as he's a genuinely nice bloke and a TRUE enthusiast, I'll let him off.

I doubt I'll ever get picked for these things though, for the simple reason that I now live in Scotland, and once you leave the South, people 'down there' seem to forget you exist!! I only post on this site so Marc remembers who I am when I phone him up.... :):p And in case that doesn't work, I turn up at his door once in a while to raid his supply of veggie curry (and rare films)

I shall return full-time to the 'cradle' later this year though, and then let's see "them" try to ignore me.

[mrb]

- The Devils (UK 1971)
Very rare uncut print, introduced by “Filth Kiss” author C J Lines

What version is this? Will it be 'cobbled' together?

[Smogo]

Hi everyone

I've just found this thread on here, and as the event organiser, thought I'd respond to some of your comments....

1. Yes, the screenings are all being projected from DVD, with 5.1 surround sound where relevant, onto a decent-sized screen, in a smallish (seating for 30-odd) room above my pub.

2. Censorship isn't an issue because we're not a cinema, and therefore not bound by the same rules as cinemas; that's why we're able to screen Cannibal Holocaust et al 100% uncut.

3. I don't know about Calum's apparently bad reputation among genre fans, although I am aware that many people still hold a grudge against The DarkSide for the whole plagiarism thing a while back. But there's been nothing in the e-mail discussions I've been having with Calum about the season that's made me doubt his love of the genre. Why not come along on 11th March to meet the guy in person? (Please leave any weapons at home, though...!)

Ade: re In a Glass Cage and Pieces on the Spanish double-bill... I was originally going to put In a Glass Cage and Would You Kill a Child? on the same night. They were Jay Slater's choices, but when he eventually wasn't able to confirm a date and dropped out of the season, I thought I'd replace WYKAC? with Pieces for some much-needed light-relief. I think the original double-bill would've been a bit too heavy-going....

mrb: The Caroline of Brunswick used to be called the Leek & Winkle; my wife & I bought the pub in July 2006 and we renamed it 4 months later. And yes, The Devils is a bit of a cobbled-together copy, but I understand that the picture quality is pretty good nonetheless.

Anyway, I'll keep an eye on this thread and keep replying to your queries. Hope to see lots of you here in Brighton for the movies!

Cliff

PS: Thanks Marc, for bringing the season to everyone's attention.

[Someone Weird]

....But there's been nothing in the e-mail discussions I've been having with Calum about the season that's made me doubt his love of the genre.

...anyone who can help him get his name in print or before a crowd seems to think he's ok....


Please, let's not use this forum to "bash" people who are not here to defend themselves.

...must...bite...tongue...but I still question his presence at a festival introducing exploitation films when he has shown a major contempt for them and those who like them in the past. As such, odd choice, but good luck with the festival.

[Ade]

2. Censorship isn't an issue because we're not a cinema, and therefore not bound by the same rules as cinemas; that's why we're able to screen Cannibal Holocaust et al 100% uncut.

Ade: re In a Glass Cage and Pieces on the Spanish double-bill... I was originally going to put In a Glass Cage and Would You Kill a Child? on the same night. They were Jay Slater's choices, but when he eventually wasn't able to confirm a date and dropped out of the season, I thought I'd replace WYKAC? with Pieces for some much-needed light-relief. I think the original double-bill would've been a bit too heavy-going....


All the best with the screenings. I think you may be wrong about the censorship issue. I was always under the impression that any public screening in the UK of a movie without a BBFC certificate could leave you open to prosecution especially in the case of something like Cannibal Holocaust. Of course, it's highly likely that the authorities either won't notice what you're doing or won't care (esp. in these days). I really don't want to sound like a killjoy, I just thought that you ought to be aware of potential risks. However, as I say, I might be wrong..perhaps it's worth looking into. I'm sure as a business, you wouldn't want all the bad publicity that goes with unwanted attention from the thought-police.

The combination of something as soul-shattering as Glass Cage and the completely absurd Pieces struck me as a funny pairing but, yes, you're probably right about the need for light relief ! :D

[Smogo]

No, it's only public cinemas (ie licensed premises whose main business is the regulated screening of films) which are restricted to showing BBFC-approved works, and even they can show unrated films in members-only screenings to punters who've paid an annual fee. We have a different kind of film screening licence (a Public Video Screening Licence) which allows us to show any DVD we like as long as (a) it's not the main thing we do, (b) we don't charge a fee, and (c) we obtained the DVD legitimately from a UK-based retailer or direct from the distributor. And thanks to companies like Amazon.co.uk and Store4DVD, it is easy to legitimately obtain "banned" films from UK retailers!

This fact came up recently when a local pressure group arranged a screening of their film On the Verge at Brighton's arthouse cinema. The police (who are heavily criticised in the film) phoned the cinema to advise them that, as On the Verge does not have a certificate, the cinema should pull the screening. And so the screening was hastily rearranged in a room above a nearby pub, where the same rules don't apply. See http://tinyurl.com/d65e2g

Cliff

[Timmy Lea]

I thought I'd replace WYKAC? with Pieces for some much-needed light-relief. I think the original double-bill would've been a bit too heavy-going....

mrb: The Caroline of Brunswick used to be called the Leek & Winkle; my wife & I bought the pub in July 2006 and we renamed it 4 months later.

My horrible ex-girlfiend and her 'new fella' used to drink in there a lot apparently. Thankfully, I had absconded up the other end of the country by that time. They're no longer together either, but the pub's still too close to her house for my liking.

Nice to see PIECES being shown though- now that Edmund Purdom has sadly gone the way of all flesh, it will make a fitting tribute to him.

Thanks for the heads up on the broadcasting rules, though- it's ironed out a few questions for me which may lead me to get my own events up and running again in the future.

[mrb]

The Flesh Eaters is tomorrow.

Anyone going and fancy a pint?

[mrb]

Is Kim Newman still doing Thursday nights Scream and Scream Again screening then?